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WWE Royal Rumble 2021, scheduled for January 31, is just around the corner. Superstars like Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley have declared that they'll be competing in the Rumble Matches. More announcements can be expected in the coming days. The build to the show has left fans guessing, as usual.
Over the years, the Royal Rumble Matches have featured several high-profile returns that shocked the crowds. These unexpected moments often add even more electricity to the exciting match. Though this year's Royal Rumble won't have the luxury of a roaring crowd, WWE could be hoping to pull off a few surprise returns.
The imminent returns of stars like Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch during this year's Rumble has kept the fans at the edge of their seats, with many fans hoping they make their presence felt at the PPV.
On that note, in this article we will take a look at some of the biggest returns in the history of the Royal Rumble. Do share your personal favorite returns in the comments section.
#5 Rey Mysterio ( WWE Royal Rumble 2018)
Returning to the company after three years, Rey Mysterio's appearance at Royal Rumble 2018 was much more than just a surprise return. Yes, the fans cheered him when his music hit at number 27, but the most vital aspect was the fact that this was Mysterio's first Rumble appearance after the disaster of 2014.
In a Royal Rumble match where everyone wanted Daniel Bryan to enter at number 30, Mysterio made his way out, and the audience booed unceremoniously. One of the most beloved faces of all time faced the outrage of fans, that wasn't even directed towards him in the first place.
However, just four years later, his return was warmly received by the fans who were happy to see him return after a long time away from the company. Though his stay in the ring was quite short, barely touching 10 minutes, it was memorable. He eliminated Adam Cole in the process, though he was eventually thrown over the top rope by Finn Balor.
Since then, Mysterio has been going strong in the company, with his son Dominik Mysterio also making his in-ring debut with a well-received bout against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2020.
#4 Rob Van Dam (WWE Royal Rumble 2009)
Dubbed by many as the greatest ECW Superstar of all time, Rob Van Dam's return at Royal Rumble 2009 was utterly surprising. He had departed the company just two years earlier and had made it clear he had no intentions to come back anytime soon.
His appearance in this Royal Rumble match generated a tremendous response from the crowd. Entering at number 25, RVD spent a good 13 minutes in the ring before being eliminated by Chris Jericho. Though he wasn't successful in securing an elimination, his stay was quite entertaining, and the fans believed he had returned to the company for good.
However, he signed with TNA in 2010, where he was pushed to the moon and became the world champion in a matter of months. It was only in 2013 that RVD finally returned to WWE, though even this run barely lasted a year.
Currently a free agent, RVD making an appearance at Royal Rumble 2021 seems like a possibility considering his status, no matter if it's just a one-off.
#3 Trish Stratus (WWE Royal Rumble 2018)
The first-ever Women's Royal Rumble match was memorable for many reasons, but the return of multiple legends like Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, and Lita was the clincher. These women were fantastic wrestlers but performed in an era when their in-ring skills took a backseat to everything else. To see them receive the spotlight they deserve here was emotional yet rousing.
However, out of all the returns at Royal Rumble, Trish Stratus returning at number 30 sent the fans into a frenzy. Though it was expected the former six-time Women's Champion would make her presence felt, the moment her music hit, the crowd erupted. During her five minute stay in the ring, she managed to accumulate three eliminations in the form of Natalya, Nia Jax, and her greatest rival, Mickie James, before being eliminated by Sasha Banks.
This return to action wasn't just a one-off as Stratus would go on to wrestle at the first-ever all-women PPV, Evolution, in a tag-team match and a spectacular singles clash against Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019, in a losing effort.
#2 John Cena (WWE Royal Rumble 2008)
One of the most popular yet divisive Superstars in WWE history, John Cena's premature return from injury at Royal Rumble 2008 was, however, unanimously well-received. Having been out due to injury since October 2007, Cena wasn't expected to make a return at least until June 2008. The crowd was shaken by the return and couldn't help but cheer the very man they usually booed out of the park on other occasions.
However, thanks to a quick recovery, the 16-time world champion made his return as the final participant in this Royal Rumble match and ended up winning the whole thing. During his eight minute time in the ring, Cena eliminated Carlito, Mark Henry, Chavo Guerrero, and ultimately Triple H to win the match.
Cena challenged Randy Orton for the WWE Championship at the PPV No Way Out 2008, where he won by disqualification. Due to some convoluted turn of events, Cena did find his way into the WrestleMania match against Orton and HHH, but The Viper ended up retaining his title.
#1 Edge (WWE Royal Rumble 2020)
Could it be anything else? Though Edge's return from injury at Royal Rumble 2010 was memorable in its own right, his return at Royal Rumble 2020 after retiring ten years back due to career-threatening injuries is one of the most emotional moments in WWE history.
Making his way to the ring at number 21, Edge was visibly on the verge of tears, and so were millions of his fans across the globe. The live crowd was in complete disbelief.
One of the greatest heels of all time, Edge received an outpouring of love by virtually everyone. His stay in the ring was equally memorable as he rekindled vintage memories by delivering multiple spears as soon as he entered the squared circle. Aligning with his old buddy Randy Orton, the duo would eliminate Gallows and Anderson together, before the Rated-R Superstar found the right opportunity to eliminate The Viper.
Though he didn't come up victorious, Edge embarked upon an incredible babyface run after Orton turned on him. The ensuing rivalry was fantastic, which saw the two wrestle one of the best matches of 2020 at the Backlash PPV.
Currently on a hiatus due to nagging injuries, Edge's return is being awaited with bated breath by his legion of fans.
