The 5 greatest pro wrestling returns of all time

#4 Triple H returns at MSG (WWE Raw 1/7/2002)

There's been a lot of talk about "Greatest WWE returns" after Edge returned at the Royal Rumble.Triple H's return in 2002 has to be in the conversation. The ovation, the injury, the building (MSG), previously a heel, turned instantly into a babyface.Iconic WWE moment.#WWE pic.twitter.com/EhbWeakM7g

— Owen @ WrestleNews365 (@365Wrestle) February 9, 2020

As previously mentioned, location is essential in legendary pro wrestling returns. Madison Square Garden is considered the Mecca when it comes to WWE due to their long history at the World's Most Famous Arena. John Cena had an epic surprise return from injury at Royal Rumble 2008 that is worth mentioning, but nothing was like Triple H's return in 2002.

During the Attitude Era, there might not have been a more dastardly heel than Triple H. The Game was universally hated and was the villain that made superstars like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mankind even more popular. In 2001, he went down with a serious quadriceps injury that took him out of action for almost a year.

We continue counting some of @WWE’s most memorable moments at MSG! January 7, 2002: Triple H makes his return on RAW. Only 5 more days until WWE live TV returns to The Garden! #WWEMSG (📸: @WWE) https://t.co/HaOonbsZbq pic.twitter.com/5os63eKR7a

— MSG (@TheGarden) September 4, 2019

In the weeks leading up to his magical return, WWE hyped his comeback via emotional vignettes with U2's 'Beautiful Day' playing over it. This helped build a great deal of anticipation and also helped fans who hated Triple H to gain more of an appreciation for him due to how hard he was working to return.

When his music hit on the January 7th, 2002 episode of Monday Night Raw, there was a visceral roar from the crowd unlike anything heard at that time. In that moment, the fans forgot all of the evil things that The Game had done before and just showered him with love during his return.

It stands as one of the biggest reactions in MSG history and one of the best WWE returns ever.