Top 5 best WWE returns of 2018

There's nothing quite like a good return in WWE.

That hit of music, that shocking walk-out to the stage, that moment the fans know what is actually happening.

Whether it be a star fans haven't seen in years, or one they never thought they'd see again - a return done well, can make a pay per view.

This year, we have seen some shocking returns in WWE, as fans have been able to have blasts of nostalgia, with some of these stars missing for years.

The only thing better than that nostalgic buzz, however, is seeing that the superstars you once cheered for in days gone by, can still hang-in with the best of them in 2018.

There are a ton of great returns this year, but we've narrowed it down.

Here are 5 superstars who shocked, amazed, and wowed fans by returning to the WWE in 2018.

#5 Drew McIntyre returns to Monday Nights

McIntyre made his main roster return early this year

When Drew McIntyre was released by the WWE in 2014, the Scotsman described it as the best thing that could've happened to him.

Leaving as a boy, McIntyre returned as a man in 2017, capturing the NXT title, after developing greatly as both a wrestler and a character on the indies.

After losing the title, McIntyre made his main roster return early this year, as the partner of Dolph Ziggler, attacking Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil.

Whilst he was at one point a jobber on the red brand, the Scottish Terminator has now become an established upper mid-carder, even main eventing this week's RAW, where he defeated Kurt Angle.

Rumors have been circulating that there is a big push coming McIntyre's way in the near future, with many wondering if the star who was once touted as a future world champion, will hold the Universal title in 2019.

#4 Chris Jericho

In 2018, Chris Jericho has been everywhere.

He has been traveling the world, capturing New Japan's IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Naito, earlier this year.

Outside of the ring, he has maintained his busy schedule, with his weekly podcast, 'Talk Is Jericho', as well as his Rock and Wrestling cruise which took place in October.

So it was very surprising when the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah made his presence known at the Greatest Royal Rumble pay per view in Jeddah this past April.

A participant in the 50 man Rumble match, Jericho entered last, giving him a clear advantage.

Whilst Jericho didn't win, he was able to score an elimination, throwing out SmackDown Live's Shelton Benjamin, before being eliminated himself by eventual winner Braun Strowman.

Despite the loss, his return was a huge moment for the fans, who no doubt want to see more of him in 2019.

#3 Bobby Lashley

A former ECW World Heavyweight and United States Champion, the release of Bobby Lashley was a weird one.

Lashley had a solid 2007, entering the year as champion, losing the ECW gold, regaining it, and having an exciting feud with John Cena.

By the Summer, Lashley was not seen on TV, as he was dealing with injuries, and the once huge star was released in 2008.

Returning to the company a decade later, Lashley made his presence known on the RAW after WrestleMania, attacking Elias.

Immediately pushed, Lashley has been impressive, albeit bland now he's back, using his MMA skills to help pick up wins.

Now a heel, and with Lio Rush to handle his promos, the former Army Ranger is more interesting than ever before, and with the pair in the good books of Constable Baron Corbin, who knows what will come next.

#2 Dean Ambrose

The Lunatic Fringe dominated the red brand with his Shield brothers

When Dean Ambrose went down with an injury, things did not look good. What made the injury worse was Ambrose nearly died after an infection was discovered, leaving him hospitalised for a week.

Returning in August 2018, Ambrose instantly reached his former spot, teaming with Seth Rollins, and later reuniting The Shield with Roman Reigns.

Sporting a new, more serious look, The Lunatic Fringe dominated the red brand with his Shield brothers, as the fans (wrongly) believed everything was okay with the trio.

Unfortunately, Reigns' real-life leukemia diagnosis ended the group's run, but Ambrose's shock heel turn on The Architect has been one of the most shocking moments of the year.

Now a heel, Ambrose has completely changed, being cold and methodical, instead of the erratic but lovable lunatic we knew.

It will be interesting to see who wins this war between him and Rollins.

#1 Rey Mysterio

Fans can expect a lot more of Mysterio in 2019

Arguably the biggest masked superstar in the United States, Rey Mysterio had done it all in WWE.

A former WWE, World Heavyweight, Tag Team, and Intercontinental Champion, Mysterio is also a Royal Rumble winner, with his matches being the stuff of legend.

Leaving the company in 2015 due to injuries, many fans never expected The Ultimate Underdog to return.

But at this year's January Royal Rumble, Mysterio made a shock return, with a much leaner look.

Returning again at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Mysterio once again showed how well he could perform, despite his decades in the business.

Recently signing on to return full-time, fans can expect a lot more of Mysterio in 2019, with the possibility of championship gold always present.

Mysterio will be representing Team SmackDown at the upcoming Survivor Series, 13 years after he last represented the blue brand at the show in 2005.