Ex-WWE Star Reveals Conditions for Return After Years Away

Heath Slater isn’t ruling out a WWE comeback — but he’s not coming back just to relive old glory either.

After being released during WWE’s mass 2020 pandemic cuts — less than a year into a five-year deal he thought would secure his future — Slater has now opened up about what it would actually take for him to return. Speaking on Developmentally Speaking on March 2, 2026, Slater made it clear that there’s no bad blood. He made it clear that he never burned bridges and still considers himself someone WWE could rely on.

“It’s like I haven’t burned bridges. You know what I mean? I haven’t done anything bad. I was a good soldier — I was a hell of a soldier. But it’s one of those things where WWE never really looks at you when they fire you until three years later, type deal. You never see guys coming straight back. It takes time.”

At 42 years old, Slater says he’s realistic about where he stands in his career. He compared himself to other veterans still wrestling into their late 40s and 50s, but admitted he’s aware the clock is ticking — even if he still feels sharp.

“I’m 42. I’m looking at some of these other dudes — they’re like 50 right now — and I’m like, dang, 50. Okay, well at least 47. But I can honestly say in my wrestling career, I’ve probably had a handful of good years. And when I say good years, I mean getting in the ring and making people believe.”

He was also clear about one thing: he doesn’t want to overstay his welcome. Slater said he refuses to become the veteran who lingers too long and turns into a nostalgia act that fans feel sorry for.

“I don’t want to be that guy who gets in the ring and people say, ‘That’s not nice. Heath, come here. We love you, but don’t…’ I don’t want to be that guy. I know for a fact I can still go because I’ve been wrestling these damn 20-something-year-olds, and they’re not blowing me up yet. I’m still having fun, being honest.”

Then came the interesting part — his condition. Slater said if WWE ever called him to reunite with Drew McIntyre and bring the old crew back together, he’d jump at it. But he’d want something more than just a short in-ring stint. He closed with a baseball analogy, saying he’s not done — but he knows what inning he’s in.

“If WWE ever called and said, ‘Hey man, Drew McIntyre needs some help. We need to bring the band back together,’ I’d be like, ‘Hell yeah, baby. Sign me for about a year or two.’ But I’d follow it up with, ‘After that, could I be an agent or a trainer or something? Maybe help some of these kids out a little bit.’ I’m not at the bottom of the ninth inning, but I’m definitely at the bottom of the eighth. I know that for a fact. But I feel good. I’m still in shape. I’m going out there and still having fun. And like I’ve been saying, I probably have a good handful of years left in the ring after that, brother.”

So while Slater isn’t campaigning for a return, he’s clearly open to it — on his terms. A short run, possibly alongside McIntyre, followed by a backstage role helping the next generation.

Now the ball’s in WWE’s court. Would fans want to see Heath Slater get one more run — or is his future better suited behind the scenes? Sound off in the comments.

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