WWE WrestleMania 31: Greatest Returns in the History of PPV Extravaganza

WrestleMania 31 is expected to host multiple returns. From The Undertaker's first appearance since WrestleMania 30 to the likely return of Sheamus, this will be akin to a WWE homecoming.

Several WrestleMania moments are based on return appearances. This time of year, fans tend to be more nostalgic than usual. Bringing back legends and other active talent usually has a positive response.

WrestleMania 31 won't be Undertaker's first return at WWE's biggest event. His feud with Kane at WrestleMania 20 very closely resembles his present-day feud with Bray Wyatt.

While some WWE Superstars returned in a match similar to Undertaker, others did so for a surprise interference.

WrestleMania returns are based on the star power of the WWE Superstar combined with what he accomplished in the months following the return. To be eligible, surprise returns should only be among WWE Superstars who went on to perform full time. Sadly, cameos, like last year's brilliant WrestleMania 30 opening segment, are not considered.

5. The Ultimate Warrior: WrestleMania 12

Credit: WWE.com

The Ultimate Warrior's second WrestleMania comeback was filled with just as much promise as his first. Like the first return, however, he quickly flamed out into obscurity.

On a thin WWE roster, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his return. At one point, the Ultimate Warrior was the biggest star in the WWE. His comeback was more than welcomed—it was an event.

Warrior's infamous match against Triple H was a brief, albeit memorable match. His no-sell of the Pedigree set the tone for what was supposed to be a resurgent re-entry.

Unfortunately, Warrior wouldn't even last until WrestleMania 13. As big of a name as he was, his '90s era comeback further proved the magic he once had was gone.

4. Rowdy Roddy Piper: WrestleMania 19

Credit: WWE.com

Rowdy Roddy Piper's return at WrestleMania 19 was made doubly effective since it was such a big surprise.

A major plot twist in Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan's bloody WrestleMania match occurred when Piper showed up to shockingly strike Hogan with a blunt object.

Fans at Safeco Field were clearly excited to see Piper back in the WWE. Piper and Hogan's rivalry is among the greatest in WWE history. And while Piper presented an intriguing foe to Hogan, the feud didn't come close to matching its Rock 'n' Wrestling roots.

Piper's transition into a managerial role wasn't the best use of the Hall of Famer's talents, especially since protege Sean O'Haire never panned out.

But at WrestleMania 19, Piper impacted one of the biggest matches on the card and once again immortalized himself on the WrestleMania stage.

3. Matt Hardy: WrestleMania 24

Credit: WWE.com

Matt Hardy's rivalry against MVP spilled into the Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania 24.

Hardy's injury prevented him from having a match on the card. But his return created a memory on par with his several other WrestleMania moments.

Hardy's return cost MVP the Money in the Bank briefcase and advanced one of the more underrated feuds of the modern era.

A ladder match pioneer, especially at WrestleMania, Hardy even performed a high spot, bringing the Orange Bowl to its feet and keeping the crowd there.

Hardy solidified himself as a big star during the Attitude Era. But even in a post-attitudinal world, he showed he could still impact a high-profile ladder match.

2. Undertaker: WrestleMania 20

Kane spent weeks telling the world his brother was dead. 

After burying The Undertaker alive, Kane was convinced we had seen the last of Undertaker. But as vignettes aired, hinting at another Undertaker return, Kane prepared to face off against his brother at WrestleMania 20.

Prior to being buried alive, Undertaker spent years reinventing himself as a biker. The return of Undertaker at WrestleMania 20, however, meant a return of the classic Deadman. Paul Bearer reprised his role as Undertaker's manager, and Taker received a grand entrance en route to defeating Kane.

Once Undertaker resurfaced at Madison Square Garden, he never looked back. Undertaker continues to portray the Deadman character and remains a fixture at WrestleMania.

1. The Ultimate Warrior: WrestleMania 8

While The Ultimate Warrior struggled to reach the heights of his WrestleMania 6 zenith, his return at WrestleMania 8 was arguably the most memorable ever.

Hogan headlined his eighth WrestleMania in a row, and he needed assistance while being attacked by Sid Justice and Harvey Wippleman.

Enter The Ultimate Warrior, whose appearance was a complete surprise and was such a huge deal it closed the biggest show of the year.

The memorable Warrior return in 1992 is a template to what every WrestleMania return should be. The return assisted the top babyface in the company and served as a pleasant surprise. Ultimate Warrior didn't seem like he missed a beat and even got the rub from Hogan.

Warrior's career continued in underwhelming fashion during his original comeback stint. Perhaps the excitement surrounding his return was just too much to match.

Alfred Konuwa is a Featured Columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @ThisIsNasty and listen to his weekly wrestling podcast.