The unpredictability of professional wrestling is what makes us love it. Surprise returns are something that contributes to this unpredictable nature. And if these returns are happening at WrestleMania, then the impact goes up to a whole different level.
Over the three-decade history of WrestleMania, there have been some major returns that made everyone talk. With another WrestleMania season in place,this would be the perfect time to look back and recall some of those returns that went into the history books. So here are some of the most memorable returns that happened at WrestleMania.
Roddy Piper (WrestleMania 19)
Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan had a much-hyped match at WrestleMania 19. It was not something that wrestling purists looked forward to, but the whole idea of Vince vs. Hogan felt exciting. Both men went on to have a bloody match and amidst their bout, Roddy Piper made a surprise return and hit Hogan with a blunt object.
WWE was simply taking advantage of the history that Hogan had with Roddy Piper and it worked out pretty well. Roddy had a huge impact on the match and the fact that it was his return added more excitement towards the whole thing.
Matt Hardy (WrestleMania 24)
The feud between Matt Hardy and MVP is not something that all the wrestling fans would remember. The feud was pretty much underrated but it did give one memorable WrestleMania return when Matt Hardy came out and cost MVP the Money in the Bank briefcase. Hardy did not have a place in the card due to an injury.
He however, showed up when MVP was going to win the Money in the Bank match. Hardy, then went on to give a memorable high spot using the ladder and showed that he still knew how to make the crowd pop. Unfortunately, the feud is not something that gets the credit that it deserves.
Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 12)
The Ultimate Warrior character had a roller coaster ride in the wrestling business. He had a huge WrestleMania moment at WrestleMania 8 (which we will see later) and then, Warrior produced yet another memorable WrestleMania moment at WrestleMania 12 when he made his return. WWE was crippled with a depleted roster at that time and the return of Warrior was more than welcome.
Warrior faced off against Triple H in his returning match but it was nothing memorable. In fact, it was a forgettable outing for Triple H and he mentioned it numerous times as well. Despite the hype, the return and the spell did not last long and Warrior soon faded from the WWE.
Undertaker (WrestleMania 20)
The feud between Undertaker and Kane gave us some great moments. The whole brother-brother feud had a cult status during that time and WrestleMania 20 played host to a huge match from the sage. Kane had buried Undertaker alive but soon, vignettes aired about the return of Undertaker.
It lead all the way to WrestleMania 20 where he had a grand entrance and also marked the return of Paul Bearer as Taker's manager. Taker then went on to win the match and the Madison Square Garden crowd greeted him with the respect he deserved. It was also the official return of the Deadman gimmick.
Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 8)
Back in the 90s, The Ultimate Warrior had a cult status. Although Warrior was not that polished in between the ropes, his character helped to get him over and he actually had two WrestleMania returns and the first one is the topic of discussion here. This return took place at WrestleMania 8 and the arena erupted when Warrior came running into the ring.
Hulk Hogan was headlining the show and he needed some support to fend off Sid Justice and Harvey Wippleman. Warrior made his return to help Hogan and got a huge pop. It was a pleasant surprise as well to see him return after his hiatus.
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