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WWE's biggest events of the year often bring with them an aura of shock and excitement. If they're not going to pull out all the stops for the big 4 PPVs, then what are they saving it for? That's why shows like SummerSlam and WrestleMania are hotbeds for big returns.
Just last year at this exact event, we saw the returns of Big E and Nikki Bella as well as the debut of Bayley. So what could we be in store for this year? Here are 5 possibilities.
No. 5 - Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho just recently made a return on SmackDown Live. So while this wouldn't be the most shocking return of all time, it would still get the crowd on its feet, just like it did a few weeks ago.
The king of surprise returns could add another one to his resume, even if it just 3 weeks since the last one.
If Y2J did show up in Brooklyn, it would be to somehow get involved in the Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles United States title match. Although Jericho did get his rematch on SmackDown for the title in the form of a triple threat, his business with KO probably isn't finished.
After all, Owens gave him the beating of his life a few months ago at the Festival of Friendship. Those scars don't heal quickly.
No. 4 - Paige
Paige makes her entrance on Raw
For a while, it seemed unlikely that Paige would ever set foot in a WWE ring again. Between the video leak, her relationship with the WWE-bashing Alberto El Patron, and most importantly the issues with her neck, her WWE career looked over. But according to Paige herself, she's going to be returning soon.
It's unclear what her medical status is or if she'll be cleared to return by the time SummerSlam rolls around.
But even if she's not, assuming she expects to be cleared in the near future, she could still appear in a non-physical role. She could bolster whichever Women's division she jumps into (Raw probably needs her the most) and she would create a huge moment in Brooklyn if her music hits.
Maybe she shows up and knocks Alexa Bliss' lights out after the Women's title match. Maybe she does the same to Naomi.
There are plenty of possibilities if Paige shows up at SummerSlam, all of which would create a memorable scene.
No. 3 - Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan stare down their opponents
Last we saw, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan were not on the same page. They had just come out of a messy breakup of the Wyatt Family and were beginning what has become a pair of obviously unsuccessful singles careers. But now that they've been off TV a while and have no direction whatsoever, maybe a reunion is in their best interest.
So what place would they have at SummerSlam? Sure, they could make their presence known after the tag title match. But their more likely place right now would be in the Fashion Police storyline. After the latest edition of Fashion Peaks, all we know is that Arn Anderson killed Tully the horse and Fandango either was, or believes he was abducted by aliens.
But who really took out Fandango? Could it be the team of Harper and Rowan? After all, they have a mean streak and could use something to do. Assuming there actually is an end game to this whole Breezango situation and they're not just making it up on the fly, this could be it. It could be a perfect way to reintroduce the two big men to the fans.
No. 2 - The Rock
The Rock addresses the WWE Universe
You might be asking yourself, "What business does The Rock have at SummerSlam? He's not making a full-time WWE return anytime soon. He has no business making an appearance." If that's what you're thinking, I hear you. But respectfully, shhhh.
The Rock doesn't need a reason to show up places, he just does so whenever he pleases. The man was at WrestleMania a few years ago just so he could set a giant metal version of his name on fire and announce the attendance record. He even made an appearance at a Boston live event a few months back. A live event!
On any given night, Rock's music could hit, he could cut a promo, maybe make fun of one of the heels, and go on his merry way and no one would question a thing. He oozes charisma and entertainment. If WWE wants to add a little extra oomph, albeit by doing something that has no long term consequences, they could call up Rocky and throw him into the ring for 15 minutes or so. Why not? Stranger things have happened.
No. 1 - Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella makes her return at SummerSlam 2016
Could Nikki Bella double down and make it two consecutive SummerSlam returns? She showed up last year replacing the suspended Eva Marie in a multi-woman tag team match. Now, WWE is rolling into Brooklyn again and Nikki is in the midst of a hiatus.
But with her man John Cena back in the fold, it might be the right time for her to jump back into things as well.
She teased a SummerSlam appearance on Twitter during a beef between Cena and Baron Corbin, saying she can't wait to sit front row and see Cena slap Corbin's mouth off his face. Does that definitely mean she'll be involved in something beyond a quick appearance on camera during Cena and Corbin's match?
Of course not. But it doesn't rule it out, and at the very least it confirms she'll be in the building.
Much like a potential Paige return, Nikki's return would bolster the Women's division, presumably that of SmackDown if she sticks on her previous brand.
She's one of the biggest stars in the division and it might finally be time for her to return to her spot near the top.
