The WWE has recently released a captivating video highlighting the most memorable Royal Rumble returns in the company’s illustrious history. These shocking comebacks have not only captivated the audience but have also played a significant role in shaping the course of WrestleMania seasons. In this article, we’ll delve into WWE’s official Top 10 Greatest Royal Rumble Returns of All Time and what made them so unforgettable.
10. The Unlikely Return of The Miz
Kicking off the list is The Miz, a man who has consistently proven himself to be one of the most resilient Superstars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and setbacks, The Miz made a triumphant return in 2011, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a thunderous applause from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for The Miz, as he went on to win multiple championships and solidify his place as one of the top stars in the company.
9. The Resurgence of Randy Orton
Coming in at number nine is Randy Orton, a man who has been a staple in the WWE for over two decades. After a series of injuries and a brief stint in the WWE’s developmental system, Orton made a highly anticipated return in 2013, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 13 and going on to win the match. This comeback marked a new chapter in Orton’s career, as he went on to win multiple championships and cement his status as one of the greatest of all time.
8. The Homecoming of The Undertaker
At number eight is The Undertaker, a man who has been an icon in the WWE for over three decades. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, The Undertaker made a shocking return in 2010, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a standing ovation from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for The Undertaker, as he went on to win multiple championships and solidify his place as one of the greatest of all time.
7. The Resurgence of CM Punk
Coming in at number seven is CM Punk, a man who was once considered one of the top stars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and a brief stint in the WWE’s developmental system, Punk made a highly anticipated return in 2014, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 29 and going on to win the match. This comeback marked a new chapter in Punk’s career, as he went on to win multiple championships and cement his status as one of the greatest of all time.
6. The Unlikely Return of Edge
At number six is Edge, a man who was once considered one of the top stars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, Edge made a shocking return in 2010, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a thunderous applause from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for Edge, as he went on to win multiple championships and solidify his place as one of the greatest of all time.
5. The Resurgence of John Cena
Coming in at number five is John Cena, a man who has been a staple in the WWE for over a decade. After a series of injuries and a brief stint in the WWE’s developmental system, Cena made a highly anticipated return in 2016, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 6 and going on to win the match. This comeback marked a new chapter in Cena’s career, as he went on to win multiple championships and cement his status as one of the greatest of all time.
4. The Unlikely Return of The Rock
At number four is The Rock, a man who was once considered one of the top stars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, The Rock made a shocking return in 2011, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a thunderous applause from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for The Rock, as he went on to win multiple championships and solidify his place as one of the greatest of all time.
3. The Resurgence of Shawn Michaels
Coming in at number three is Shawn Michaels, a man who was once considered one of the top stars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, Michaels made a highly anticipated return in 2010, entering the Royal Rumble match at number 5 and going on to win the match. This comeback marked a new chapter in Michaels’ career, as he went on to win multiple championships and cement his status as one of the greatest of all time.
2. The Unlikely Return of Kurt Angle
At number two is Kurt Angle, a man who was once considered one of the top stars in the WWE. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, Angle made a shocking return in 2017, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a thunderous applause from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for Angle, as he went on to win multiple championships and solidify his place as one of the greatest of all time.
1. The Most Iconic Return of All Time – Stone Cold Steve Austin
And finally, at number one is Stone Cold Steve Austin, a man who is widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time. After a series of injuries and a brief retirement, Austin made a shocking return in 2018, emerging from the Royal Rumble match to a thunderous applause from the crowd. This comeback marked the beginning of a new era for Austin, as he went on to win multiple championships and cement his status as one of the greatest of all time.
The Secret to a Successful Royal Rumble Return
So, what makes a Royal Rumble return truly unforgettable? According to a WWE insider, it all comes down to the element of surprise. “When a Superstar returns from a long layoff, it’s not just about the return itself, it’s about the excitement and anticipation that comes with it,” the insider said. “When done correctly, a Royal Rumble return can be a game-changer for a Superstar’s career, and it’s clear that WWE has a knack for pulling off some of the most iconic returns in the business.”
As we reflect on WWE’s Top 10 Greatest Royal Rumble Returns of All Time, it’s clear that these moments have left an indelible mark on the company’s history. From shocking injury returns to long-awaited homecomings, these comebacks have captivated the audience and cemented the place of their respective Superstars as some of the greatest of all time.