Having expectations is an easy way for people to get disappointed. And when it comes to the professional wrestling fans, the magnitude of the disappointment goes up several times. This then results in us cursing the promotions, wrestlers and any other factor that resulted in our desired outcome from not happening.
In 2016 as well, we had a handful of expectations like this. A good portion of them was about potential comebacks that could happen in WWE. Some of these expectations were met, while others fell flat on the ground and will probably be carried forward to 2017.
In this list, we are going to take a look at those comebacks that we expected but didn’t happen.
Honourable Mention: Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is one of those names that WWE is actively pursuing now. Back in 2015, WWE managed to bring her in for a segment with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Though there were talks about Rousey returning to WWE, her defeat to Holly Holm kept her away and probably ruined WWE’s idea to bring her back for WrestleMania in 2016.
#7 Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio might not be in his prime, but he is still one of the most popular professional wrestlers outside WWE. In fact, he could even give most of the main event talent that WWE has now on their roster, a run for their money. Rey made his departure from WWE back in 2015 and there were a lot of rumours about him returning to WWE in 2016.
The return didn’t happen this year and instead, Mysterio went on to deliver some memorable performances in Lucha Underground. With Cruiserweight division back in WWE, bringing Rey back in 2017 would turn out to be a great move for everyone involved.
#6 Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle returning to WWE has been discussed ever since he joined TNA. Angle pushing his body to the limit despite suggestions from doctors was one of the reasons WWE decided to let him go.
After this, Angle went on to help TNA rise to the top and once he left the promotion, he has been taking up independent bookings and 2016 saw him work with some interesting names like Cody Rhodes, Zack Sabre Jr. and a string of others as well.
Angle has been vocal about a potential return to WWE but unfortunately for the fans, WWE and Angle are yet to work out a deal and we might have to wait till next year for this to happen.
#5 Trish Stratus
2016 was the year we saw Mickie James make her return to WWE to face the dominant NXT champion Asuka. While seeing Mickey going up against a talent like Asuka was a great thing, WWE initially had an even better plan. The original idea was to book Trish Stratus vs. Asuka and if it had happened, Asuka would’ve got more attention.
The idea did not go through as Trish announced her pregnancy and the pick, in turn, went to Mickie. The return did not happen due to this, and Trish is not expected to return anytime soon with the new baby in her life. It was great to flirt with the idea nevertheless.
#4 Shelton Benjamin
Just like the case with Trish Stratus, the return of Shelton Benjamin to WWE was called off at the last minute. While Trish had a good reason to step out, for Benjamin, it was an injury that came to haunt him. He then had to undergo surgery to recover.
It was a torn rotator cuff that kept him out of action and he suffered the injury while working in Japan.
Benjamin was rumoured to play a veteran role in the company, where he would help elevate younger talent. He is now expected to make his return early in 2017 and his current destination, according to speculation is SmackDown live.
#3 Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was released from WWE in 2015 after his sex scandal poked up again. WWE then went on to give Hogan the Chris Benoit treatment and tried to erase all the traces of him from the company’s history but doing so with such a big name like Hogan turned out to be a major mistake.
A year later, Hogan would emerge victorious in the Gawker Lawsuit, which in turn earned him millions.
With his name now clean, Hogan returning to WWE made sense. WWE slowly mentioning his name here and there on their programming has fueled the rumours. But with 2016 now over, maybe Hogan would return next year and make an impact. He would be an apt name to be the General Manager of either brand if WWE wants to change things.
#2 CM Punk
The recent CM Punk chants that poked up on Monday Night Raw shows that the fans have not forgotten him. Punk left the wrestling business to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts and after training for a couple of years, Punk made his debut against Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
Punk lost after a one-sided fight and this strengthened the rumours about Punk making a return to WWE.
As we’ve seen a lot in the wrestling business, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if Punk returns to WWE at some point or the other. For the time being, 2016 is not the year.
#1 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan has been a mainstay on the WWE television. But Bryan was restricted as the General Manager of SmackDown, rather than being the wrestler that he is. The complicated medical situation is what kept him away from the ring.
There was, however, conflicting reports as to whether he should wrestle and such state of instability is what made the fans expect a return.
When his feud with The Miz elevated, everyone expected it to culminate in Bryan making his in-ring return. The in-ring talent that is Bryan won’t be on showcase by the looks of it but at the same time, the fans should be happy that he is healthy after all.
Who else did you expect to return this year? Sound off in the comment section.
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