Absent WWE Talent Spotted Backstage for February 16 WWE RAW in Memphis

WWE may be keeping surprises under wraps, but a notable absent name has reportedly resurfaced backstage at Monday Night RAW.

According to PWInsider, JD McDonagh is backstage at the February 16, 2026 episode of WWE Raw in Memphis, Tennessee.

McDonagh has been off WWE television for awhile weeks. The Judgment Day member stepped away from in-ring competition in December 2025 to undergo surgery for lingering injuries. At the time, he addressed fans directly on social media about the decision to take time off.

“Been working thru some stuff for the last few months, but now is the time to pump the brakes and get put back together. Won’t be long. brb.”

Now, with RAW airing live from the FedExForum on Netflix, his reported presence backstage suggests a potential return could be on the horizon.

This update also comes as Royce Keys signaled his own presence in Memphis earlier in the day, meaning RAW may have more backstage intrigue than initially advertised.

While there is no official confirmation yet that McDonagh will appear on camera, being backstage is often the first step toward a return. With Elimination Chamber approaching and WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, WWE may be preparing to reinsert him into the mix at a critical time.

As a reminder, Ringside News will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this week’s show over in our WWE Monday Night RAW coverage hub.

Do you think JD McDonagh returns to television tonight on WWE RAW, or is this simply a backstage visit? Drop your predictions in the comments below.