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The biggest WWE pay-per-view of the year is almost here and the promotion is in full throttle mode when it comes to the preparations. A string of storylines and feuds are currently being built up for the show. Brock Lesnar is set to defend his WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns when a dream match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura is also booked. The debut of Ronda Rousey and return of Kurt Angle are other add-ons for the show.
But these matches alone are not going to do the trick.
WrestleMania is all about grand moments and in professional wrestling, nothing produces a huge pop like surprise returns. The adrenaline rush of seeing a wrestler return to the squared circle is unmatched and this year also, WWE could pull off some similar returns at the Granddaddy of them all.
#5 Rey Mysterio
For the past couple of months, Rey Mysterio has been linked with a full-time deal to the WWE. And this is mostly due to his return as a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble. He did manage to make jaws drop by showing up at the pay-per-view but then again, it proved to be a one-off appearance.
On the positive side, the return proved that Mysterio still has a legion of fans behind him. Even at the age of 43, Mysterio can give the current talent a run for their money when it comes to star power.
The rumors are suggesting a showdown between Mysterio and John Cena at WrestleMania. But the chances of the same happening are low since Cena is invested in chasing Undertaker now.
Nevertheless, if the Master of 619 is indeed returning at WrestleMania, he is bound to get a huge reaction from the WWE Universe. WWE just needs to figure out the right storyline in which they can put Mysterio in.
#4 Jeff Hardy
The situation of Jeff Hardy is an interesting one. He was out of action due to an injury but was expected to return at WrestleMania. Things then took a turn for the worst when Jeff got arrested for DWI. In an official statement, WWE noted that they are investigating the matter and until the same is completed, Jeff’s future is up in the air.
Any storyline linked to Matt Hardy seems like the only option for Jeff’s return at the moment. With the whole ‘Broken’ gimmick picking up the pace, Jeff’s inclusion into the angle is a necessity. It’s only a matter of when and how.
Unfortunately, Reby Hardy isn’t apparently happy with Jeff’s antics and she recently went public with her opinion. Reby’s stand on the issue is a big blow for Jeff but since the Hardys have been in the wrestling industry for a long time, they are likely to bury the hatchet and do what’s best for business. WWE’s clearance is another hurdle that Jeff will have to clear.
#3 Big Cass
Another superstar side-lined due to injury, Big Cass could be shot up to the moons when he finally returns to action. Vince McMahon’s love for big men is still relevant and the biggest proof for this is the push that Braun Strowman is getting. Big Cass was also on the receiving side of a strong push before he got injured and he is likely to pick up from where he left off.
With Enzo Amore no longer in the WWE, Cass will have the spotlight on his own. As WWE needs to bring back Cass with a ground-breaking booking decision, letting him win the Andre The Giant Battle Royal seems like a good option.
Cass ripping through the entire Battle Royal is a believable storyline as he has the size and strength to do it. WWE, however, will have to make sure that Cass does not go irrelevant just like all the other Andre The Giant Battle Royal winners.
#2 Samoa Joe
The fans are eagerly waiting for the return of the Samoan Submission machine. Joe picked up the injury during a match against Rhyno back in January and has been away from in-ring action ever since. When Joe appeared on the pre-show of NXT Takeover: Philadelphia, he revealed that the injury would keep him out of the ring until mid-March. The timeline mentioned by Joe is now completed and this further boosts the chances of him returning at WrestleMania.
Joe was flirting with the main event scene before he got injured and might head straight back into this position. Joe has unfinished business with names like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar while there was also Joe vs. John Cena tease at some point. No matter how WWE decides to use Joe, his return will be something worth celebrating for the fans.
Due to the fanfare that Joe has, WWE should be careful on how they book him as a bad move will definitely backfire.
#1 Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley is no longer associated with Impact Wrestling and this opens the door wide open for his WWE return. Just like the case with most of the other superstars on this list, there have been rumors about Lashley’s WWE return. Some suggest that he could return at WrestleMania while others suggest that he could show up on the night after the show.
Either way, the return of Lashley will be huge. The prospect of seeing Lashley lock horns with Brock Lesnar is a dream scenario for many fans considering the legitimate Mixed Martial Arts background that these two have. The mainstream attention will be WWE’s biggest win with such a storyline.
There is a string of other possible storylines for Lashley as well if he decides to return to WWE.
