Draft:Pro-wrestling returns

Pro-wrestling returns refer to the comeback appearances of wrestlers who have been absent from the wrestling scene or from a company for a significant period. These returns are often characterized by surprise entrances during events. They are seen as a major part of pro-wrestling and are one of the most memorable and history-making aspects of the sport. Wrestler returns generate excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation among fans, creating memorable moments in the world of professional wrestling. The element of surprise and the emotional connection fans have with returning wrestlers contribute to the uniqueness and significance of these moments in the sport.

Early returns (1980s–2000s)

After an early heel run in the late-70s, Hulk Hogan left the WWF (now WWE), gained fame in Japan, starred in Rocky III, and gained significant popularity. His return to WWF in late 1983 ignited a transformation that would reshape the wrestling landscape, as his returning match against Bill Dixon marked the beginning of Hogan’s second but most successful WWF run.

"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, a legend in the wrestling business, had a brief run in WWF before returning to WCW (World Championship Wrestling) in 1993. Ric Flair's run in WWF during the early '90s fell short of expectations despite winning the heavyweight title. Siding more with WCW, he requested release from Vince McMahon in 1993, returning to WCW until its closure in 2001. Flair returned to WWE as co-owner with McMahon, a surprise that took place on Raw. Flair's arrival, signaled by his iconic theme, left McMahon visibly surprised.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin faced persistent neck injuries during his WWF tenure, leading to his sudden withdrawal from a triple threat pay-per-view match. A staged car incident was done to explain his absence, as he needed quick removal from TV. While rehabbing at home, Austin defied career doubts and then returned in 2000 at Backlash's main event, disrupting Vince McMahon's attempt to mess up The Rock's title reign. The iconic glass-shattering entrance marked Austin's defiant comeback, armed with a chair, an explosive crowd, and a shocked McMahon.

Other wrestlers created significant moments with their comebacks during this time, whether it was through jumping companies or recovering from injuries. These wrestlers include The Undertaker, Triple H, Chris Jericho, and Shawn Michaels.

Returns in the 2010s

In 2011, the WWE fans received an unforgettable Valentine’s Day gift. The Rock famously returned since last appearing in 2004. He returned on an episode of Raw to announce that he will be the host of WrestleMania XXVII.

After a wrestling departure in 2004, a career in American football, and a UFC run, Brock Lesnar returned to WWE on April 2, 2012, on the Raw after WrestleMania XXVIII, delivering his finish move, an F-5, to John Cena.

On the episode of Raw following SummerSlam 2015, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley made their WWE return. It had been 10 years since the Dudley Boyz stepped into a WWE ring together. They interrupted and confronted The New Day, hyping up the crowd as they recited all of their signature catchphrases back to them.

On a WWE Live event in 2015, Seth Rollins suffered from a knee injury, which resulted in him vacating the WWE Championship he had won at WrestleMania 31, earlier in the year. Before the conclusion of 2015, Rollins made an appearance with crutches at WWE’s Slammy Awards, after winning the Superstar of the Year award. Seth Rollins wouldn’t be seen back in action until Extreme Rules 2016, where he unexpectedly ran to the ring and delivered a pedigree to Roman Reigns after winning a match.

During WrestleMania 33, the hosts of the event, The New Day, appeared on stage at to announce that a new team had been added to the Raw Tag Team titles Ladder Match. Rumors had been circling that Matt and Jeff Hardy were in Orlando. The Hardy Boyz famously came out as a surprise after numerous years. The crowd in Camping World Stadium gave a significantly loud reaction.

Other stars made their wrestling returns during the 2010s that remain memorable, such as Chris Jericho, Shane McMahon, Goldberg, and John Cena.

Recent returns (2020s)

In August 2021, AEW booked their first show in Chicago’s United Center. This sparked rumors of a returning CM Punk, who had quit wrestling in 2014 before pursuing a short UFC career. Punk had returned to the wrestling television picture in 2019, as a part of the program titled WWE Backstage, under a contract with Fox rather than WWE. It was until AEW Rampage: 'The First Dance' in Punk’s hometown, that wrestling fans witnessed the monumental return of CM Punk to a professional wrestling ring.

CM Punk at Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023

Despite the welcoming celebration for CM Punk, he would go on to get released from AEW in 2023, following backstage alterations. Immediately, rumors sparked of Punk returning to WWE at their upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames event in Chicago. Reports claimed that he was in talks with the company, and others reported the contrary. It was unclear if he would return to the company, and many lowered their expectations. In what is considered by many as one of the greatest WWE returns in history, CM Punk appeared at the Allstate Arena show, sending waves of shock through the Chicago crowd. This return defined unexpectedness for many, as CM Punk was seen as someone who would never work for the company again, after his decade-long issues with it.