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This year's WrestleMania hasn't quite gone to plan for WWE, as the coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc. Several Superstars have reportedly pulled out of the event due to health issues, with the biggest name being Roman Reigns.
WWE, though, has reportedly taped a lot of matches and we will get a proper WrestleMania, with the show airing over two days, from the Performance Center and other unnamed locations.
Apart from the several huge matches, WWE could pull off a few surprises and swerves. One way that they could pull this off is by bringing back Superstars who have been on the sidelines for months due to injury, suspension or lack of storylines for them. A return of a Superstar, and maybe a shocking face/heel turn, could add some spice to a dull WrestleMania.
Let's take a look at 5 Superstars who could return at WrestleMania 36:
#5 Rusev
Rusev has not been on television for a few weeks and it seems that his contract situation has resulted in him not featuring on RAW. The former United States Champion has reportedly not agreed on a new deal with WWE and it seems that negotiations between the two parties have not gone well.
He pulled out of the Super ShowDown PPV due to back issues, and we aren't quite sure what his current injury situation is like. While speaking to The Pop Break recently, he revealed his goal for WrestleMania 36:
"Well my goal is to get on TV, because I haven't been on TV in a while. That's my goal. Where's my next opportunity? I'm just waiting for that. I just can't wait to crush—pun intended—whatever they throw at me. I'm ready for it," said Rusev.
While there is no opportunity for him to get back on TV before WrestleMania, could he perhaps be on The Show of Shows, beginning a feud with someone, interfering in a match, or turning heel?
#4 Cain Velasquez
Cain Velasquez has had a quiet few months in WWE after coming into the promotion with a bang. The former UFC fighter has wrestled in just one match in WWE, coming at last year's Crown Jewel pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia, where he was squashed by Brock Lesnar.
Velasquez hasn't been on WWE television since and there have not been any reports indication when he will return to the squared circle. His former opponent, Lesnar, will face off against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 36, putting his WWE Championship on the line.
Velasquez could perhaps interfere in that match, cause a distraction of sorts, to help McIntyre win his first-ever WWE Championship. This would help both Superstars in the match — McIntyre to get a run as WWE Champion, and ensure that Lesnar is still made to look strong.
This could also set-up a rematch between Velasquez and Lesnar further down the road, which should happen, considering how little action we saw between the two in their first meeting.
#3 Nia Jax
Nia Jax has been out of action since last year's WrestleMania as she needed double knee surgery, which has kept her out for a year. The former RAW Women's Champion is now fit and looks ready and raring to go. It seems that WWE has not had any storyline for her, something which she complained about on social media as well.
PWInsider had reported that she could be moved to SmackDown despite being a part of the Red brand. That hasn't happened in the run-up to WrestleMania 36, but she could still be a part of The Show of Shows.
Former SmackDown General Manager Paige announced that Bayley will have to defend her SmackDown Women's Championship against five other women - Lacey Evans, Tamina, Naomi, Sasha Banks, and Dana Brooke. Brooke was pulled out of the match and it resulted in it becoming a fatal-five way elimination match.
Jax could enter herself into the match as the sixth and final competitor in the match, taking Brooke's place in the match, which would be a great surprise for everybody.
#2 Jinder Mahal
Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has been out of action for several months, and like Nia Jax, he too had to get knee surgery last year. There have been no reports to suggest if he's cleared to wrestle, but the injury timeline shows that he should be cleared to get in the ring once again by this time.
Mahal has not had any promising feuds since he lost his WWE title to AJ Styles, but this break could have been a good way to bring in fresh ideas to the table. His former 3MB partner, Drew McIntyre, who has had a good last few months, recently revealed that we will see a different Jinder once he returns.
The former WWE Champion could perhaps align with a heel faction, perhaps Seth Rollins or co., who have lost AOP following the injury to Rezar. Or, if he stays as a babyface, he could begin a feud with Angel Garza and his mystery partner (Andrade will reportedly not be a part of WrestleMania 36).
#1 Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe was suspended by WWE last month for violating their wellness policy and the former NXT and United States champion can now return to action after serving 30 days of the suspension.
Joe was last in a feud with Seth Rollins and Murphy on RAW, when he teamed up with Kevin Owens and briefly with Big Show. Rollins and Owens will compete in a singles match at WrestleMania 36, but Buddy Murphy will not be a part of WrestleMania 36. The Authors of Pain, who were also a part of Rollins' faction, will also not be involved due to Rezar's injury.
Joe could perhaps turn heel at WrestleMania 36, returning to the show and attacking Owens during his match with Rollins. This would be the perfect way to set-up a match between Owens and Joe and a heel turn would shock the WWE Universe.
Both Joe and Owens work well as heels, but Owens has adapted to the babyface gimmick well over the last few months and hence should remain a babyface.
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