Former Undisputed Era member Bobby Fish has reignited speculation about a potential WWE comeback, revealing in a recent interview that he remains open to rejoining the company that released him in 2021. The veteran grappler’s comments come as the wrestling world continues to buzz about reunions and surprise returns heading into the final stretch of 2025.
Fish Addresses the WWE Return Question
During an appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast, Bobby Fish was directly asked whether the door to a WWE return had been permanently shut. Rather than dismiss the possibility outright, Fish provided a nuanced response that keeps the conversation alive among fans and industry insiders alike.[1][3]
“I’m not closed off to it,” Fish stated clearly. “I can’t speak for them. I’m not closed off to it. I enjoyed my time there. They are who they are, and at the end of the day, I’m still a pro wrestler.”[1] The statement reflects Fish’s diplomatic approach while emphasizing his willingness to consider a return engagement with the McMahon family’s flagship promotion.
Fish’s comments underscore a critical distinction: while he cannot speak to WWE management’s interest level, he has made his own position transparent. After four years on the independent circuit and stints with multiple promotions including AEW, MLW, and TNA Wrestling, the veteran has maintained an appreciation for his time in the gold and black.
The Undisputed Era Factor
One of the most intriguing aspects of Fish’s potential return centers on the legacy of The Undisputed Era. The faction, which also included Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong, was disbanded during Fish’s absence from NXT due to a triceps injury in 2021.[4] Cole’s subsequent betrayal of O’Reilly and Strong marked the end of one of NXT’s most dominant groups.
Fish has previously expressed frustration about how WWE handled the faction’s split. In recent interviews, he revealed that the group never made the transition to the main roster together, chalking it up to “bad timing” and the complications of the COVID era.[5] A planned continuation of their feud with Pat McAfee was halted due to contractual issues, ultimately leading WWE management to pull the trigger on the group’s dissolution.
“I think they pulled the trigger on the split prematurely,” Fish explained in a separate interview. “I think that the powers that be at that time would probably agree with me saying that… they pulled the trigger on a split too soon.”[5]
According to wrestling insiders close to WWE’s creative department, there has been lingering interest in reuniting the Undisputed Era members for a major program, though scheduling conflicts with AEW contracts for Cole, O’Reilly, and Strong have made such scenarios difficult to execute.
The Dream Opponent Dilemma
When asked about his ideal opponent should he return to WWE, Fish’s answer revealed both nostalgia and pragmatism. His first choice would have been Samoa Joe, a wrestler who shared significant history with Fish during their NXT tenures and whose technical wrestling style complemented Fish’s own work.[1]
However, with Joe no longer part of the WWE roster, Fish had to think creatively. He joked about the difficulty of naming his actual dream opponent—veteran trainer Fit Finlay—noting that audiences might not clamor to see two veterans of their age compete in a singles match.[1] Yet despite the self-aware humor, Fish made clear his genuine appreciation for the prospect of working with Finlay in a WWE ring.
The mention of AJ Styles’ announced retirement run next year sparked additional speculation among fans and observers. Fish’s comment that “the idea of him stepping in during AJ Styles’ retirement run next year could be a massive moment for old-school fans” has resonated with the veteran wrestling community.[1]
Fish’s Post-WWE Journey
Since his August 2021 WWE release, Fish has competed across the independent wrestling landscape with varying degrees of success. He debuted for All Elite Wrestling in October 2021, challenging Sammy Guevara for the AEW TNT Championship, and reunited with Adam Cole as part of The Elite.[4] However, his run with AEW lasted until summer 2022, when his contract expired.
His subsequent appearances have been sporadic. A brief stint in TNA Wrestling became memorable primarily for his “Where’s the lie?” promo that famously received minimal crowd reaction. He competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, losing to David Finlay at Battle in the Valley in 2023.[2] Most recently, Fish has become active in Major League Wrestling, returning to the promotion in February 2024 at Intimidation Games after a three-year absence.[2][4]
In October 2024, Fish revealed he had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, which temporarily limited his in-ring availability.[3] Despite these setbacks, his continued presence on the independent circuit demonstrates his commitment to professional wrestling as a career.
What a WWE Return Would Mean
A Bobby Fish return to WWE would carry significant symbolic weight for longtime fans. His departure marked the beginning of the end for The Undisputed Era as an on-screen entity, and his comeback could potentially serve as a catalyst for larger reunions or storylines involving the other members of the group.
Additionally, Fish’s technical wrestling ability and credibility with NXT audiences would provide WWE with an established veteran who could work with both rising stars and established main event players. His work ethic and professionalism have been consistently praised throughout the wrestling industry.
The timing question remains crucial, however. WWE’s current creative direction, Triple H’s continued leadership of talent relations, and the company’s overall storytelling needs would all factor into whether such a reunion makes business sense in 2026 or beyond.
The Bottom Line
Bobby Fish’s openness to a WWE return represents far more than casual speculation. His measured comments suggest genuine interest in revisiting his former employer, while his acknowledgment that WWE must make the ultimate decision demonstrates realistic expectations. With four years of hindsight since his release, Fish appears to have achieved the mental clarity necessary to engage productively with the organization should an opportunity arise.
Whether WWE decides to pick up the phone remains to be seen, but Fish has made it abundantly clear that the decision rests solely with Stamford’s front office. Until then, fans will continue to speculate about what a Fish reunion could mean for The Undisputed Era’s legacy and the broader landscape of WWE programming.