Enzo Amore, who remains a polarizing figure in professional wrestling, has neither ruled out nor guaranteed a WWE comeback, but several factors have kept his return from materializing so far. Despite reconnecting with WWE management, including Triple H, and receiving hints that there might be a spot for him, the former Cruiserweight Champion’s WWE re-entry remains uncertain due primarily to lingering concerns within the company and his own career trajectory outside WWE.
Enzo Amore’s WWE Departure and Current Status
Enzo Amore, real name Eric Arndt, was released by WWE in early 2018 amid sexual assault allegations, which were later dropped due to insufficient evidence. His departure was a significant blow given his popularity from 2012 until then, highlighted by his stint as WWE Cruiserweight Champion in 2017 and his dynamic tag team with Big Cass. Since leaving WWE, Enzo has reinvented himself as “The Realest One,” competing on the indie wrestling scene and pursuing a music career, notably winning the 4th Rope Flyweight Championship in a growing independent promotion[1][4].
Relationship with WWE: Mended Bridges but Lingering Hesitation
One of the crucial reasons why Enzo’s WWE return hasn’t happened is the complicated relationship between him and WWE’s hierarchy. In recent interviews, Enzo revealed that although he never personally called WWE for a comeback, he has communicated via text and maintained a somewhat constructive dialogue, especially after mending the bridge with Triple H, who now helms WWE’s wrestling operations[1][2].
According to insiders, this reconciliation has removed some barriers but not all. “Triple H has been willing to give Enzo a look, and there were whispers about a possible offer to bring him back,” said a source close to WWE management. “But Enzo’s past controversies and his outspoken nature make the company cautious about how to handle him in the current locker room environment.”[2][5]
Why Hasn’t the Return Happened Yet?
Enzo himself has addressed the question repeatedly, noting that he doesn’t dismiss a return but also recognizes why it may not happen soon. He warns that many people “are scared” of working with him again because of his controversial history and outspoken personality. In his own words, “I just don’t know if it ever will. And I have to look at it and say, why wouldn’t it happen? Well, s**, for one, people are scared s*** of me.”[1]
This candid admission underscores several backstage realities:
Locker Room Dynamics: WWE’s culture has evolved, and concerns about locker room harmony play a major role in vetting returning talent, especially those with past controversies.
Creative Uncertainty: WWE’s creative team may be unsure how to reintegrate Enzo without overshadowing current storylines or disrupting the cruiserweight scene he once dominated.
Enzo’s Career Choices: Enzo has found a degree of success outside WWE, securing significant indie titles and a music career, which may lower his urgency to return under WWE’s strict creative control. He has also been reported to resist losing (“putting over”) other talent, which WWE often requires from returning stars to establish new or existing wrestlers[3].
The Indie and Music Ventures: A New Direction
Notably, Enzo has embraced a more independent path, currently wrestling for Westside Gunn’s 4th Rope promotion, where he holds the Flyweight Championship. He has expressed contentment with his current platform and lifestyle, which affords him more control over his work and brand. This independence adds another factor complicating a WWE return, as his focus and income generation may no longer depend solely on WWE contracts[3].
Backstage Industry Perspective
According to a WWE insider, “Enzo is no doubt talented and still has the charisma that once made him a star. But his past controversies are a huge red flag. WWE wants to avoid any potential PR or locker room issues. That said, Triple H respects Enzo’s persistence and ability to connect with fans, so the door might not be completely shut, but only if Enzo is willing to fully commit to WWE’s terms.”[2]
This measured stance aligns with WWE’s general approach of balancing business interests with risk management when it comes to rehiring controversial former talents.
What Could Prompt a Return?
For WWE to welcome Enzo back, several conditions would likely have to be met:
A clear demonstration of maturity and willingness by Enzo to align with WWE’s backstage culture.
Creative plans that give Enzo a role without causing unrest, possibly in a supporting or mid-card role initially.
Agreement on professional behavior and willingness to cooperate with WWE’s expectations regarding storylines and character development.
Enzo himself remains open to these possibilities but with caution and no rush, indicating he doesn’t want to compromise his current momentum or principles for a return that might not be fulfilling[1][3].
Conclusion
While the buzz about Enzo Amore’s WWE return continues to spark debate, the reality remains complex. Reconciled with the company leadership and potentially on WWE’s radar, Enzo’s return hinges on overcoming genuine backstage concerns about his controversial past and accommodating his independent career success. WWE insiders suggest the company is open but cautious, awaiting a step from Enzo that signals readiness for the demands and culture of WWE’s modern environment.
As of now, Enzo Amore walks a unique path as “The Realest One,” balancing indie wrestling stardom and music ventures with a watchful eye on the possibility of WWE reigniting his mainstream wrestling career.
Sources close to WWE indicate that while Enzo’s candidness and renewed bridge-building efforts have improved his standing, WWE’s priority is ensuring a stable and positive locker room atmosphere above all.