WWE: Top 5 surprise returns of the year

#2 WWE's Beast Brock Lesnar crashes Roman Reigns' celebration (SummerSlam)

Brock Lesnar came calling for Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.

The coronavirus pandemic had several disastrous effects on WWE, but Brock Lesnar's absence was near the top of the list. The Beast Incarnate quietly distanced himself from the spotlight after losing Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 36. However, once fans returned, Vince McMahon brought his most invaluable asset.

Much to the delight of the live crowd, Lesnar returned in the closing moments of SummerSlam to engage in an intense face-off with Roman Reigns as Paul Heyman looked on in dismay.

The Conqueror also re-emerged from obscurity with a new look and character. Previously, Reigns was the hero, and Lesnar was the villain. Interestingly, the roles were reversed this time. Fans looked on with absolute amazement as two of sports-entertainment's most dominant stars stood across from each other.

The Beast Incarnate and the Head of the Table collided in a high-stakes Universal Championship match at WWE Crown Jewel. Owing to some interference from the Usos, Reigns successfully defended his title against Lesnar.

Lesnar's return was the perfect way to cap off an entertaining evening of in-ring action filled with surprises. Moreover, it set the stage for one of the most epic and highly-anticipated rivalries of the year.