Top 20 Most Shocking WWE Returns Ever (Updated 2025)
November 16, 2025
Top 20 Most Shocking WWE Returns Ever (Updated 2025)
WWE has always been the home of unforgettable moments. Fans witness shocking betrayals and surprise debuts. There are emotional retirements too. Of course, the unbelievable returns electrify entire arenas.
In this updated 2025 list, we break down the 20 most shocking WWE returns ever. These are moments that shook the industry, blew up social media, and made history.
Let’s step back into the time machine and relive the comebacks the WWE Universe will never forget.
🔥 20. John Cena — 2021 Money in the Bank
After spending months in Hollywood, no one expected Cena to show up. When “My Time Is Now” hit, the crowd erupted into one of the loudest reactions of the modern era. An absolutely perfect return.
🔥 19. Rey Mysterio Returns to Confront Dominik
A father vs. son storyline became emotional when Rey returned to face his own child. The confrontation was shocking, personal, and unforgettable.
🔥 18. Brock Lesnar — 2012 RAW After WrestleMania
No music. No warning. Just Lesnar walking out and dropping Cena with an F5. This moment restarted his legendary second run.
🔥 17. Goldberg Returns in 2016
Fans never expected Goldberg to fight again — but he came back stronger, faster, and more intimidating than ever.
🔥 16. Shane McMahon — 2016
Shane O’Mac shocked the world when he walked out on RAW after six years away. Fans stood up as if a ghost walked into the arena.
🔥 15. Edge Returns at Royal Rumble 2020
For years, doctors said Edge would never wrestle again. Yet there he was — spear after spear, tears in his eyes. The arena exploded.
🔥 14. CM Punk — 2023 Return to WWE
After a decade of “Punk will never return,” the impossible happened. Fans screamed, cried, and chanted louder than ever. One of the biggest comebacks of the decade.
🔥 13. Becky Lynch — SummerSlam 2021
With Sasha Banks out, Becky shocked the world by confronting Bianca Belair and winning the title seconds later. A shocking twist that rocked the women’s division.
🔥 12. Randy Orton — Survivor Series 2023
After a long career-threatening injury, Orton’s return felt emotional, epic, and incredibly nostalgic.
🔥 11. Batista — 2014 Return
Fans had mixed reactions. Some loved Batista’s return after years in Hollywood. Others booed it. This created one of the most chaotic reactions in WWE history.
🔥 10. Hardy Boyz — WrestleMania 33
Fans already thought the ladder match was set. Then the Hardy Boyz music hit — and the stadium erupted louder than ever.
🔥 9. The Rock — 2011 Host of WrestleMania Announcement
No one expected The Rock to walk out as WrestleMania host. A generation who grew up chanting his name lost their minds.
🔥 8. Seth Rollins — Extreme Rules 2016
After a major knee injury, Rollins returned like a superhero — attacking Roman Reigns and reclaiming his spot instantly.
🔥 7. Triple H — 2002 Madison Square Garden Return
One of the most legendary ovations EVER. The Game had been away for eight months, and fans shook the entire arena when he returned.
🔥 6. Chris Jericho — 2013
Jericho’s surprise return in the Royal Rumble was one of the most unexpected and perfectly executed shock moments.
🔥 5. The Undertaker — Returning After “Death”
Every time The Deadman returned, the world paused. But his return after “retiring” or “dying” in storylines? Pure wrestling magic.
🔥 4. Hulk Hogan — 2002 Return to WWE
After decades away and an uncertain relationship with WWE, Hogan’s return brought nostalgia and goosebumps to millions worldwide.
🔥 3. Stone Cold Steve Austin — WrestleMania 38
Fans expected Austin to do a promo. Instead, he wrestled a full match for the first time in 19 years. A historic shock.
🔥 2. Roman Reigns — SummerSlam 2020 (Tribal Chief Era Begins)
Reigns returned with a new look, new attitude, and new dominance. This return reshaped WWE for an entire era.
🔥 1. The Rock — 2024-2025 Shocking Appearances
The Rock’s surprise 2024–2025 returns on SmackDown and during WrestleMania season shattered online records and nearly broke the internet. Crowds screamed louder than they had in decades.
His returns weren’t just moments — they were cultural events.