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One of the most exciting aspects of watching WWE is when a superstar returns to the company, especially when most dirt-sheets are largely unable to predict that outcome.
Although this is an 'all-time' list, keep in mind that a lot of returns from the 1980s and 1990s seemed unexpected by default. Back then, there wasn't a constant stream of rumors on the internet. Online topics regarding potential return rumors and 'insider information' only became most popular in the 21st century.
Of course, there are more than five returns that took WWE fans by surprise over the years. But this particular list looks back at that the ones that remain popular and relevant to this day. Let us know your favorite WWE returns of all time in the comments section below.
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With that in mind, here are the five most unexpected WWE returns of all time.
#5: Roman Reigns returned at WWE SummerSlam 2020 after "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman's main event match
This return can be considered the most unusual pick on the whole list. First, there were no fans who were physically present inside the Amway Center during WWE SummerSlam 2020. Instead, virtual fans in the ThunderDome were able to witness Roman Reigns returning to WWE after the main event.
Some may argue that the absence of an actual crowd doesn't make this moment as great as other iconic returns in WWE history. Still, few fans expected Reigns' return at SummerSlam until it actually happened. That's why it shocked everyone to see "The Big Dog" storm the ring.
The conversation around WWE also skyrocketed when he attacked "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman after their main event match for the Universal Championship.
Reigns established a stunning new attitude after his return. Subsequently, his alliance with Paul Heyman on the following episode of SmackDown has gained a lot of critical and fan acclaim.
It's safe to say that WWE's landscape in the latter half of 2020 would have been very different if Reigns hadn't returned the way he did at this year's SummerSlam pay-per-view.
#4: Shane McMahon returned to WWE RAW in 2016 by interrupting his sister, Stephanie McMahon
Shane McMahon's resignation from his position as WWE's Executive Vice President of Global Media in 2010 was a way for him to pursue outside ventures.
This sabbatical ended in February 2016 on an episode of WWE RAW, where "Shane-O Mac" returned and interrupted Stephanie McMahon. When his sister received the Vincent J. McMahon Legacy of Excellence award, Shane made his grand entrance.
Vince McMahon was also present during this segment. Shane made it clear to his father that he wanted control over WWE Monday Night RAW. Shane also buried Stephanie and Triple H's reign over the company, saying that they had run it into the ground. This stance instantly made Shane a fan-favorite star.
Shane's return quickly became an all-time classic. Vince later announced that his son, Shane, would have to defeat The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell match at WWE WrestleMania 32 in order to gain control of the red brand.
Shane's return in 2016 caught many fans by surprise. It hadn't been talked about on online platforms before the segment actually happened. Clearly, it certainly took WWE fans by surprise when Shane-O Mac appeared on WWE RAW out of nowhere.
#3: Bret Hart returned to WWE as the special guest host of RAW in 2010
Sure, rumors and speculations surrounded Bret Hart's return to WWE. But it was still a surreal and unbelievable moment to see "The Hitman" on an episode of WWE RAW on January 4, 2010.
After all, the Montreal Screwjob was still a controversial topic of conversation at the time. But WWE and Hart slowly started working together again. The legend was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. Shortly thereafter, Natalya and Tyson Kidd of The Hart Family started appearing on the main roster.
Even then, Bret's tense relationships with Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon hadn't substantially improved. "The Hitman" still had bitter feelings against both gentlemen. As a result, he refused to reconcile for many years.
Though Hart's return to WWE RAW was announced ahead of time, WWE fans were still in disbelief. It was a surprising and unexpected moment for everyone. Hart's feelings towards WWE had been intensely negative following the Montreal Screwjob and the tragic death of his brother, Owen Hart.
Of course, WWE turned the Montreal Screwjob into a storyline when McMahon kicked Hart on live television. But the segment where Michaels and Hart buried the hatchet in a WWE ring was a moment for the ages.
#2: John Cena returned to WWE during the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match in 2008
Not many people were aware that John Cena would be returning at WWE Royal Rumble 2008. The polarizing star was kept hidden in the backstage area to protect the surprise's integrity.
Three months before the event, Cena suffered a torn pectoral muscle. As a result, he had to relinquish the WWE Championship. Most estimates predicted that his injury would require six months to a year of rehabilitation.
But these figures didn't take the heart "Super Cena" into consideration. He only required three months of rehabilitation. S he returned during the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match as the final entrant. Plus, Cena won the whole match by eliminating Triple H at the end.
WWE superstar often defy all medical odds and swerve the fanbase. But Cena's return at the WWE Royal Rumble is something that fans still talk about to this day.
Cena's unexpected return in 2008 has also been frequently featured on some of the most-watched WWE YouTube. It's evident that this moment could live forever.
#1: The Rock was revealed as the host of WrestleMania 27 when he returned to WWE in 2011
The Rock slowly became a huge Hollywood star following his first departure from WWE back in 2004. At the time, there was no indication whatsoever that he would end up being the host for WWE WrestleMania 27.
It may sound a bit too strange now, but out of the many names that were rumored to host the show, The Rock wasn't one of them.
Other WWE superstars and the production staff were largely unaware of The Rock's return. On the day of the surprise reveal, he deliberately arrived late to the building. He then posted a photo of himself filming a backstage promo just an hour before his return.
For the first time in almost seven years, The Rock returned to WWE RAW and blew the roof off the arena on February 14, 2011. The overarching purpose behind The Rock's return was to kickstart a long-term storyline with John Cena. This feud produced two unforgettable matches at two subsequent WWE WrestleMania shows.
In the modern era of WWE, a lot of major returns get leaked by the dirt sheets. But The Rock's 2011 return remains one of the few examples that prove otherwise.
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