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WWE will celebrate its 25th anniversary of Monday Night Raw on January 22 in Brooklyn, NY and will air from the Barclays Centre as well as the Manhattan Centre. There's no denying that the inception of Monday Night Raw has been pivotal in elevating the wrestling business to new heights and, is regarded as the longest-running, weekly episodic television show in history.
The past and the present will come together to celebrate this prodigious achievement in what would be a historic get-together. Legends like Stone Cold, The Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The New Age Outlaws, Mick Foley, Chris Jericho, The Dudley Boyz, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler and more have been advertised to grace their presence.
Here are the 5 Superstars who could surprise the WWE Universe on January 22
#5 Goldberg
Despite advertising so many superstars and icons of the past, an astonishing return of the 'iconic' Goldberg could prove to be a bombshell for the legions of WWE fans. The man had a solid run in 2017 and was responsible for producing some of the most shocking moments in recent history. His feud with Brock Lesnar will be forever etched in history as one of the finest rivalries of 2017.
With WWE planning to stack up the 25th Anniversary of Raw, it would be a huge moment if Bill Goldberg shows up. It was rumoured that WWE has contacted him for a potential return but, with him not being advertised, it seems that the former Universal Champion could make a surprising return.
If WWE plans on doing a huge WWE and WCW crossover, then it would be an ideal time to bring out 'Da Man' for a monumental confrontation. With Goldberg being inducted into the 2018 Hall of Fame, it seems that WCW's biggest star would emerge from the back and, shock the WWE Universe with his presence.
#4 Sting
Now, as much as we admire Sting, it is a shame that 'The Icon' could not have a longer run as a wrestler in the WWE. Sting made his iconic presence felt when he made a surprising debut at Survivor Series 2014 and cost 'The Authority' led by Triple H, a significant loss. The interference led to a monumental feud which ended with 'The Game' getting the win over 'The Vigilante' at WrestleMania 31. The loss disappointed the fans which got compounded with another loss and a substantial injury during a WWE Championship match with Seth Rollins at Night of Champions. The injury forced Sting to retire from professional wrestling and was later inducted into the 2016 Hall of Fame.
Despite his unexciting run in WWE, Sting had a monumental career in WCW where he made his mark and emerged as an icon in the wrestling business. It makes a lot of sense to bring back 'The Vigilante' for another historic appearance at the 25th anniversary of Raw.
If WWE decides to bring out the NWO, then it would be likeable to bring out 'The Vigilante' who shares a lot of history with the popular stable. A possible confrontation with the Undertaker could also take place which could blow the roof off the place. Either way, it would be a memorable moment if the Stinger returns for one last colossal appearance with his iconic face-paint. Well, let us dream.
#3 The Rock
'The Great One' has not yet been advertised for the 25th anniversary of Monday Night Raw but, never say never because anything can happen in the WWE. The Rock has been one of the most influential wrestlers of all time and is also a crucial reason of where the WWE is today. Despite being one of the biggest Hollywood movie stars, there's no denying that The Great One's popularity increased and his catch-phrases have become a rage because of his time in the very popular Attitude Era.
The 25th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw would feel incomplete without 'The Most Electrifying Man in all of Entertainment'. While the WWE has advertised a lot of icons and superstars from the Attitude Era, it would be a gigantic moment if 'The Brahma Bull' intervenes the party and blows the roof off the building.
His last WWE appearance came on February 20th,2017 in Los Angeles where he called out 'The Cult of Personality' which created a lot of tension backstage but, there is nobody like the Rock and there's no argument that his surprising appearance would be met with a monstrous reception from the WWE fans all over the world.
#2 Batista
Batista had an exceptional run during his initial days with the company. The 6-time World Champion did everything he could and elevated the business to where it is today. He came back to the WWE in 2014 and won the Royal Rumble to punch his ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 30. Unfortunately, his return and Royal Rumble victory was not positively received and ended being more fruitful to Bryan because of the WWE Universe's wholehearted investment in the 'Leader of the Yes Movement'
He left the company in the same year and went back to Hollywood. The man has openly stated on several occasions that he wants to return to WWE and, is serious about having another major run with the company.
There has been no confirmation from the WWE about a potential Batista return but since the company will be hosting its 25th Anniversary on January 22, it seems likeable that 'The Animal' could make a surprise appearance or even an astonishing return to the squared circle. Batista has entertained the WWE Universe for more than a decade and deserves another major run that could see the light of the day next week on Raw. Expect 'The Animal' to be unleashed.
#1 CM Punk
'The Best in the World' is perhaps the most influential wrestling icon of the modern era. The man has developed a cult following among hardcore wrestling fans and was pivotal in making WWE a more marketable place to choose for the independent wrestlers. Despite him leaving the company 4 years back on very unfortunate terms, the WWE Universe still continues to chant his name continuously with the hope of a blockbuster return someday.
It is highly unlikely that 'The Straight Edge' superstar will ever change his opinion on a return and with his ongoing legal battle with the company, it only adds fuel to the fire that Punk does not have any interest in a potential return.
But, WWE's recent acknowledgement of CM Punk does indicate that they still recognize his immense contribution to the wrestling business. The company recently held a special edition dedicated to the 25 most historical moments of Monday Night Raw and ironically, Punk's pipe bomb promo took the no. 2 slot. The pipe bomb is still considered the most iconic and popular unscripted promos of all time.
Despite the unfortunate differences between the company & Punk, WWE's sudden recognition of his pipe bomb promo only makes sense that there could be a surprise appearance that awaits the WWE Universe. Well, if by any means, the WWE is able to mend fences with 'The Best in the World', then it could be one of the most mind-boggling and spine-chilling returns, in the history of professional wrestling.
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