5 women whose return could boost the SmackDown women's division

From releases to mistakes made in the 2021 WWE Draft, the women's division on SmackDown was left in shambles in the second half of 2021.

Injuries to top stars also hit the brand hard as both Bayley and Sasha Banks suffered at different times. The former had a torn ACL right before SummerSlam, while Banks recently hurt her ankle at a live event.

According to some reports, each star's return timetable is around early March. However, with Bayley being out since last summer, she could emerge as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble.

Even with eight stars in the women's division on the blue brand, the depth across it is unbalanced. Banks was the only credible threat to Champion Charlotte Flair. Despite not being a new feud, it looked like the two former rivals would renew their enmity.

Instead, Banks was hurt after both Shotzi and Toni Storm lost their opportunities to win the title. Naomi could be a feasible challenger but hasn't held a title in over four years. Aliyah, Xia Li, and Natalya aren't in the title picture as of now.

Hence, here are five women who could return to help the SmackDown women's division.

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#5. Asuka could rejoin SmackDown after not being drafted in October 2021.

The Empress of Tomorrow has had a successful yet strange run on the WWE main roster. She's won the RAW, SmackDown, and WWE Women's Tag Team titles.

However, her runs with every title have coincided with Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch in some fashion. Even when she left TLC as SmackDown Women's Champ a few years ago, she was an afterthought due to being in a match with Flair and Lynch.

Asuka's second run with the tag titles was solely to give Flair a reign with those belts. It was also meant to kickstart a potential feud for last year's 'Mania. Despite being the best all-around female performer in WWE, she hasn't had a dominant run as she did in NXT.

Her return to the blue brand would be a welcome surprise. She's rumored to have recently been cleared for action. Asuka can put over the newer stars while making her way into the title picture.

#4. Lacey Evans could bolster the SmackDown division

Lacey Evans could be an asset to WWE SmackDown. As a heel, she's the Sassy Southern Belle that mocks every other woman, and If as a face, she's a noble, hard-charging former US Marine.

Either character could work on the blue brand. She would, however, have to work her way back up into being a viable title challenger for the championship.

She could battle Shotzi, Aliyah, or Naomi or form a tag team with someone like Natalya or Aliyah to elevate the women's tag team division.

She wasn't selected in the 2021 WWE Draft, so joining the blue brand wouldn't be out of the left field. Evans gave birth to her second daughter in October 2021 and revealed her fit physique in December.

Around the Christmas holiday, Evans commented about her potential return with a post on Twitter. Could she follow in Becky Lynch's footsteps and make a shock return after giving birth?

#3. Bayley could make a surprise return to SmackDown after Royal Rumble

As mentioned earlier, Bayley, a former SmackDown Women's Champ, is currently sidelined with an injury. She's been out since last summer and could return any time between now and Wrestlemania 38.

Bayley is a proven superstar who can carry a brand. She has a history with many women in WWE and did some of the best work of her career as a heel.

She inexplicably didn't have a match at WM 37 but had a brief segment with The Bellas. During that time, Bayley said she was a better host, but The Bellas teamed up on her.

While it wouldn't be a new feud, Bayley's return would undoubtedly bolster the women's division. She could turn face or battle new stars like Aliyah or Xia Li.

If she becomes a babyface, she could battle Flair or test herself against upstart Shotzi. Whatever she does, her return would be a welcome sight.

#2. Sonya Deville could finally return to the ring full-time on SmackDown

Sonya Deville has been tormenting Naomi on SmackDown during the latter half of 2021. The latter would have matches, but the WWE official stacked the odds with multiple opponents. She also tried to restart the contests at the brink of Naomi's victory.

After months of unfair treatment towards the former Women's Champion, Adam Pearce has finally decided to intervene. He booked a championship contender's match for Naomi on the next episode of the blue brand.

While Naomi has another chance, will Deville keep her nose out of it this time? She might interfere in the match again.

Deville needs to get back in the ring permanently to settle the scores. She was on a roll before losing to Mandy Rose a few years ago, and it's time she got back into action.

#1. Paige could make an emotional return to SmackDown.

While Paige has been on both RAW and SmackDown, she's probably best remembered as a member of the blue brand. Not only did she compete on the blue brand, but she was also its General Manager at one time. Her return would be a massive moment in WWE history.

The possibility of Paige's potential return has swirled for a few years now. Those rumors gained more traction after WWE announced a bunch of female participants for this year's Royal Rumble match over the last few weeks.

This isn't the first time she has desired to return to the ring, either. Edge, Daniel Bryan, and Christian were able to return from retirement. Many are holding out hope that Paige will do the same.

Paige could return to WWE and instantly make a huge impact. If she returned, the division would immediately get a complete performer who the fans adore.