8 jaw-dropping WWE returns we saw in 2021

#3 Becky Lynch returned to WWE at SummerSlam to win the SmackDown Women's Championship

Becky Lynch departed WWE in May 2020 to give birth to her first child. In the process, she relinquished her RAW Women's Championship.

15 months later, The Man returned. She shocked fans at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, who went wild when her music hit. Lynch made her way down to the ring and challenged Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women's Title.

Initially, Belair was due to face Sasha Banks, but the match was pulled. She was then due to face Carmella, but Becky Lynch came out and attacked her, leaving the match open.

Bianca Belair accepted, but Big Time Becks defeated her in just 26-seconds to win the title, leaving fans stunned.

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#2 Brock Lesnar returned to WWE for the first time since WrestleMania 36 at SummerSlam

Brock Lesnar last appeared for WWE at WrestleMania 36 before making his surprise return to SummerSlam in August. His contract was in fact up after his clash with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania, which left many wondering what was next for The Beast Incarnate.

We soon found out when he made his way down to the ring following the conclusion of Roman Reigns' Universal Title defense against John Cena. Lesnar had a staredown with The Head of the Table before the champion exited from the ring with Paul Heyman.

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#1 John Cena made a return to WWE to mark the "Summer of Cena"

John Cena returned to the company this past summer in what was described as the "Summer of Cena." He made his return to WWE programming 15 months after his last appearance. Cena appeared to confront Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank.

Of course, the pair had a blockbuster match at SummerSlam. But it was what The Doctor of Thuganomics did outside the ring during the summer that grabbed the headlines. John Cena broke records for merchandise sales and Instagram post records showing that even today his value is still high.

There's no doubt we'll be seeing Big Match John down the road.