Cain Velasquez WWE Return Unlikely Amid Prison Release

Cain Velasquez is officially out of prison — and while he’s publicly talking about breathwork and healing, behind the scenes the bigger question is whether WWE would ever take him back.

The former UFC heavyweight champion was released on parole on February 15, 2026, after serving time stemming from his 2022 arrest. Velasquez has already floated plans for a paid holotropic breathing seminar in San Jose, positioning this next chapter as one focused on mental and spiritual growth. But in the wrestling world, the speculation isn’t about breathwork. It’s about WWE.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer directly addressed whether a WWE return is even realistic. After discussing the legal fallout and public reaction in California, Meltzer made his stance clear.

“I don’t believe WWE will bring him in.”

The reasoning wasn’t framed around morality — it was framed around business optics. WWE is a publicly traded global company, and reintroducing Velasquez after a high-profile attempted murder case would invite heavy national scrutiny. Even if there’s sympathy in certain pockets of the fanbase, corporate perception matters.

Still, the door wasn’t completely shut. When the discussion shifted to Mexico and AAA — where Velasquez previously wrestled — Meltzer acknowledged that the situation could look very different outside the United States.

“He would draw for AAA. There’s no question.”

Velasquez remains a recognizable combat sports name, and the marketplace in Mexico operates under different cultural and commercial dynamics. That’s where the conversation got interesting.

John LaRocca speculated about a scenario where, if WWE had control or strong ties to AAA, Velasquez could theoretically be used strictly in Mexico — avoiding U.S. television while still generating revenue internationally. That prompted Meltzer to add a blunt reminder about the wrestling business.

“Controversy creates cash.”

Wrestling has historically monetized polarizing figures who generate strong reactions. Velasquez’s story would undeniably spark headlines and debate. There was also mention of alternative avenues outside traditional WWE programming, including Eric Bischoff’s Real American Freestyle Wrestling concept. Given Velasquez’s legitimate amateur wrestling and MMA background, that format could arguably fit him more naturally than standard sports entertainment storytelling.

For now, Velasquez appears focused on personal growth rather than stepping back into a ring. But the speculation is out there — and insiders have now revealed that while a full WWE comeback seems unlikely, creative international or alternative scenarios can’t be completely ruled out. In wrestling, “never say never” has a long track record.

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