Dream Matches for Rey Mysterio and Other Potential Returning WWE Superstars

As he charged down the entrance ramp at WWE Royal Rumble 2018, Rey Mysterio had fans flashing back to the past.

The high-flyer looked to be in tremendous shape. The lighter schedule he has worked since leaving WWE seems to have rejuvenated him. This was the fastest, most electric version of Mysterio we've seen in years.

Combine that with his enduring popularity and it's hard not to start dreaming up what's next for him in WWE, even if he's not signed beyond the Rumble. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported: "The Rey Mysterio return was just a one-night appearance, although the monster pop he received certainly caught the attention of WWE management."

If Mysterio works out something with the company, a myriad of possible appetizing matchups await.

The Master of the 619 would make magic with a certain former NXT champ. And that's not the only dream bout fans could see in the near future. Bobby Lashley may be around with his eye on a beast from Raw. And there's a great hoss fight awaiting Beth Phoenix if she comes back for another run.

The following is a look at those matches and more, ones whose story and star power line up perfectly to take advantage of potentially returning Superstars' next go-round with the company. 

Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar

Bobby Lashley has elevated his stock since his WWE exit in 2008.

He's established himself in the MMA world, racking up wins with Bellator and elsewhere. At Impact Wrestling, he has grown into a more magnetic performer, looking more like the main event star WWE chairman Vince McMahon seemed to be hoping he would be.

Now there's a chance he could return to where he started his pro wrestling career.

Lashley is among the many talents leaving Impact Wrestling behind. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc) that Lashley was negotiating with WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling but has stopped talks with the latter.

If Lashley is headed back, another hoss with MMA experience is the best option to face him.

Brock Lesnar and Lashley are a lot alike. They are both fearsome, overpowering beasts with eye-popping athleticism. They both have impressive amateur wrestling accolades, success in MMA and the prototypical WWE look.

Their collision on the WWE stage could be a mix of mat wrestling, street fighting and MMA. It's among the most intriguing possible matches left for Lesnar and certainly the No. 1 choice for Lashley should he return.

Beth Phoenix vs. Nia Jax

Credit: WWE.com

One of the moments that most stood out from the women's Royal Rumble was Beth Phoenix's intense staredown with Nia Jax.

It was a meeting of two powerhouses from two different generations. It was the first time Jax has faced a woman who could match her in strength. It teased a kind of wrecking-ball-against-wrecking-ball matchup WWE's women's division has rarely seen.

It's a no-brainer to pit Phoenix against Jax on a big stage should The Glamazon return for more appearances.

Jax is still lacking in the signature-match department. WWE largely wasted Phoenix's tenure as it was during the heart of the three-minute-match Divas era. Both wrestlers could have a career high point if their paths were to cross.

Batista vs. Roman Reigns

Credit: WWE.com

Batista has often made it clear he has the desire to step back into the ring, even though he needs to do so less and less thanks to his acting career taking off.

The best bet for The Animal, if he were to come back to WWE, is to revisit the past. When he won the Royal Rumble in 2014, Roman Reigns was the final obstacle in his way. When Batista, Triple H and Randy Orton reformed Evolution, they set their sights on Reigns and The Shield.

Batista and his crew failed to topple the rising stars, and he soon left the company in the feud's aftermath.

The story of him charging back to redeem himself would write itself. There would be ample bad blood to build on while also presenting a fresh matchup. Batista and Reigns only once fought in singles action and that was a no-contest from nearly four years ago, per CageMatch.net.

Plus, both men are bigger names at this point. Reigns has become one of WWE's most prominent figures and a world champion. Batista has increased his celebrity thanks to being a part of some major blockbusters.

The Animal vs. The Big Dog. Spear vs. spear. This is a WrestleMania or SummerSlam marquee bout waiting to happen.

Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair

WWE wisely saved Trish Stratus for last at the women's Royal Rumble. Of all the stars from the past who entered that bout, the Hall of Famer was the biggest of them all.

Stratus was long the flagbearer of the women's division. She is a seven-time women's champ and a beloved figure.

At the Rumble, she looked great. 

WWE must be having conversations with Stratus about potentially adding a few more big matches to her resume. And Charlotte Flair has to be on the top of the wishlist for her opponents. The Queen of Queens facing The Queen is one of the most appealing dream matchups within WWE's grasp.

Each woman is the respective top dog of her generation. Each comes through in big matches. 

And there are few things WWE could cook up to add to Flair's legacy as powerful as her going toe-to-toe with a legend at a major PPV and sending Stratus riding off into the proverbial sunset.

Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor

There's a whole host of athletes it would be great to see Mysterio tangle with.

Since his departure in 2015, WWE has resurrected the cruiserweight division and brought in names such as Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali. The company created a United Kingdom subsection over which the ferocious Pete Dunne reigns at the moment. AJ Styles and Johnny Gargano are now on the roster, too.

Any one of them would have a mightily entertaining match against Mysterio.

Finn Balor, though, is WWE's top option if The Ultimate Underdog would only be around for one bout. The Balor Club leader is a speedy, high-flying dynamo who would tear it up with him.

And we have already seen the catalyst for their rivalry. Balor was the one who tossed Mysterio from the Rumble. That spark could easily be fanned into a full flame to build up to a barnburner for the ages.