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Ex-Universal Champion Rules Out WWE Return: “They Can’t Afford Me”

By Gaurav Singh • Published May 06, 2026 08:03 EDT
Triple H and WWE Universal
Triple H and Universal title (Source-WWE.com)

A former Universal Champion claimed that WWE couldn’t afford him when asked about a potential return. The star in discussion is The Monster of all Monsters, Braun Strowman.

Braun Strowman joined the WWE back in 2014 as a member of the Wyatt Family, led by the late great Bray Wyatt. Within a few years on the roster, Strowman got elevated as a monster and had some memorable feuds with the likes of Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt. The Monster of all Monsters also happens to be a former Universal Champion. However, Braun was released from the promotion in 2022 before making a return in 2023. Unfortunately, Strowman was released yet again last year.

Following his WWE exit last year, Braun Strowman gained popularity with his new TV show, ‘Everything on the Menu’ on USA Network. The second season of the show is set to air this June as well. In an interview last year, Strowman opened up on the possibility of his in-ring return, stating that he needs to figure out the money side of it:

I mean, these things are available for anybody that wants these (shows hands). We just got to figure out the money side of it. Because I learned when you’re good at something, you don’t do it for free.

The former Universal Champion also admitted that while he is enjoying the break from wrestling, he misses being in the WWE locker room despite the stressful travels during that time:

I miss being in the ring and I miss being in the locker room. A lot of the other stuff that comes along with it, I’m enjoying the break from because it’s very stressful. I mean, I’m still traveling a lot, but I’m getting to travel instead of like, all right, it gets to where it’s a job.”

Braun Strowman believes that WWE can’t afford him

Ever since Braun Strowman’s release from the WWE, many fans have expressed that they miss him in the ring and want to see him against the current rising stars. A fan commented under Braun’s recent Instagram post, stating that he wants to see a storyline between him and Oba Femi:

We need a storyline with you and OBA star!!!!!!” the fan commented.

Interestingly, Strowman took notice of the above comment and seemingly ruled out a WWE return, saying they can’t afford him:

They can’t afford me lol,” Braun replied.

Only time will tell if Braun Strowman will ever be back in the WWE.

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