3 WWE comeback matches that were epic, and 3 that were major disappointments

Being a WWE Superstar isn't an easy gig, and though every wrestler sets out to have a long and lengthy career, that is easier said than done.

In an industry where injuries are an occupational hazard, there are no shortage of wrestlers who have left the WWE, either because they were hurt or by their own choice.

But though at times it looked like these Superstars would never enter a WWE ring again, we all know to never say never when it comes to the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

Here are three WWE comeback matches that were epic, and 3 that were major disappointments.

#3 Epic return: The Hardy Boys come back at WrestleMania 33

Matt and Jeff captured the RAW Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 33 in a fatal four-way ladder match.

The Hardy Boyz are one of the legendary tag teams in professional wrestling history. Regardless of the promotions they work for, Matt & Jeff Hardy never failed to leave their marks, and they made shockwaves throughout the industry starting in 2016 when Matt Hardy debuted his Broken Universe gimmick in Impact Wrestling.

The gimmick became a huge hit among the wrestling fans and breathed new life into the pair's careers, which had stagnated over the years. When they rejoined WWE, The Hardy Boyz made their huge return at WrestleMania 33 and won the Raw Tag Team Championships in a tag team fatal four-way ladder match. The crowd reaction alone was evident that the Hardy Boyz will always hold a special place in the hearts of the pro-wrestling fans.

Though their reign didn't last long, the pair of brothers showed why they are considered by many to be the greatest tag team in wrestling history.

#3 Major disappointment: The Rock and John Cena Vs. The Miz and R-Truth (Survivor Series 2011)

Though the Brahama Bull and the Champ were at odds, no-one doubted for a second that the two would beat Miz and Truth

The Rock returned to WWE in 2011 as the host of WrestleMania 27, but that was not the only reason behind the Great One's return. He started a feud with John Cena leading to their WrestleMania 28 encounter which WWE labelled as a "Once in a Lifetime" dream contest.

The fans had high expectations for the Rock's comeback match against Cena at WrestleMania 28, but WWE decided to give fans what they thought they wanted a bit it early with The Rock teaming up with Cena to take on The Miz & R-Truth at Survivor Series 2011.

While there's nothing to complain about the match, it would've been more iconic if the Rock had his much-awaited comeback against John Cena at WrestleMania 28. WWE could've made the fans wait to see the Rock lace up his boots until he faced Cena at WrestleMania instead of bringing him back for a tag team match that everyone knew the pair were going to win with ease.

#2 Epic return: Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon Vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens (WrestleMania 34)

Bryan's return to the ring was a feel good moment that kicked off an incredible return to the ring

If you fight for your dreams, your dreams will fight for you. Daniel Bryan made this inspiring statement while announcing he had been cleared by the WWE to return to the ring two years after he announced his retirement.

Bryan's retirement in 2016 had been hard on everyone, as even though the former World Champion was given a role as SmackDown Live General Manager, Bryan didn't hide the fact that he wanted to wrestle again.

The leader of the Yes Movement announced his in-ring return on the March 20, 2018, episode of SmackDown Live, and he had his comeback match at WrestleMania 34, teaming up with Shane McMahon to take on Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.

The best thing about this return is that this comeback would be just the start of an epic second career for Bryan, who would turn heel and capture the WWE Championship that November, and would hold the gold until WrestleMania 35, something that seemed truly impossible just a few years prior.

#2 Major disappointment: The Undertaker and Kane Vs. D-Generation X (WWE Crown Jewel 2018)

The Showstopper returned to the ring in Jeddah after eight years away

Shawn Michaels announced his retirement after losing his Career vs. Streak match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, in one of the most emotional moments of all time. Michaels had entertained fans for decades, so to see his legendary career come to an end was a tough pill to swallow.

For years, Michaels did what few other Superstars did, and that was stay retired. No comeback, no return match, nothing. Rightly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, Michaels worked well as an ambassador for the company until his shocking return to the ring in 2018.

After he and Triple H were attacked by the Brothers of Destruction at 2018's Super Showdown, the Showstopper came out of retirement for Crown Jewel, teaming with the Game. Unfortunately, the match would not live up to standards, as the former World Champions were noticeably slower in the ring, with the Game even suffering a pectoral tear during the match.

What had been promised as an epic encounter ended being a nasty final match for the Icon.

#1 Epic return: Bray Wyatt Vs. Finn Balor (SummerSlam 2019)

Wyatt returned to the ring at SummerSlam, demolishing Balor

Bray Wyatt is one good example of how a good character can become stale due to some lackluster booking. The cult leader character had great potential to be the next face of fear in the WWE when he debuted on the main roster, gaining a huge victory over Kane in his SummerSlam 2013 Ring of Fire match. Somehow though, the Eater of Worlds fell down the card and found himself floundering in the tag team division before WWE decided to repackage him.

Wyatt re-debuted with a new character having two personas, one as an eerie host of the Firefly FunHouse, and the other as the terrifying Fiend. The former World Champion had his comeback match against Finn Balor at this year's SummerSlam, and it won't be an overstatement if we say that his entrance was the highlight of the entire show. After witnessing Wyatt's performance at SummerSlam, it's safe to say that WWE has struck gold with the character.

Whether Wyatt's momentum will stay remains to be seen, but with reports of his merch selling out, things are looking good for the Fiend.

#1 Major disappointment: Batista wins the 2014 Royal Rumble

Batista's second Royal Rumble win did not go down well with the fans

Sometimes it's better to give the crowd exactly what they want, whether you believe it's right or wrong. Vince McMahon learned this lesson the hard way with Batista's return in 2014. The Animal hadn't been seen in nearly four years in WWE, and though it was great to see him back, the crowd had moved on.

While the fans expected Daniel Bryan to win the 2014 Royal Rumble, he was not even a part of the match. The fans took out their frustrations on Batista by showering him with nuclear heat after he won the match. It derailed the entire plan WWE had for Batista's comeback match, and it left them with no option but to turn him heel.

At one point, it even looked like the main event of WrestleMania 30 was going to be Batista Vs. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, a match no fan wanted to see. Seeing sense, the company quickly booked Bryan into the match, having the YES! Man beat Triple H in the show's opener and winning the title to close out WrestleMania.