Former WWE World Champion Reveals One Condition for Return to Wrestling

A former WWE superstar and four-time champion has revealed the condition for his return to the squared circle.

In a surprise move, WWE released former Universal Champion Braun Strowman from his contract on May 2 of last year. Strowman was initially let go by the company in June 2021, but was brought back on a new deal 15 months later.

Though he was released a year ago, the 42-year-old continues to star in Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman, a popular show produced by WWE Studios.

During an appearance on the Battleground Podcast (h/t F4WOnline.com), Strowman indicated that he would return to wrestling for the right price. Not only that, but he hinted at a feud with one of the company's top young stars, Oba Femi.

"(If) money's right, I'm down to do about anything," Strowman said. "I'll try anything twice to make sure I don't like it. But hey, yeah, that's what I said. You want to back that Brinks truck up, dump some gold bullion on my porch? I'll come whip that young kid's (Oba Femi) a** real quick. It didn't look like it took Brock too much to do it this last weekend."

Strowman said he's enjoying his show with WWE Studios, but still misses life as a wrestler.

"I miss the ring," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I miss being in the ring, I miss being in the locker room with the boys, I miss the pop, I miss the fans."

Reported Reason Why WWE Released Braun Strowman Last Year

After Strowman's release, Dave Meltzer reported (h/t Ringside News) that WWE felt he was making too much money for someone with limited usage. Meltzer stated that Strowman's "salary played a part in" the decision to release him.

Strowman was popular among WWE fans, playing a big role in carrying the SmackDown brand during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's still relatively young for a wrestler at 42, so a reunion with WWE definitely makes sense down the line.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 5:04 PM.