WWE TLC 2017: 5 potential returns at WWE TLC

Let's be honest. One of the main reasons that WWE and indeed sports entertainment trumps real sports for many of us is the 'drama' element that is synonymous with it.

Practically nowhere else will you see interference and cheating when a referee's attention is distracted, in a shamelessly blatant manner. Or a sudden change of heart in the middle of a match, as one of the performers decides to go bad or good, as per the storyline.

One of the most exciting aspects of sports entertainment, is the concept of the unannounced return. We saw how the WWE Universe exploded in unison when The Hardyz invaded WrestleMania 33. Or when AJ Styles showed up unannounced at the previous Royal Rumble. WWE did a fabulous job of keeping Kane's return a secret, this week on RAW.

TLC has a rather underwhelming card except for the main event. It stands to reason that WWE may have an ace up its sleeve, to make the event an unforgettable one indeed.

Let's look at five returns that could happen at the pay-per-view that could have long-term implications on Survivor Series and beyond.

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#5 John Cena

He still has some unfinished business with Roman Reigns

You simply do not book John Cena and Roman Reigns in a huge match, and have just a one-off contest. Heading into Survivor Series, which is one of the bigger pay-per-views of the year, it is more than likely that John Cena could return to exact revenge.

After all, he was pinned clean at No Mercy. And John Cena is hardly ever pinned clean. Bear in mind, that it is completely fair to help someone in a TLC match as there is no disqualification.

Considering how the Survivor Series format usually is, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to see Team Cena vs. The Shield in a Survivor Series contest. Or maybe yet another marquee match between John Cena and Roman Reigns.

The ratings have fallen and WWE may need yet another set of pipebombs between the two men to boost them up again.

Of course, John Cena isn't the only person gunning for Roman Reigns...

#4 The Undertaker

Roman Reigns better watch out for this man

The predominant rumour on the internet is that The Undertaker has not retired. In fact, a lot of rumours on the internet indicate that Kane was simply brought back to RAW, to initiate a program that would bring The Undertaker back for Survivor Series, to face his arch nemesis, Roman Reigns.

Some rumours also indicate that The Undertaker may ally himself with The Shield, to even the odds against the evil group of heels that have been tormenting them. Whatever the case may be, do not be surprised if the lights were to go out during the big match.

Do you think that The Undertaker and Roman Reigns at Survivor Series is a good idea to boost ratings again? Let us know in the comments below.

Much like Roman Reigns, others should be on the lookout as well, as a familiar face could be returning...

#3 Darren Young

Not as exciting a return as the two previous names

We have seen matches booked on the fly in pay-per-view events in the very recent past. Remember the Breezango vs. Ascension match at Money in the Bank 2017? We don't blame you if you don't. We barely remember it ourselves.

The fact of the matter is that Darren Young is back in the fold and has been part of live events, recently. Considering that big names like Matt Hardy and Jason Jordan are not in the current bill, we wouldn't be surprised to see him brought back to face either of the two men.

Young is a solid worker and could be a very good hand in the mid-card. His arrival will not shake up the roster, but could definitely make it quite interesting.

Only two names to go, but the next return could most definitely happen, in our collective estimation.

#2 Triple H

Could Triple H challenge Kurt Angle to a future program?

Around Survivor Series is when Triple H makes a comeback, for a program that leads to the Showcase of the Immortals. We haven't seen him since WrestleMania, when Seth Rollins slayed the king, much like Jaime Lannister.

In his absence, and that of Stephanie McMahon, Kurt Angle has been running things. We know that Triple H does not like losing control of things, and therefore, he may be a tad upset at the way things are, at the moment.

We know that Kurt Angle believes that he's due for an in-ring return very soon. Triple H would be a worthy opponent and if they were to cross paths as early as TLC, it could lead to a long-term program for WrestleMania.

Of course, Stephanie McMahon may or may not return. We know that she's been on WWE TV since her injury. She attended to her father after Kevin Owens launched a vicious attack on the chairman of the board.

We've also seen Triple H, not in character, on NXT. Here's another name we associate with NXT, who could very well make a comeback.

#1 Samoa Joe

Can The Shield beat six men at once?

Until Kane made his reappearance on RAW as the fifth man, everyone assumed it would be Samoa Joe. After all, he's due for a return from injury any time now. The Shield may be prepared to take on five men, but what if a sixth man were to join the ranks? Pretty crazy, right?

WWE needs all the firepower it can muster for Survivor Series, in the absence of big names like Big Cass and Jeff Hardy. Joe is a familiar face and a great worker. He's got enough equity in the roster to cause waves all through.

Let's hope that one or more of these returns does happen at TLC. If not, it seems like it may be a rather tepid affair.

That concludes our list of potential TLC returns? Anyone you think we may have left out on? Let us know in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!