T-minus two weeks and counting. That's approximately how long we have left until the greatest spectacle in all of professional wrestling, WrestleMania. Fans from all over the world will be taking over Orlando, Florida for the 33rd year of this extraordinary event.
There will be titles on the line, possibly careers at stake and as always, there’s bound to be a few surprises thrown into the mix as well.
When it comes to those surprises, we could very well see some of the legendary WWE Superstars of years gone by! Maybe a WWE Hall of Famer makes an impromptu appearance, or one of the many great free agents from the indie scene could potentially emerge at some point.
Ultimately, time will tell the true story of what exactly will transpire under the Florida skies, inside the Camping World Stadium.
As far as the WWE Legends that could make an appearance, let us for a moment, just imagine if one or more of the legends could actually suit up and compete in a legit match.
Maybe they renew an old rivalry for one last payoff, or perhaps they decide to teach an overzealous newcomer a lesson in humility. Either way, having a match in which a legend was able to compete in one final hurrah, on the biggest stage of all, would be something fans would never forget.
With that said, who are some of the legends from the past that could potentially get back in the ring for one more WWE match?
Granted, this is a highly unlikely scenario, but it sure would make for an entertaining addition to the evening. Here’s a look at five WWE Legends that I believe would be ready to compete, if called upon.
#5 Beth Phoenix
Being classified as a “legend” doesn't necessarily mean one must be from the Golden Era, or beyond. There are plenty of living legends under 50 years old. Just think of The Attitude Era and even The Ruthless Aggression Era and so on, these eras have seen a tonne of legendary performers come through.
Also read: 5 mistakes that the WWE should not make at WrestleMania 33
Beth Phoenix is heading into the WWE Hall of Fame this year and considering that she is still only in her mid-30’s, there's no question in my mind that she can still compete at a high level.
#4 Rey Mysterio
As of this writing, Rey Mysterio is still a member of the Lucha Underground roster. However, considering the time of year and the magnitude of WrestleMania, I’m fairly certain something could be worked out if the need were to arise.
Rey Mysterio is the ultimate underdog. His entire career has been a triumphant story of how someone only 5’6” and roughly 170 pounds, has been able to not only compete but dominate at the highest of levels.
Pro wrestling has typically been a sport designed around those monstrous, larger-than-life characters.
However, Mysterio was one of the original small guys who destroyed that very notion, paving the way for an entire generation of performers to not only be accepted but be embraced and absolutely celebrated.
There is no doubt whatsoever that Rey would receive a hero’s welcome if he were to appear at WrestleMania 33.
It’s also worth noting that Mysterio is booked to be in Orlando during WrestleMania 33 weekend. This obviously doesn't automatically mean that he will show up at ‘Mania as there are many former WWE Superstars booked in that area during WrestleMania weekend.
#3 Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts
Let me start this one off by saying, I am well aware that the 61-year-old Hall of Famer is not at all capable of handling a full, 10-15 minute match. Where I am coming from with this selection, is a place of celebration and victory.
Please remember that just a couple of years ago, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts was living a drug-addicted, alcohol-fueled life of self-destruction.
Jake was essentially black-balled from all things WWE. But, when Diamond Dallas Page reached his hand down to offer his help, Jake humbly accepted and eventually turned his entire life around. The entire story is an emotional tale of ultimate redemption.
Since his recovery, Jake has mentioned on multiple occasions that he wants to compete one more time for the WWE.
Originally, he only wanted to be a surprise entrant in a Royal Rumble match. However, if the company were to somehow find a way to get Jake in the ring at WrestleMania 33 and just plant someone, anyone, with one more DDT, this fairytale would see it’s perfect ending.
#2 Kurt Angle
As we all now know, Kurt Angle is set to headline this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony, coming up during WrestleMania 33 weekend.
Having our Olympic Hero return to where it all started, is just the way things are supposed to be. Angle is considered by many as one of the best, if not the best in-ring technician of all-time. His career has been nothing less than a clinic for aspiring wrestlers to learn from.
Kurt Angle may be 48 years old, but he has remained in optimal condition and could probably outwork many guys half his age.
With that said, it is not far from reality to consider a match at WrestleMania 33 featuring Kurt Angle being a legit possibility. If this does not come to fruition, look for Angle to get involved in some sort of on-air storyline in the near future.
After all, the man has too much money left on the table.
#1 CM Punk
No, this is not a typo and no, you do not need to refresh your browser. Yes, I’m well aware that this may very well be the most unlikely of all the legends to make an appearance.
But, I cannot help but believe that CM Punk still has a strong desire to one day wrestle again. I could be wrong, but considering the train wreck that was his UFC debut, a WWE return would be the only platform for Punk right now, if he is willing to compete again.
While it’s probably a long shot, just think of the ovation if Punk’s “Cult of Personality” entrance music were to drop all of a sudden. There would be reports of seismic tremors all throughout Orange County.
If you pay attention during practically every televised WWE event, the fans will almost always start a “CM PUNK!” chant.
Punk hears it loud and clear, as we found out during a recent episode of RAW, when The Rock placed a call to Punk during a dark segment while they were taping for the documentary on Paige’s life.
Soon after, Punk tweeted his appreciation to the fans in attendance.
Maybe I’m just a delusional CM Punk fan, holding onto hope that one day the Straight Edge Superstar will return to the one place where his fans accept and embrace him for everything that he is, as well as everything he is not.
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