Original Plans WWE Raw Superstar’s Return Unveiled

The War Raiders’ surprise return on Monday Night RAW was originally set to happen earlier, but a creative delay led to an even more impactful comeback.

After months of absence due to neck injuries, Ivar and Erik of The War Raiders were ready to make their WWE return. Initially, the duo was slated to reappear on the September 9, 2024, episode of RAW in Calgary, a special show that featured wrestling legend Bret Hart. However, WWE’s creative team decided to postpone their comeback, citing the need for better storyline integration.

Why WWE Delayed Their Comeback

In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Ivar revealed the behind-the-scenes details about the delay. He stated, “Erik and I were ready to come back. We were actually scheduled to return in Calgary RAW, the one Bret Hart was at. At the last second, they pulled our trap and said they were gonna hold off on it. They said nothing but, ‘We’re just gonna hold off for better creative.’”

This decision, though disappointing at the time, allowed WWE to craft a more significant and dramatic return for the duo.

Rebranding as The War Raiders

Shortly after the postponement, WWE contacted Ivar and Erik with a proposal to reintroduce them under their original name, The War Raiders. The duo, who had previously been known as The Viking Raiders, welcomed the change. They believed the name resonated more with their established identity and fanbase.

A Triumphant Return on RAW

The wait paid off when The War Raiders made their official return on the October 14, 2024, episode of RAW. Their impactful comeback culminated in a major victory when they defeated Finn Balor and JD McDonagh on December 16 to capture the WWE World Tag Team Championships. This win solidified their status as one of RAW’s most dominant teams and proved that the creative delay was worth it.

What’s Next for The War Raiders?

With gold around their waists and momentum on their side, The War Raiders are poised for an exciting run. Fans eagerly anticipate their title defenses and potential rivalries heading into 2025.