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One big thing that WWE always tries to accomplish with the WrestleMania each year is to have as many big names featured as they can arrange. Last year, for example, John Cena appeared in a segment instead of a match. In previous years, the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and even NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal have been a part of the event.
Sometimes, a Hall of Fame induction coincides with an appearance. Other times it could be an official retirement match - like Kurt Angle's match against Baron Corbin last year. A big angle that leads to a match (NWO/DX at WrestleMania 31) like between Triple H and Sting has also been another way used to bolster the PPV. Big names help sell the PPV to fans other than just the hardcore ones that watch the product every week.
Since the start of 2020, several WWE Legends and other big names have emerged on programming. In the last two weeks alone, both Hogan and Goldberg have appeared on SmackDown to try and go toe to toe psychologically with The Fiend Bray Wyatt. Goldberg's showing led to a Universal Championship match at Super Showdown at the end of February.
So, which other big names are going to show up in Tampa, and which ones could possibly be in matches? Is Goldberg's appearance a one-off, and what happens if he does win the title at Super Showdown? Here are six big names that could feasibly show up at WrestleMania 36.
#6 Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury was a part of Crown Jewel in October of 2019. He had appeared on the premiere episode of SmackDown on FOX, and faced Braun Strowman at the event in Saudi Arabia.
After winning by countout, we were left to wonder when and if Fury would show up in a WWE ring again. He appeared on WWE programming afterwards, apparently making peace with Strowman and offering to make his next WWE match a tag team battle with Braun as his partner. But, that was the last we heard of it until recently.
He might have been noncommittal at first, but he has stated his plans to return to a WWE ring once again. Fury has said that he wants to face Brock Lesnar at some point, but in terms of readiness, he needs a little more ring time in order to face an opponent the caliber of the Beast. And with Drew McIntyre winning the 2020 Royal Rumble and having already challenged Lesnar, that match is clearly off.
An appearance at the Show of Shows for Fury also depends on his upcoming rematch against Deontay Wilder. WWE officials seemed to only be interested in a big match for Fury if he is victorious in said bout with Wilder. Whatever happens on February 22nd, Fury could easily show up in some capacity at the Showcase of the Immortals in Tampa.
#5 Goldberg
Goldberg's return is two-fold. The first part was challenging The Fiend for the Universal Championship at Super ShowDown. He only usually comes back for marquee matches and a huge title match with Wyatt certainly qualifies as that. Goldberg's name is also one that carries weight for the shows like Crown Jewel and Super Showdown, so his spot is a calculated risk.
The second part of that return involves if he is indeed successful at Super ShowDown. They have put major titles on part-timers before (Goldberg himself and Lesnar). The Fiend has taken the WWE by storm over the last year and he has earned the chance to walk into WrestleMania as Champ.
Goldberg has returned to topple a major title holder before when he beat then Champ Kevin Owens en route to WrestleMania 33. At the event, however, he dropped the belt to Brock Lesnar to put an end to their rivalry stemming from Goldberg's return to WWE.
Should the former WCW Champion dispatch of The Fiend, he'll be walking into Tampa as Universal Champion again. That obviously means that he'd be in for a marquee match at the Show of Shows against a top name from SmackDown. If he falls to The Fiend, Goldberg could still show up if he so desires. Everything depends on what happens with the Fiend, but since he returned recently, he might not be going away for a while.
#4 Edge
The potential of an Edge match at WrestleMania 36 after retiring in 2011 became even more like a reality after he made a triumphant return at the 2020 Royal Rumble. He received quite possibly the largest crowd reaction ever for a returning or debuting Superstar.
Seeds were planted even further the following night on RAW after he closed the show with old friend/foe Randy Orton. The Viper attacked his former tag team partner, seemingly putting the Rated-R Superstar on the shelf. We're led to believe that Edge is forced back into retirement, but we all know that it's building towards a huge match at the Show of Shows.
The storytelling has been brilliant during this angle, so much so that it has actually reinvigorated Orton. For most of the last few years, he's meandered between heel and face with it hard to see the difference between the two. After brutally assaulting not only his friend but someone who fought back from a career-ending neck injury, he's easily the reviled heel.
When Edge does return, it will be to a raucous response and one that should set the stage for his first singles match in nine years. WrestleMania 36 is a success already if Edge shows up in action.
#3 Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan always jumps at the chance to come back to the WWE and 2020 is no different. Getting inducted into the Hall of Fame again helps as he becomes a two-time inductee as a member of the NWO this year. The event is also taking place in his home state of Florida.
I'm sure he'd love one more match and a huge portion of the WWE Universe would as well. Not every Legend can lace up the boots and return to former in-ring glory so his best use would be outside of a match. Perhaps he could have another verbal war with Wyatt.
But with the HOF induction and his recent interaction with The Fiend, it's a guarantee that Hogan will be at 'Mania. He's going to show up during the usual segment featuring inductees, and he could even show up somehow linked to The Fiend match. After his interaction via satellite with Wyatt, he said "See you in Tampa."
That was partially because of the NWO and the HOF. You can be more than sure the Immortal One might have a bigger role during the actual WrestleMania show than the rest of the members of the NWO.
#2 John Cena
While he did not have a match at last year's event, John Cena did show up in "Classic Cena" mode to be the latest person to interrupt a performance from Elias. Cena's still in great shape and would be believable in a return to the ring after a year or so off.
A return in a match this year appears to be shaping up. A few months ago, it was reported that Cena said that he's available the day of the Show of Shows. He also happens to live in the Tampa area. His return to SmackDown on February 28th was also announced last week. Why else would he be showing up a month before the PPV but in order to set up a potential program? Some rumors have been running rampant that he is indeed slated for a match with potential opponents up in the air.
The former franchise is still a huge name that casual fans will tune in to watch. Despite not wrestling in almost a year, he's still an avid fitness enthusiast who keeps himself in phenomenal shape. Since he didn't wrestle at last year's show, it would make sense for him to do so this year. We still have a few weeks for that to play out on SmackDown, but when is all said and done, the Leader of Cenation could very well be in Tampa for the Show of Shows.
#1 The Undertaker
The Undertaker became synonymous with the Show of Shows throughout his WWE career. His unbeaten streak is legendary and it often became a runner-up prize of sorts for those who didn't earn a major title shot at the event. Others even considered it akin to competing for a major title.
While he did not compete at last year's show, he did show up the following night on RAW in order to join the ranks who have interrupted Elias. He did also compete against Goldberg at the 2019 Super ShowDown event. Despite begin over 50, his name will always carry weight and anticipation regarding an appearance.
Recently, reports have emerged that not only will The Deadman be at the Show of Shows this year but he will also get back into the ring. Some rumors have suggested that it would be against AJ Styles. That's a great idea for many reasons, including Styles being a safe ring worker as well as a huge name to have never crossed paths with the Undertaker.
He might be over 40 as well, but Styles is one of the most gifted in-ring performers of all time. Taker will be in good hands and will make the most of an appearance if he does indeed compete this year.
