10 WWE Returns That Were Genuine Surprises

Summary

This video script from Wrestle LaMania highlights 10 surprise returns in WWE history that managed to stay under wraps until the big reveal. From Christian's unexpected comeback at the 2021 Royal Rumble to Edge's emotional return at the 2020 event, the list showcases WWE's ability to keep secrets in the age of social media. Each entry details the circumstances and fan reactions, emphasizing the excitement and impact of these genuine surprises.

Takeaways

• 🤫 Social media and digital news have made it challenging for WWE to keep wrestler returns a secret, often leading to leaks that ruin surprises for fans.
• 🎉 Despite these challenges, WWE has successfully managed several surprise returns, making them memorable events for the audience.
• 🏆 Christian's return at the 2021 Royal Rumble was unexpected, as he had seemingly retired and was reported to never wrestle again.
• 🎉 Carito's surprise return at the 2023 Backlash event in Puerto Rico was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, leading to a full-time return contract with WWE.
• 🔒 Nia Jax's return at Roar 2023 was kept top secret, showing WWE's ability to maintain confidentiality for surprise returns.
• 👑 John Cena, known for his surprise returns, managed to shock fans at both the 2021 and 2023 Money in the Bank events without any prior leaks.
• 🥊 Brock Lesnar's return at SummerSlam 2021 was a total shock, as there were no indications he would be back, and his subsequent run was highly praised.
• 🏆 The Rock's return as the guest host of WrestleMania 27 in 2011 was a major surprise and one of his greatest moments on WWE's flagship show.
• 🎉 Roman Reigns' return at SummerSlam 2020 was perfectly timed with the event's tagline 'you'll never see it coming', after he had stepped back due to the pandemic.
• 🤹 The Hardy Boyz's surprise return at WrestleMania 33 was a crowd-pleaser, and their use of social media to mislead fans about their presence was effective.
• 🎭 Shane McMahon's dramatic return on Raw in 2016 after a 7-year absence was a shock, with no prior indications of his return to WWE.
• 🥇 Edge's return at the 2020 Royal Rumble after a nine-year retirement was an emotional and unexpected moment, with WWE going to great lengths to keep it a secret.

Q & A

Why has it become difficult for WWE to keep wrestler returns a secret?

The rise of social media and digital news has made it challenging for WWE to keep wrestler returns a secret, as leaks often occur online, ruining the intended surprise for fans.

How did WWE manage to surprise fans with Christian's return at the 2021 Royal Rumble?

WWE successfully kept Christian's return a secret by planning it under difficult circumstances of the Thunderdome, where fans expected a lack of surprise returns due to the absence of physical fans.

What was the significance of Carito's return at the 2023 Backlash event?

Carito's return at the 2023 Backlash event was significant because it was completely unexpected and led to an overwhelmingly positive response from fans, resulting in WWE offering him a full-time return contract.

How did WWE maintain the secrecy of Nia Jax's return in 2023?

WWE managed to keep Nia Jax's return a secret by not having it leaked in the rundown released online before each of WWE's flagship shows, which usually contains planned returns or cameos.

Why are John Cena's surprise returns considered special?

John Cena's surprise returns are special because he has consistently managed to return without anyone knowing in advance, even in the age of social media, creating memorable moments for the fans.

What was the impact of Brock Lesnar's surprise return at SummerSlam 2021?

Brock Lesnar's surprise return at SummerSlam 2021 was impactful as it led to a new top feud in WWE and showcased a new side of Lesnar as a babyface, which was well-received by the fans.

Why was The Rock's return on Raw in 2011 a significant moment?

The Rock's return on Raw in 2011 was significant because it was a major surprise, and according to The Rock himself, it was the greatest moment he had ever experienced on WWE's premiere show.

What made Roman Reigns' return at SummerSlam 2020 unexpected?

Roman Reigns' return at SummerSlam 2020 was unexpected because he had taken a step back from WWE during the pandemic due to safety concerns, and there were no hints or rumors about his return.

How did the Hardy Boyz manage to keep their return at WrestleMania 33 a secret?

The Hardy Boyz kept their return a secret by using social media to their advantage, posting an old picture to make it seem like they were flying home, which fooled most fans.

What was the reaction to Shane McMahon's return on Raw in 2016?

Shane McMahon's return on Raw in 2016 was met with shock among the fan base, as it was completely unexpected and marked his first appearance in almost 7 years.

Why was Edge's return at the 2020 Royal Rumble particularly emotional for fans?

Edge's return at the 2020 Royal Rumble was emotional for fans because he was a Hall of Famer who had seemingly retired in 2011 due to a severe injury, making his comeback a significant and unexpected event.