Two former WWE Superstars could well be set to make their return to WWE with a new report saying Curtis Axel and Ariya Daivari have been working at recent shows.
Curtis Axel began his first run with WWE in 2007 when he joined the company’s developmental system. He went on to be a part of The Nexus under the name Michael McGillicutty before returning to the main roster in earnest in 2013 with his new moniker that paid tribute to his father Curt ‘Mr. Perfect’ Hennig and his grandfather Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig.
While on the main roster of WWE Axel captured the Intercontinental Championship and held tag team gold twice, most memorably with Bo Dallas as The B-Team. Curtis Axel was released from his WWE contract on April 30th, 2020 as the company made significant budget cuts.
Ariya Daivari was a mainstay of 205 Live during his run with WWE. During his five years with the company, he feuded with the likes of Oney Lorcan and Tony Nese but failed to ever capture the WWE/NXT Cruiserweight Championship. On June 25th, 2021, Daivari was released from his WWE deal as well. Ariya Daivari competed in an AEW ring in November 2021 when he took on Dante Martin on an episode of Rampage.
Fightful Select has reported that both men could be set for a return to WWE with them both working at recent shows in tryouts for producer roles in the company. Curtis Axel is said to have worked with Tyson Kidd to produce the match on SmackDown that saw Liv Morgan defeat Sasha Banks.
Ariya Daivari is also reported to have worked behind the scenes at SmackDown, working with Chris Park – the former Abyss – to produce Drew McIntyre’s count out victory over Sami Zayn. Ariya Daivari’s older brother Shawn Daivari already works with WWE in a producer role.