Report: Eric Young Planned For September 2026 WWE Return

It was revealed this week that former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Eric Young was the latest name to have been handed their release from TNA, following on from exits by names such as Tessa Blanchard, Steve Maclin, Tommy Dreamer, and more in recent weeks amidst a workforce reduction. It was also noted that Young was expected to sign with WWE in the aftermath of his TNA exit, becoming a “player-coach”. 

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided some insight into when we might see Young back in WWE. It is noted that Young will be coming back around September time, returning to NXT in a similar role to the one currently held by Shawn Spears.

Young formerly wrestled in WWE between the years of 2016 and 2020, competing in the Sanity faction in NXT and scoring one reign as the NXT Tag Team Champions alongside Alexander Wolfe. He would re-sign with WWE in 2022, but never surfaced on WWE programming before requesting his release following the emergence of the Vince McMahon lawsuit scandal, ultimately heading back over to TNA.