Top 10 best WWE Survivor Series returns in history

WWE Survivor Series has seen some of the most shocking and thunderous returns in the history of the show.

WWE is gearing towards presenting its next Premium Live Event, Survivor Series: War Games, set to take place on November 30 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. One of the WWE’s Big Four events, Survivor Series, has always delivered an exceptional show over the years.

However, an intriguing part of the WWE Survivor Series has been marked by the shocking returns of top-tier WWE superstars in spectacular fashion. Here are Khel Now’s top 10 best WWE Survivor Series returns of all time:

10. Beth Phoenix (2010)

After being on the shelf due to an ACL injury for six months, Beth Phoenix made her return to WWE at the 2010 edition of the WWE Survivor Series. The Glamazon arrived during her best friend, Natalya’s title defence against LayCool, planting Layla with a Glam Slam, allowing Natalya to score the win.

9. Edge (2007)

During the final moments of a gruesome Hell in a Cell match between Batista and The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Survivor Series 2007, Edge made his return under the hidden identity of a cameraman. The Ultimate Opportunist attacked his then-rival, The Undertaker, with the camera, followed by a Con-Chair-To on the steel steps, allowing Batista to retain his title.

8. Bret Hart (1996)

Bret Hart took a hiatus after dropping the WWE title to Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12. After eight months away from the ring, The Hitman came back at the 1996 edition of Survivor Series and targeted Steve Austin, who had been firing shots at Bret during his time off. Bret Hart made sure Austin made his word and defeated The Texas Rattlesnake at the event.

Also Read: Top seven best WarGames matches in WWE history

7. The Undertaker (2005)

After Randy Orton scored the win for Team SmackDown over Team RAW in the traditional 5-on-5 elimination match, his celebrations were cut short by the darkness that engulfed the entire arena. A casket was placed straight up with a lighting striking it and setting it on fire.

At that moment, The Undertaker emerged from the flaming casket and came down to the ring to clear the entire house, leaving Orton frightened and reigniting their rivalry after No Mercy 2005, when he and his father, Bob Orton, locked The Deadman inside a casket and set it on fire.

6. Goldberg (2016)

Goldberg made his in-ring return after 12 years at the WWE Survivor Series 2016 event against the man who he called out, Brock Lesnar. The two long-time rivals collided in one of the shortest matches in WWE history, with Goldberg squashing The Beast Incarnate in 1:26 and picking up a huge win in shocking fashion.

5. Scott Steiner (2002)

Scott Steiner made his return to WWE after eight long years at WWE Survivor Series 2002, which took place in Madison Square Garden. Big Poppa Pump interrupted an in-ring segment featuring Christopher Nowiski and Matt Hardy, taking down both superstars, which was the start of another run in WWE for Steiner that failed to meet expectations.

4. Randy Orton (2023)

Randy Orton was announced as the fifth member of Cody Rhodes‘ squad for the WarGames match against Team Judgment Day for the 2024 WWE Survivor Series event. The Viper had been on the shelf for over eighteen months due to a back injury. Furthermore, Orton made his return towards the end of the WarGames for his team, displaying his exceptional in-ring acumen and leading his team to victory.

Also Read: WWE WarGames match Full rules explained

3. John Cena (2008)

John Cena was out of action due to a herniated disc suffered in his blockbuster showdown against Batista at WWE SummerSlam 2008. After three months of recovery, the 16-time WWE Champion made his return to the Survivor Series, which took place in his hometown of Boston against then-World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho. The night of his return proved to be a triumphant one for Cena, who dethroned Jericho to win that Big Gold Belt for the first time in his career.

2. The Rock (2011)

Amidst the ongoing rivalry with John Cena, The Rock agreed to team up with his WrestleMania 28 opponent at WWE Survivor Series 2011 against The Awesome Truth. This marked the in-ring return of The Final Boss after seven years, and despite tensions visible between himself and Cena, the super team managed to put down R-Truth and The Miz and secured the victory.

1. CM Punk (2023)

The WWE Universe will always remember the end of the WWE Survivor Series 2023 event with the expression ‘Hell Froze Over’ as CM Punk made his shocking return to the company after being away for ten years.

The Best in the World walked into the All-State arena in his hometown of Chicago, with the audience coming unglued and will surely be etched as one of the most remarkable Survivor Series returns of all time.

What is your favourite WWE Survivor Series PLE moment and return in history? Let us know in the comments section.

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