One of the most fascinating but unpredictable attractions of WWE is the comeback. There are a few moments in WWE history that rival the buzz of a great superstar returning. Fortunately, the fans have produced that kind of electric atmosphere over the years for these returns. Legends that have come back years later to surprise their fans, moments that have seen wrestlers get on their feet, and many more are part and parcel of wrestling history. The following are five of the largest comebacks and returns in WWE history.
Goldberg’s Return (2016)
Spending over 10 years absent from WWE, the fans had always wondered whether they were going to see Goldberg back in the ring. Those questions were put to bed when, in 2016, the powerhouse was to face off against Brock Lesnar as his opponent at Survivor Series.
As the WCW legend stepped into the squared circle, the crowd erupted, making the moment more special. He defeated The Beast in less than 2 minutes. The latter was not only a nostalgic pop but also the re-emergence of his legacy and an opportunity for his fans to witness him perform for another generation.
The Rock’s Return (2011)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his first long-awaited comeback in 2011. He made a move towards WrestleMania 27; this time around, the arena almost blew up. The Rock had been away long enough in Hollywood that fans did not know whether he would ever re-enter a WWE ring.
He not only came back, but proceeded to feud with John Cena in one of the biggest rivalries of the modern era, topping WrestleMania two consecutive times, in 28 and 29. His return was a sign that, after so long in the wilderness, no one can match The Rock’s charisma or his connection with the fans.
Sting’s WWE Return (2014)
More of a wrestling comeback rather than a WWE one, but it counts. Sting had not been in a WWE ring decades before; the man was the face of WCW and TNA. That is why fans were shocked when, at Survivor Series 2014, during a “blackout,” the crowd noises were heard, and Sting was introduced into the world of WWE for the first time. He faced off with Triple H, and the arena went insane, giving him a Scorpion Death Drop, and Team Cena the assist for the win.
This was not only a debut, but it was also the resurrection of a legend that many people did not feel would ever cross over. When Sting entered the ring, it was symbolic of an era we thought would never come.
The Undertaker (2004)
The drama produced by The Undertaker’s return at WrestleMania 20 can not be matched with a lot of his returns in the history of wrestling. The Deadman also made his comeback in Madison Square Garden after spending several months away after getting “buried alive” at Survivor Series in 2003.
What made it legendary was the fact that he returned with his traditional Deadman character, with Paul Bearer, following a period of playing the American Badass. The spooky opening, the gong ringing, and the outburst of the crowd were one of the most unforgettable scenes in the history of WWE. It wasn’t only a comeback; it was a re-establishment of the most popular character of The Undertaker, which would cement his mystique for the rest of his legendary career.
Brock Lesnar (2012)
Having left WWE in 2004, Brock Lesnar had an excellent career in the UFC, becoming one of the most powerful figures in mixed martial arts. In 2012, his comeback to WWE caused a wave in the industry. The next era of dominance started when Lesnar faced John Cena on Monday Night Raw, F5-ing him in the middle of the ring.
The Beast Incarnate has since overcome legends, spoiled The Undertaker’s WrestleMania win streak, and won several championships, securing his comeback as one of the most successful in WWE history.
WWE thrives on surprise and nostalgia, and nothing captures that energy quite like a legendary comeback. It may be Goldberg stun gunning Brock Lesnar, or The Rock revitalizing his incomparable charm. These are moments that help the fan remember why professional wrestling is so special. It is not about victories and defeats only. But about the feeling, the history, and the memorable roar of the crowd when a hero is back home.
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