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There's nothing quite like the moment in WWE when a superstar makes their triumphant return. The excitement and elation of the WWE Universe is just so capitivating that it sends goosebumps up and down your spine.
Returns are moments to hold onto and watch back over and over again. No doubt, the best returns in WWE happen when they are unannounced.
That being said, in no particular order, let's take a look at five of the loudest return pops in WWE history.
#5. John Cena makes his WWE return from injury at the Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble pay-per-view in 2008 took place live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was a night to remember when we saw Jimmy Snuka and Roddy Piper enter the Rumble match itself to reignite their legendary feud. We also saw The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels kick-off the Rumble match as entrants #1 and #2, respectively.
It was what was to come towards the end of the match that shocked the WWE Universe. The countdown and buzzer hit for Entrant #30 to make their entrance and John Cena's music played. Cena made his way out to a rapturous reception and a loud cheer.
The reason this moment was so significant is because just a few months prior, John Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle. This should normally rule a wrestler out for more than six months. The former WWE champion defied all scientific odds and returned after just three months. That night cemented Cena's status as superhuman.
John Cena spoke with WWE's YouTube channel about that famous night and how it all came about:
The feeling for the 2008 Royal Rumble was a great one. A few months before, I completely tore my right pectoral muscle, and that's usually where you need nine months to a year to recover. I made extreme gains very fast and called everybody up and said 'hey, I think I'm ready to go'. John Cena said.
The miraculous return resulted in Cena winning the Royal Rumble match altogether. He went on to face Triple H and then-Champion Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship.
#4. The Rock returns to WWE to be announced as the Guest Host of WrestleMania
After a seven-year hiatus from WWE, The Rock made his grand return. On the 14th February, 2011 episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE teased that they would announce the host of the upcoming WrestleMania pay-per-view. After a long introduction, The Rock's music hit and the WWE Universe erupted. The roof blew off the arena for 'The Great One'.
The Rock recalled that night with Entertainment Weekly in 2011:
"When my music hit, going out…. It was f—ing incredible. That night was the greatest Raw moment I’ve ever experienced. And that’s saying a lot. I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of icons in the WWE. The goosebumps never left my body during that monologue." The Rock said. (h/t Entertainment Weekly)
The return would start the two-year feud between The Rock and John Cena. They had blockbuster main-event matches at the WrestleMania 28 and 29, with both of them picking up wins, respectively.
#3. The Hardy Boyz return to WWE at WrestleMania 33
This is by far one of the loudest pops you've ever heard at any WWE WrestleMania event. Just prior to the RAW Tag Team Championship Ladder match, the hosts of WrestleMania, The New Day, came out. They announced that they would be adding another team to the match. New Day asked the WWE Universe who it could possibly be. Then, The Hardy Boyz music sounded and out came Matt & Jeff Hardy.
The Hardyz had returned to the WWE for the first time since 2010. It sent the WWE Universe into delirium at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando. It was a special moment for fans all around the world.
The Hardy Boyz spoke to WWE just after their return and winning the RAW Tag Team Championship:
"WrestleMania 33, Orlando, Florida, we are back home! I left here in ’09 and to return on this night and to win these championships is beyond belief to me. Man, I’m so proud of myself, I’m so proud of you [Matt], I’m proud of our families and I’m proud to be home." Jeff Hardy said. (h/t Give Me Sport)
Matt Hardy, Jeff's brother, added:
"As you said, indeed my brother, we are home. And the journey was amazing, it was unbelievable and for it all to culminate in winning the RAW tag team titles of the world. We came here and we PROCURED the most prestigious tag team titles there are. And to be here and do this besides you [Jeff] at the biggest WrestleMania in history, the biggest company in history, our home, World Wrestling Entertainment. I can’t explain how wonderful it is, absolutely DELIGHTFUL." Matt Hardy said. (h/t Give Me Sport)
#2. Brock Lesnar returns to WWE the night after WrestleMania
Brock Lesnar left WWE unceremoniously in 2004 and left a huge gap on the WWE roster. Lesnar decided to try his hand at playing in the NFL and also fighting for Ultimate Fighting Championship. It didn't look likely that Brock would ever make a return to the squared circle.
Then, the night after WrestleMania in 2012, the 'Beast Incarnate' made an unannounced return. He appeared at the conclusion of Monday Night RAW confronting John Cena. Lesnar immediately made his presence felt by delivering an F5 to a thunderous reception. It was a welcome return. The shocking moment received one of the loudest pops we've heard the night after WrestleMania.
Lesnar spoke on the April 14th, 2012 episode of Monday Night RAW about why he returned in full Brock mode:
"I'm not a superstar, I'm an ass kicker. I am Brock Lesnar, that's it. I left the WWE, everybody thought, here's a guy, there's no way in hell he's gonna make it in the UFC, but I climbed that mountain and became UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world and I proved everybody wrong. Why did I come back to the WWE? This isn't a feel-good moment. This isn't 'Oh I miss coming through the curtain, I miss all the fans.' At the end of the day, I don't care about anybody but Brock Lesnar. For me this is strictly business. We need a guy to legitimize this company and Brock Lesnar is that guy." Brock Lesnar said. (h/t MMA Mania)
#1. Triple H returns to WWE after his long-term injury
For the loudest pop in WWE, it doesn't get much bigger than this. This one is unrivaled. Triple H made his return to Monday Night RAW in the world's most famous arena following tearing his left quadricep muscle. It ruled 'The Game' out for eight months, thus meaning he completely missed the Invasion storyline in 2001.
Though, when it came time for him to step out in front of the WWE Universe on January 7th, 2002, it was like he had never been gone. The WWE Universe lapped up his return and blew the scales off any of the loudest pop records. Triple H was full of energy and made his trademark entrance to perfection. The amount of camera flashes when he did his famous water spot on the apron was mind blowing.
You instantly get goosebumps rewatching that incredible return. There hasn't been a return, quite like it, that has received such a roar from the WWE Universe that night in MSG.
