The thunderous explosion of pyro, that iconic music hitting, and 50,000 fans losing their minds – nothing beats a surprise WWE return!
Here are the most jaw-dropping comebacks that had us all screaming at our TV screens.
1. Edge Defies Medical Science (Royal Rumble 2020)
Nine years. That’s how long doctors told Edge he’d never wrestle again after a career-ending neck injury. When his entrance music hit at the 2020 Royal Rumble, the WWE Universe erupted in a way we hadn’t heard since the Attitude Era.
The Rated-R Superstar didn’t just return for a one-off – he came back full-time and proved why he’s one of the greatest ever.
2. The Master of Returns: Cactus Jack (2000)
When Mankind was fired by Triple H, everyone thought that was it. Instead, we got one of the most chilling segments ever: Mick Foley slowly unzipping his shirt to reveal the Cactus Jack t-shirt underneath. Triple H’s face said it all – pure terror.
This return led to one of the most brutal matches in WWE history at the 2000 Royal Rumble. The Street Fight that followed remains one of WWE’s most talked-about hardcore matches, proving that sometimes the most impactful returns aren’t about flashy entrances – they’re about psychological warfare.
3. The Hardy Boyz Light Up WrestleMania 33
“DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” When The New Day announced a fourth team for the Raw Tag Team Championship ladder match at WrestleMania 33, no one expected Matt and Jeff Hardy.
Fresh off their run in Impact Wrestling, the Hardy Boyz made their triumphant return and captured the titles in one of WrestleMania’s most electric moments.
Their return wasn’t just nostalgia – it brought the “Broken Universe” mainstream and revolutionized character work in WWE.
4. Ultimate Warrior’s Final Run (WrestleMania 30 Weekend)
After decades of bad blood with WWE, the Ultimate Warrior returned to induct himself into the Hall of Fame, appear at WrestleMania 30, and deliver an eerily prophetic Raw promo.
His words about living forever through the fans took on new meaning when he tragically passed away just days later. This return, though brief, provided closure to one of wrestling’s most complex legacies.
5. The Excellence of Return: Bret Hart (2010)
“If you’re gonna do it, do it right.” After the Montreal Screwjob in 1997, many thought Bret Hart would never step foot in a WWE ring again. His 2010 return to confront Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon wasn’t just shocking – it was healing for the entire wrestling industry.
The subsequent storyline gave fans the closure they’d waited 13 years to see, culminating in a cathartic match against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 26.
6. The Unexpected: John Cena’s Money in the Bank Shocker (2021)
When Money in the Bank 2021 moved back to live crowds, WWE needed something special. Enter John Cena, making his first appearance since the pandemic began. The roof nearly came off the building as he confronted Roman Reigns, setting up their SummerSlam clash.
This return marked a shifting tide in WWE, as Cena put over Reigns in a passing-of-the-torch moment that cemented the Tribal Chief’s dominance.
7. The Great One Returns: The Rock (2011)
“Finally… The Rock has come back HOME!” After seven years focused on Hollywood, The Rock’s return as WrestleMania 27 host sent shockwaves through the industry.
This wasn’t just a cameo – it kicked off a three-year program including two WrestleMania main events against John Cena. His return proved that even in the modern era, nothing beats the electricity of a true megastar making their comeback.
8. Breaking the Internet: CM Punk (AEW Rampage 2021)
While technically not WWE, this return was too massive to ignore. After seven years away from wrestling, CM Punk’s return in his hometown of Chicago created one of the loudest crowd reactions ever recorded in wrestling.
The buildup was masterful – subtle hints, rumors, and that iconic “Cult of Personality” entrance theme created a moment that will be talked about for decades.
9. The Lord of Darkness Returns: The Undertaker (1999)
After being injured by Stone Cold, The Undertaker returned with his darkest character evolution yet. The Ministry of Darkness version of Taker terrified audiences and created some of the Attitude Era’s most memorable moments.
This return showed how a character could evolve while maintaining its core essence, leading to some of the most compelling storytelling in WWE history.
The Modern Era’s Most Shocking Returns
Roman Reigns’ Shield Return (2018)
Just months after revealing his leukemia diagnosis and relinquishing the Universal Championship, Roman Reigns made an emotional return to announce his cancer was in remission. This real-life comeback story transcended wrestling and showed the power of perseverance.
Seth Rollins’ Comeback (2016)
After a devastating knee injury, Seth Rollins returned at Extreme Rules 2016 to attack Roman Reigns. The pop was deafening, and his subsequent face turn showed how absence truly makes the fan’s hearts grow fonder.
Becky Lynch’s SummerSlam Surprise (2021)
When Becky Lynch returned at SummerSlam 2021 to confront Bianca Belair, it marked a new chapter in women’s wrestling. The Man’s return as a heel shocked fans and proved that even the most popular stars can successfully reinvent themselves.
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
- Triple H returning from career-threatening quad tear (2002)
- Chris Jericho’s silent return with coded vignettes (2012)
- Shawn Michaels’ comeback from four-year retirement (2002)
- Rey Mysterio’s surprise Royal Rumble return (2018)
- Drew McIntyre’s NXT return and subsequent WWE Championship run (2017)
- Goldberg’s explosive return to face Brock Lesnar (2016)
What’s Your Take? Hit us up in the comments with your favorite WWE return moment! Did we miss any shocking comebacks that had you jumping off your couch? Share your personal story of where you were when these epic moments happened!
