The Hardy Boyz (WrestleMania 33)
Being the hosts of WrestleMania 33 might not have been The New Day’s first choice. They wanted to regain their WWE Tag Team Championships, and when they announced that a fourth team would be added to the triple threat ladder match, we assumed it was The New Day.
The way the trio began to saunter towards the ring was the perfect bait and switch for when The Hardy Boyz’ music hit, and the brothers made their return to World Wrestling Entertainment.
The Hardy Boyz had been gone from WWE for years and had great success in other organizations. There wasn’t a huge belief that they would return to WWE, which is why the reaction when they did was so visceral. Every person in Orlando was cheering when Matt and Jeff bounded their way onto the ramp. It was one of the true organic reactions that WWE hopes for when heroes return.
Cody Rhodes (WrestleMania 38)
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE in 2022 was one of the worst-kept secrets in wrestling. When the youngest Rhodes brother left AEW, it was only a matter of time before he would be seen back in WWE. This suspicion was heightened when it was announced that Seth Rollins would be facing a mystery opponent on the Grandest Stage.
He was the perfect adversary for Rhodes, and everyone knew that Rollins would give the world a classic match for the returning Son of a Son of a Plumber.
When the lights went down in AT & T Stadium, the crowd began to buzz, and the buzz grew to a fever pitch when we heard that familiar music. Not only had Cody Rhodes made his way back to WWE, but he brought his entrance music with him. Something that had been tied to him for years and gave him that pop factor that so many desire as they come out. It was an incredible return, and one that sparked a new era for WWE.
