10 WWE Returns That Were Genuine Surprises

[@unknowns8890]

I was at WrestleMania when the Hardy Boys returned. Being at Mania is Crazy Awesome. But being at Mania while someone is returning is another level of Crazy

[@MuscleHead93]

Same here, that was my first WrestleMania. I remember being in the lobby charging my phone for a bit when their music hit, so many people started to run back to their seats.

[@profitmix441]

Me too the place erupted

[@alexrose3504]

I was there as well, my fifth and last WrestleMania

[@thehunterstruck]

That pop gets me every time!

[@daflakeygamer6918]

From UK here only mania I've been too and I still get goosebumps watching it

[@criminalmindsgirl2936]

The only returned that took me by surprise was Shane McMahon's. Basically because he really distanced himself from the wrestling business, especially given how his family owned WWE. He wasn't just a wrestler who was out from injury or had retired or been released. That's why his return was the best off this list for me.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

What about Edge though ? Shane's run after his return were getting mixed & complicated

[@criminalmindsgirl2936]

​@tamzidmohsinkhan3333 , to be honest it was great seeing Edge return. But I'm still shocked at Shane's return the most. Maybe because he's the only McMahon I like 🤷 And we just needed something new.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

@@criminalmindsgirl2936 not really though . Only interesting on Shane was his return in 2016 & thats it . Edge return was way superior

[@criminalmindsgirl2936]

​@@tamzidmohsinkhan3333, that's what I was referring to. His 2016 return.

[@bethsattler169]

I was at that show when Shane returned, my phone blew up when he came out

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Edge's return to Royal Rumble 2020 is still unpredictable & surprise return by far . Same with CM Punk on both his AEW debut in 2021 & returned to WWE in Survivor Series WarGames match 2023

[@coltkillergaming5685]

Cm punk was predicted by everyone at survivor series

[@oliverosullivan5071]

Ikr​@@coltkillergaming5685

[@RojoCube]

​​@@coltkillergaming5685 It was predicted but a lot of people were still skeptical about it. They were still 50/50 on the possibility of a return. That said the ppv being in Chicago made it kind of obvious

[@RonnieG]

I very rarely even tune into wrestling anymore at all & I told my dad who still watches that CM Punk we be coming back. Everyone knew.

[@criminalmindsgirl2936]

When it's often predicted that a wrestler is returning and then they return. It's not really a surprise. And besides, WWE ruined it by throwing out hints on TV.

[@officegossip]

Shane came back during a rough time in WWE. He was completely unexpected and was a nice glimmer of hope for the company at the time alongside having AJ Styles as a new guy.

[@profitmix441]

Yup Cena was out of WM Neville and Seth Rollins.. having Shane back and AJ helped a bit

[@officegossip]

@@profitmix441 the guys from nxt gold were also a glimmer of hope as well.

[@daltoncampbell8401]

​@officegossip yeah, the guys that popped in my head immediately were balor and Kevin owens, I know there's probably like 20 more I'm forgetting but during that time I watched nxt more than the main roster shows

[@cadillacjohn1994]

For me, Carlito’s return at Backlash, in his home country, has to be the best return this year. I’m glad that he’s getting his 2nd run in WWE now. I hope he gets to be WWE champion before he retires.

[@shivvaghela723]

ngl i saw it coming coz it was leaked online from ringside news that carlito might be there at backlash

[@rhovenom04]

The question is, where tf is carlito now? he's gone again.

[@cadillacjohn1994]

@@rhovenom04 He’ll be back for the rumble.

[@GeeksyZone]

@@cadillacjohn1994 and he will be smashed there

[@metokur85]

Carlito dad orchestrated the murder of Bruiser Brody. Never forget that.

[@erickgarcia7912]

Edges' return will always be my number, one best return ever. The fact that i was there live when he retun was the cherry on top.

[@AniGamerNX]

Seeing Edge return at the 2020 Royal Rumble and The Hardys at WrestleMania 33 will always be some of the best WWE moments I have seen live!

[@allthrills9973]

I was at Raw when Nia Jax returned, and the crowd really did not care for the most part

[@ramanchalasani2378]

I have to skip any segment that involves her

[@randomman4938]

I'm sure the wrestlers how would have to get maimed by her were more interested than the fans.

[@BardKnerd]

Whoever named her the irresistible force did so as a joke and you can't convince me otherwise

[@ramanchalasani2378]

@@BardKnerd nobody cares about your opinion, Bard. No one would bother convincing you anything.

[@Deadstroke00786]

Well she has improved a lot now

[@UncleEbenezer77]

New Day deserve credit for perfectly setting up the Hardy’s return at WM33. I was there and never heard a pop like that.

[@jack0slack]

It was such a perfect misdirect too, using them. I was fully ready for them to rip off their suits to reveal their ring gear - abusing their status as hosts to invade the match would have been very New Day! - but then that beautiful step aside.

[@JenMistress]

I would say that the CM Punk and Edge returns are very closely tied as my fav. Punk because it was nice how Trips reused the trick he use to use in NXT with the little logo popping up on the bottom of the screen, making people think the show is over, then boom, it hits. And Edge, because it was like a feel good moment, a guy who seemed his in ring career was done, but still made a return.

[@MichaelTaylor-qp2xf]

Edge is one of my all time favorites and one guy who I genuinely felt would never wrestle again, so his music hitting during the 2020 Rumble blew my mind. It's so rare that wrestling provides any genuine shockers anymore, and I'm glad to have felt that one and to see Edge on what I felt was a damn good late run.

[@bonesbrigader]

I'll drink to that

[@nolearystream]

I go back and rewatch that pretty frequently, just for the feels, that was an awesome moment.

[@timcampbell8668]

I still get goosebumps when i rewatch it

[@jacqueconnel7024]

Same hear every time I watch it I get goosebumps I couldn't freaking believe it and the look on his face was epic

[@bradleyparsons8459]

Edge's return at the royal rumble was an awesome moment one of the greatest returns

[@Joe_Parmesan]

The Dudleyz should be here for their 2015 return, unless it was a known thing. I sure as hell had no idea that it would happen

[@lalegende2746]

I was at that show. Literally no one expected it, and the whole place erupted when their music started

[@Devondavis-fm2dz]

Edge returning to the royal rumble still give chills 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nyresolution1393]

But after having him back after the rumble that spark was gone

[@Devondavis-fm2dz]

@@nyresolution1393 I know but hopefully in aew after he beat cage and become tnt champion in aew things might be different for him hopefully

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

@@nyresolution1393 you can say the same thing on every wrestlers returns though

[@WrestlingCompilations]

That's what makes moments in wrestling awesome : surprises and not predictability

[@178amir8]

Where was aj styles?

[@Mr_Oggie]

I'd tend to agree with all of these except Edge - there were extensive news and updates about Edge returning prior to the Royal Rumble and while it was great to see him show up and return, I think it was pretty much expected. The Hardy Boys were almost in the same situation: there were extensive reports and rumours that they were going to return to WWE, but then the fact that they had the match the night before pretty much quelled those for their appearance at WrestleMania - so a surprise, but maybe just a semi-surprise.

[@thedestroyer7023]

Agreed

[@Ballistic-Baller]

Speak for yourself my guy

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Lol calm down . Edge's return was indeed surprise & unpredictable

[@lancefrye2554]

I was about to say the same thing about Edge's return.

[@UltramanMebiusBrave]

Pure speculation nonsense.

[@evandelohery3679]

I was at the Anaheim show when The Rock was announced as the host of a Mania. I will never forget that night. sitting by the time keeper right on the barricade and feeling that energy. And I will give WWE credit where it's due. The main event ended and on the tron it showed the Limo pull up and everyone was chanting "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!" But those bastards came prepared. Limo door opens and a pair of high heels comes out and mid chant everyone in that arena goes "Huh?!?!??!" They stopped that arena in its tracks. Of course the build up and effect slowly gave it away but ya never know til the music hits. When it did... when those iconic words blasted.... man. You have to understand. Honda Center in Anaheim, CA is a small arena in comparison to many of the arenas in this country. I think for a WWE event, its about 18k attendance IF it was sold out... When that music hit, that roof was gone. It's a pop I will never ever forget and rewatching the clip of it does not do it any justice. And the Rock has been around the world hearing the screams of fans. To know I was there and he considers that the best one. Thats pretty cool. It was a special night for sure!

[@stu_gibson]

Edge blew hearts and minds with that return.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Rock's return in 2011 was great prime days for Rock himself

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

John Cena's return on both MITB 2021 & 2023 were memorable

[@Eric_Cartman1]

Shane’s 2016 return is the most unexpected in my opinion. There were no rumors or online discussion about him returning. There were rumors of the Hardys and Edge coming back before they actually did.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Hardy's return was already speculation though while Edge's return was almost predictable

[@SaulAguilar.]

Only thing they said was it was someone not on the roster but surprisingly it was Shane

[@Eric_Cartman1]

I’ve just noticed that the thumbnail was changed from Edge to Shane.

[@ethankearl8771]

watch the celtic warrior video on him and edge mountain biking

[@knielglee]

Randy Orton's and cm punk's return made my Wwe experience this year really amazing ❤

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Straight Facts

[@knielglee]

@@tamzidmohsinkhan3333 yes... I was so excited

[@RealityOfItIs]

Amazing, yes..shocking, absolutely not.

[@shockdiesel3470]

My favorite return was the Hardy Boys at WrestleMania. Because the last time I had seen either of them. They were the TNA tag team champions and they were going around trying to become the cosmic tag team champions. By winning the tag team titles off of teams from different promotions. All while still holding the TNA tag belts.

[@MeetMrMayhem88]

The Holiday Boys 😂😂

[@shockdiesel3470]

@@MeetMrMayhem88 Thank you for pointing that out. I had something in my mouthelp and didn't realize after I hit. Send that I had the hardy boys name wrong

[@shockdiesel3470]

@@MeetMrMayhem88 But happy holidays

[@karon718]

The Rock on Smackdown a few months ago was a genuine surprise too

[@EliteSnake]

We need more events in Puerto Rico that crowd was WILD and absolutely had me excited for everything,

[@imjoker2823]

Edge’s 2020 return honestly wasn’t a surprise because he speared Elias a few months prior basically confirming he was medically cleared

[@lalegende2746]

Yeah when Edge got physically involved in a segment for the first time in 8 years, you knew something had to be up.

[@beaulynskey8470]

I attended MITB 23 with my brother and remember the eruption from the crowd during Cena's surprise appearance. Unfortunately, my brother left his seat to buy me and himself some drinks during The Champ's entrance.

[@darnellwilliams1139]

The rock on smackdown was the best!! Totally unexpected and nearly cried

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

If it was in 2019 then yes but 2023 was somehow predictable due to Pat McAfee interviewed him in his show in Denver , the same city Smackdown aired

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Hardy Boyz got mega pop with their surprise return to WM 33

[@kenterminateddq5311]

The Rock's return from this year (2023) was a genuine surprise.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Except it was somehow predictable due to Rock interviewed by Pat McAfee in his show in Denver , the same city where Smackdown hosted

[@chandru267]

@@tamzidmohsinkhan3333but that does not guarantee him showing up in the ring. Also Pat was not part of regular commentary. So, it was a surprise that both showed up.

[@ramanchalasani2378]

It wasn’t a return, it was a guest appearance

[@ruffin207]

Shane McManhon in 2016, Hardy Boyz in 2017, Edge returning in 2020, Brock Lesnar returning in 2021, Cody Rhodes returning in 2022, Randy Orton & CM Punk in 2023 will go down as the most shocking returns of all time. Hopefully Sasha Banks & Aj Lee return next year in 2024!!!

[@undramartin1914]

Shane O Macs return was absolutely brilliant

[@Kritacul]

I remember watching the Hardyz live and if that place would’ve had a roof, it would’ve been blown off.

[@joshuabrock5547]

Being at the 2020 Royal Rumble for Edge's return was insane. One of the loudest pops of crowd I've ever been a part of. The roof could've literally blown off and I wouldn't have been surprised.

[@BigNor23]

Edge was return was my favorite I never thought he would wrestle again.

[@Chief_Of_Sinners]

Keeping Nia Jax return secret wouldn't be a hard feat, as no one was clamoring for it to begin with. That said, I've been pleasantly surprised that her last few matches with Rhea, Liv, and Becky have not been terrible.

[@Evanswrestling24]

Without the royal Rumble return aew fans wouldn't have gotten Christian

[@AustinDickerson2001Tiger]

I would add Johnny Gargano in 2022 as an honorable mention. Ten months before, his WWE contract expired after he made his initial last appearance on NXT following 2021’s WarGames. There were no rumors or reports of Gargano ever returning to WWE, but it had to be a complete kept secret. On the 8/22/2022 edition of Raw, it was at one point that Gargano’s iconic theme song started playing to a big ovation from the crowd in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; the exact same city where he and Tommaso Ciampa won their first NXT Tag Team Championship.

[@Robi2009]

6:16 - eh, if you cut a piece of footage (I'm guessing because of WWE flagging for copyright), please leave the narration and just show a screen "Footage unavailable due to WWE copyright claim" or something. Film with whole segments cut off is really annoying to watch

[@rockycunningham1078]

The fact that CM punk wasn’t number one is crazy

[@shubhamlele5395]

Cause wasn’t s prisng 1:14

[@LKRG]

@@shubhamlele5395 it kinda is tho, no one thought he'd come back to wwe because of his relationship with Triple H

[@shubhamlele5395]

the crowd saw how he wrestled in ufc and aew. audience has moved on@@LKRG

[@LKRG]

@@shubhamlele5395 was it that bad? I didnt see

[@dhackdaddymac]

Love seeing Christian’s run in AEW. Would love to see him get one last world title run. So underrated

[@realmr-hyde]

Nia Jax's return ITSELF may of been nice to not of been leaked. But her ACTUALLY returning wasn't quite as appreciated.

[@mbryanf]

She shouldn’t have even made this list.

[@AustinDickerson2001Tiger]

To be honest, Raquel allegedly LEAKED it the same Raw it took place by saying “Not like most girls” during a backstage interview.

[@nikkabgpr]

Oh the things I'd do just to watch Edge's return for the first time again...

[@buggyworld7723]

Edge’s 2020 Royal Rumble return was the greatest return of all time and the timing was perfect because the world was coming off the sadness of losing Kobe earlier in the day. I remember having goosebumps and crying tears of joy when Edge came back. It was the most surprising return ever and the 2020 Royal Rumble as a whole had some great matches so Edge’s return made it the greatest Royal Rumble ever!

[@CarlStevenson21]

I think CM Punk is the best, although it was rumored, it was never outright confirmed. We all thought we were just getting too ahead of ourselves and we knew he wouldn’t return to WWE… lol

[@briandrum1]

True story. Right before Shane returned I turned to my son and said "Shane is coming out." Within 10 seconds his music hit and my son said to me "How did you do that?!" I told him that I've been watching wrestling since I was 6 (with a break in the early 90's and again in the mid 2000's...I'm 48 now) so I understand booking. He was *blown away*....and truthfully, so was I! 🤣

[@CoreyPaige117]

Everybody That returned to WWE over the years were pretty good but it's the return of Edge in 2020 for me

[@johnholladay9769]

I'll never understand the constant yapping in these vids, can't take a 10 sec break for each one to show the actual returns live with crowd noise.

[@BronchoKyle]

Amen! This guy loves the sound of his own voice.

[@CarrotBarret]

Im simultaneously typing all the moments into the search bar for later so I can actually hear the crowd. Also, dubbing the wrestlers interviews, i'm not a fan of either. Don't think it's necessary to speak over the wrestlers themselves.

[@theereverandreaper6466]

All I can say, would you watch a 40 min video? If he didn't edit his voice overs, they would be 40 plus. If u want a better analysis (no offense bro) watch wrestling bios. He mixes talk with live video and audio. But it's the name of the game, 10 min videos pay more.

[@theereverandreaper6466]

Sorry damn he only did 9 mins, lost a few bucks there my friend!

[@theereverandreaper6466]

Million views dude made 10k off this one!

[@chrongon_OnRoblox]

I think people already knew that Carlito was gonna be at Backlash, because it wouldn't be Puerto Rico without him coming out.

[@eshfitness]

I can't choose between Edge and Punk's Returns. Definitely 1 and 2. 3rd is Hardyz Return for sure !

[@flip726]

Punks return to announcing for wwe (on fox) was a complete surprise

[@dashtoroya2838]

Undertaker's return at mania 40 was unexpected af. Everyone thought stone cold was coming out to help cody but when the gong hits, everyone lost their mind

[@jaimeramirezXP]

The edge return was leaked, I saw it but didn’t believe it. I was so shocked when it happened.

[@ReyKaf]

Edge's return in 2020 Rumble is the best

[@TheFEARSlayer01]

The funny thing about Shane's return is, I was watching that particular Raw and segment live with my oldest brother. I remember joking "Lol wouldn't it be crazy if Shane showed up" because you know it seemed ridiculous and like it wouldn't happen and at the time I for some reason was a big fan of Shane. So when it happened it blew our minds and we even called our Dad into the room and we all watched with amazement. Great moment, sucks that I felt Shane's return wore off it's welcome after the AJ Styles match at Mania 33. Great match but after it is when Shane was overexposed.

[@DukesMusic84]

The Rock, Smackdown in September 2023. Pat McAfee hooked that up at the last minute according to my brother. Very few people even in the back knew IF YA SMELL what I'm cooking.

[@brandonbumby2356]

I about almost cried when I saw Edge come out in the Rumble. His face said it all. He missed it alot.

[@cmwhidden]

I was at the Rumble when Edge returned…place went nuts!!!

[@Shadow_Gamer12012]

I cried when edge returned, and when Christian returned. I freak out everytime Cena returns. A lot of great names in wrestling

[@antwoneallwood6352]

I remembered what the narrator said about edge's return in a past video it was "a surprise fans knew was coming but still jumped out of their seats when they saw him".

[@djkal3eb325]

I was at the 2020 Royal Rumble. It was amazing. I still get chills

[@jacobrobinson6603]

Brock's return at Summerslam 2021 didn't shock me much because surprisingly enough i predicted he would return at the event and i was correct

[@BlakeAustin2011]

Edge’s documentary on Peacock is amazing, as they shifted the focus halfway through from his retirement to his return.

[@tarnishachambers7537]

The Hardy Boyz returning was Amazing!!!! I almost knocked over my TV from jumping around so much!!!! 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@leohuertas1916]

CM Punk to AEW,John Cena coming back to Royal Rumble 2008 and Edge coming back to Royal Rumble 2020

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Shane Mcmahon return in 2016 was priceless

[@extremeking425]

Actually once Edge revealed when he wasn't coming back, I knew he was returning at the Rumble in 2020.

[@sarveshgovinder2775]

2008 Royal Rumble was still my biggest wtf when John Cena returned. Good old days before social media...

[@grahamking8097]

Ever get the feeling that TKO brought back CM Punk and not WWE, as it was best for business

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Brock Lesnar return to Summerlam 2021 made Michael Cole speechless

[@GoLions67]

I was at the RAW Shane came back! We went NUTS. It was the last RAW at Joe Louis Arena

[@stevencisneros9306]

Edge’s return at Royal Rumble 2020 was quite the shocker for me, even the most recent one being CM Punk’s return to WWE via in Survivor Series War Games 2023, they give me goosebumps 😁😁

[@stevenbabinski7635]

Social media really had ruined that wow factor of someone returning from injury or jumping from a different promotion.

[@Brimstone-Gaming]

Edge took EVERYONE back by surprise when he entered at the Royal Rumble after 10 years of being told he'd never wrestle again.

[@nicolemerrill9167]

Christian had that whole year on notice, WWE,TNA,AEW

[@thebatmanwholaughs7877]

The Rocks one off return on that one smackdown this year was th most surprising

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Nah its almost too predictable due to Pat McAfee interviewed him in Denver , the same city where Smackdown aired

[@thebatmanwholaughs7877]

@@tamzidmohsinkhan3333 Well for people that don't watch pats boring show, it was surprising

[@harleygray5672]

How Punks 2023 wwe return isn't on here is criminal

[@CalebBlack-f4y]

The thing is that the 2020 rumble run through was leaked which had edge in it

[@ninjastorm540]

Cant ever forget the look on Edge's face when he returned. Just geniune happiness and gratefulness in his eyes and face. That was one of the best

[@StangSayz]

Nia jax's top secret return was so well kept, because frankly no one cared enough to ask and pry

[@chiragmalik5485]

Fact : The rock return 2004 to save mick foley from La Resistance is one of the greatest returns I have ever watched. It was the most surprising one and even Mick Foley and JR reactions were utterly amazed

[@Chucky_Martinez]

When I was there at Royal Rumble 2020, I went into the event with two things in the back of my mind, Roman Reigns was gonna be pushed further for the upteenth time and win the Royal Rumble, and I was gonna see the Fiend in action on the card. As I was watching the Royal Rumble match go down, Brock was there just eliminating everyone in sight, and then Keith Lee began to last a lot longer, allowing more Superstars to come to the ring, then Roman Reigns and Drew came out, and looked like it could've been anyone's match (and Drew was the lowest in my expectations of winning the Rumble), the countdown starts again, whos gonna come out, and then the words hit "You think you know me?". I was absolutely shocke, Edge had returned since his retirement so long ago, truly it was something I never expected to see happen, but it did. Its one of those cases of "You had to be there", and I'm glad I was there to witness his return

[@gnosis_pr37]

I was live in Backlash and the pop for Carlito was so LOUD!, in TV was loud but in the Choli was even louder

[@logankerr8090]

that day was a rollercoaster of emotions. lost Kobe Bryant that morning, then Edge returned. same day

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Same thought

[@ammodog89b79]

Edge returning was the hands down winner for me. It was both a surprise for the fans, but also Edge was visibly stoked as well. You could tell his excitement was real. All that being said, The Hardy boys had an excellent return as well.

[@DR.K14]

Great, now i gotta go search Shane's return to relive that moment haha. Which I'm sure will lead to more searches. Thanks for making me start going down a rabbit hole.

[@ShuffleUpandDeal32]

I mean it was heavily rumored that Edge was returning, so why is that even on the list? Why is Rey's Rumble return not on the list instead? That was a surprise.

[@1rayannaik]

Yeah bro before I was going to the bed (I live in India) there were so many reports that Edge gonna return in the rumble

[@flashpointgaming]

Another big one was the Rock return to Smackdown 2023 during the screen writers strike

[@TheReddShinobi13]

I don't mind wrestling journalists/marks. What I hate is when they go out of their way to spoil something and then blame the companies for that thing, not having the reaction it would've had had they kept their damn mouth shut.

[@sandeeppalla004]

As a child, watching HBK return in 2002, the frenzied crowd reaction will be my fav

[@braillynn]

My favorite was the disembodied voice for #7.

[@cricketanalyst4723]

Shane's return back in 2016, was one of the greatest moment for WWE.

[@irfanmohammad2132]

For me, The Rock on smackdown this year is the greatest surprise.

[@keithlaudermilch6429]

I have a friend that was in attendance when Edge returned. According to him, after you heard "You think you know me" in the stadium, you could not hear anything else until the third line of the music.

[@MR-RED428]

CM Punk,Carlito at Backlash,Booker T & Edge at the 2023 royal rumble,Undertaker Raw XXX,& Logan Paul at the 2023 royal rumble absolutely blew me away with how good they were

[@M._mkid]

Cm Punk's aew and wwe return surprised me but his wwe return made my jaw dropped

[@raviramanbesra1344]

Johnny Gargano's August 2022 Raw return was also a genuine surprise for the crowd.

[@mlevo1011]

Nobody cares honestly

[@xdexshtx24]

Bro i knew about the hardy boys as soon as they left TNA i knew

[@nileshkatke7908]

HBKs 2002 return was the biggest surprise ever

[@vinpar5557]

Honorable mentions Cody Rhodes returns at Wrestlemania 38 as surprise opponent for Seth Rollins.