WrestleMania 28 Results: Significant Superstars That Were Missing

The one thing WrestleMania 28 was missing was a surprise return. 

The WWE has made a living off of shocking their fans with an unexpected return of a wrestler. That didn't happen at this WrestleMania. 

Whether it was because of injuries or lack of ability to incorporate them into a storyline, many superstars that could have made a return did not.

Here is a look at some superstars that were missing at WrestleMania 28.

Alberto Del Rio

If you look at the accomplishments of Alberto Del Rio in 2011, you could make a strong case for him to be the superstar of that year. He opened WrestleMania 27 in a World Heavyweight Championship match, won the Royal Rumble, won the Money in the Bank match and was a two-time WWE champion.

A few months ago, Del Rio suffered a torn groin muscle and has been out of competition ever since. He could have made his presence felt at WrestleMania 28 by possibly replacing Christian in the 12-man tag team match or just getting involved in that match to help Team Johnny.

Christian

Christian was originally supposed to be on Team Johnny at WrestleMania, but an injury prevented that. Christian did induct his friend Edge into the Hall of Fame, but he did not have a role in the actual event.

In my opinion, WrestleMania 28 was a big opportunity for Christian to turn face again or get back in the World Heavyweight Championship picture.

Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett has been climbing up the ranks of the current WWE. He was coming into his own and on the verge of a serious push. Unfortunately, that push was put on hold because of an injury. He partially dislocated his elbow, which would require surgery and sideline him for about four months, thus causing him to miss WrestleMania 28.

He could have made an appearance backstage, though. Barrett could have run into Randy Orton before his match with Kane.

It may be more interesting if Barrett stays out for a little while, though, only to make a shocking return.

Sin Cara

The debut of Sin Cara in 2011 was one of the most anticipated debuts in recent memory. While he needs to improve in the ring, Sin Cara always brings excitement.

His injury has actually made him a little irrelevant, but a dream match between Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara would have been nice at WrestleMania 28.

Rey Mysterio

Sin Cara's absence is similar to Rey Mysterio's. Mysterio missed WrestleMania 28 because of an injury.

He is a big fan favorite and a legend. A match against Sin Cara would have been an exciting one to add to the card.

Lord Tensai

The WWE has gotten good at promoting a new or returning superstar. They have done a nice job getting us excited for the introduction of Lord Tensai.

When he will return is unknown, but with the amount of promos being shown, you have to think it will be soon. He could have made a significant impact at WrestleMania 28.

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stone Cold Steve Austin is arguably the most popular WWE superstar of all-time. He always seems to have a minor role at WrestleMania, but he was absent at WrestleMania 28.

I'm sure it was because the WWE didn't want to take away from the significance of The Rock and John Cena match. However, Austin's presence makes things so much better. He didn't even have to say a word; just being there would have made fans cheer.

Brock Lesnar

According to Jamie Penick of MMATorch.com (via The Wrestling Observer), Brock Lesnar has signed a one-year contract with the WWE and was set to return at WrestleMania 28.

This report left WWE fans licking their chops for a possible Lesnar return at WrestleMania. Unfortunately, that never happened, and this actually adds to the surprise of when Lesnar will actually make his return.

He could have gotten involved in Undertaker's match or Rock vs. Cena.