Top 9 best WWE Superstars who returned in 2023
WWE fans have been treated to a whirlwind of surprises in 2023, witnessing the return of some of their most beloved superstars. From the iconic CM Punk to the legendary Randy Orton, this year has been a rollercoaster of emotions for the WWE Universe. Let’s delve into the top 9 superstars who made a triumphant return to the squared circle and left an indelible mark on the landscape of professional wrestling.
9. R-Truth:
R-Truth’s return at Survivor Series marked a hilarious comeback after more than a year away. His backstage comedy segment added a touch of humor to the event, reminding fans that Truth’s comedic timing remains unmatched. As one of WWE’s veteran entertainers, R-Truth’s return injects a dose of levity into the intense world of professional wrestling.
8. Kairi Sane:
Kairi Sane’s return at WWE Crown Jewel 2023 brought a whirlwind of excitement. She interfered in the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and IYO SKY, this allowed SKY to retain her title. Sane’s return was a major surprise to fans, as she had not been seen in WWE since she was released from the company in July 2021. She had previously been a popular and successful wrestler in WWE, winning the NXT Women’s Championship once and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice.
7. The Rock:
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a surprise return to the WWE on September 15, 2023, appearing on the SmackDown. His return was met with a thunderous ovation from the crowd and sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. Pat McAfee, a WWE commentator and former NFL player, found himself inside the squared circle alongside 2022 United States Champion Austin Theory when The Rock made a breathtaking entrance.
6. Bray Wyatt:
Bray Wyatt made his much-anticipated return to WWE on October 8, 2023, at Extreme Rules, following a nearly year-long absence. His return was shrouded in mystery, with cryptic vignettes airing in the weeks leading up to the event, hinting at his impending comeback. As the lights dimmed and the haunting melody of his signature theme song filled the arena, the crowd erupted in anticipation. Wyatt emerged from the darkness, his towering figure enveloped in a billowing black cloak, his face obscured by a sinister mask.
5. Pat McAfee:
Pat McAfee, known for his dynamic commentary with Michael Cole, took a hiatus to serve as an ESPN analyst. His return at the Royal Rumble for commentary was a brief but impactful comeback. With no fixed timetable for a full-time return, the possibility of McAfee making sporadic appearances, reminiscent of his WrestleMania 39 cameo, adds an unpredictable element to WWE events.
4. Booker T:
Booker T’s surprising return to the Royal Rumble shocked fans in 2023. The former King of the Ring, at the age of 57, showcased his enduring prowess, delivering iconic moves and even treating fans to his trademark Spinaroonie. While his Royal Rumble stint was short-lived, it left an enduring impression, reminding everyone that Booker T’s charisma and athleticism are timeless.
3. Carlito:
Carlito’s return at May’s Backlash pay-per-view, aiding Bad Bunny and the LWO against Damian Priest and The Judgment Day, was a thunderous moment. The crowd’s electric reaction signaled that Carlito’s comeback was long-awaited. Despite delaying his SmackDown reappearance, Carlito’s return is imminent. SummerSlam might witness the Caribbean Cool making a splash, possibly aligning himself with the LWO and adding a fresh dynamic to the WWE landscape.
2. Randy Orton:
Randy Orton made his much-anticipated return to WWE on November 25, 2023, at the Survivor Series WarGames event, marking an end to his 15-month hiatus due to a back injury. His return was nothing short of electrifying, as he emerged from the darkness to a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Orton’s return was a major surprise, as there had been no concrete indications of his comeback in the weeks leading up to the event. His appearance immediately injected a sense of excitement and anticipation into the atmosphere, as fans were eager to see their beloved “Apex Predator” back in action.
1. CM Punk:
The return of CM Punk at Survivor Series: WarGames stands as a monumental moment in WWE’s recent history. After a dramatic exit in 2014, Punk’s comeback was unexpected but overwhelmingly welcomed by fans. His nine-year hiatus saw him venture into MMA and make waves in AEW. Now, back in WWE, the 45-year-old former champion promises to bring a new dynamic to the ring. The anticipation surrounding Punk’s return is palpable, and fans are eager to see what the cult of personality has in store for the current wrestling landscape.
Conclusion
As WWE continues to navigate the unpredictable world of sports entertainment, the returns of these superstars add layers of excitement and anticipation. Each comeback is a chapter in the ever-evolving story of WWE, reminding fans that the unexpected is always just around the corner in the world of squared-circle drama. The remainder of 2023 promises more surprises, more comebacks, and undoubtedly more moments that will etch themselves into the rich tapestry of professional wrestling history.
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