WWE: The Top 10 Returns of the PG Era

In every era of pro wrestling, some of the most memorable moments come when a superstar is making their return to television.

These returns are always sudden and they always get a massive pop from the fans in attendance.

Today, we are going to take a look at the top 10 superstar returns from 2008-2011. I will give my reason for each return and the impact that event made to the WWE product. 

10. Rob Van Dam, Royal Rumber, 2009

In 2009, WWE was preparing for its annual Royal Rumble.

At No. 25, Rob Van Dam made a unannounced return to the WWE to compete. Although he didn't stay after this, it was great to see a big name drop in and give the current superstars a run for their money.

9. Diesel and Booker T, Royal Rumble, 2011

At this year's Royal Rumble, we saw not one but two major returns.

The pops that these two men received was amazing and the superstars were stunned.

If you think they don't make an impact, watch the video embedded.

8. Batista, RAW, 2009

During 2009, Triple H and the McMahon family were in the middle of a heated rivalry with Randy Orton and The Legacy.

On an episode of RAW, Vince McMahon was set to face Randy Orton in a match. As Randy Orton was about to go for the punt on Mr. McMahon, Shane McMahon made the save. This is where all hell broke loose.

Legacy interfered, followed by Triple H. With The Legacy having the numbers advantage, Triple H was soon taken out. Just as fans thought all hope was lost, Batista returned.

In seconds, he cleaned out and showed fans exactly why he is named, "The Animal."

7. Undertaker, SummerSlam, 2009

At SummerSlam 2009, CM Punk and Jeff Hardy were feuding over the World Heavyweight Championship. After CM Punk recaptured the the world title, Punk stood over Hardy.

Out of nowhere, the bells rung and the lights when out.

When the lights came back on, it was not Hardy laying down anymore. In his place was The Undertaker.

This moment definitely made this SummerSlam a memorable one.

6. Paul Bearer, SmackDown, 2010

Here we have one of the most iconic non-wrestlers in the history of the WWE. At the beginning of another feud between Undertaker and Kane, the WWE surprised us with the return of Paul Bearer.

While he was only on television for a couple of months, it was great to see one last run from Paul Bearer. I'm sure it got the attention of a lot of older fans.

5. Edge, Royal Rumble, 2010

After Edge suffered a career-threatening injury, he vowed that he would be back.

At the Royal Rumble 2010, Edge made a shocking return as the 29th entrant into the Rumble. He would go on to win and challenge Chris Jericho at WrestleMania.

Although Edge is retired now, he gave the WWE Universe some great moments and they will never be forgotten.

4. Undertaker and Triple H, RAW, 2011

When February 21, 2011 came along, we all knew that The Undertaker was probably the one who was returning for WrestleMania. What we didn't expect, however, is the return of his opponent: Triple H.

After Undertaker made his way down to ring, Triple H was seconds behind. The two had a stare down before they both glanced over their shoulders to the WrestleMania 27 sign. The match was on.

At WrestleMania 27, these two pulled off one of the greatest matches to date, and truly left it all in the ring.

3. John Cena, Royal Rumble, 2008

Before John Cena turned into "Super Cena," his character was very well liked. After being out with an injury, he made an unexpected return to the 2008 Royal Rumble as the final entrant.

John Cena soon cleared the ring until it was down to himself and Triple H. After trying to put each other away with their finishing moves, Cena managed to hit the FU (now the AA) on Triple H over the top ropes.

Cena would go on to feud with Randy Orton and Triple H for the majority of 2008 over the WWE Championship. Although he didn't reclaim the WWE Championship in these feuds, it set him up for bigger and better things in the WWE.

2. The Rock, RAW, 2011

The Rock was one of the biggest stars in the Attitude Era. After leaving the WWE, The Rock became a successful movie star.

When The Rock made his return to RAW on February 14th, 2011, he received one of the loudest pops I have ever heard. That is how much of an impact this man can make.

The Rock is now in a feud with WWE's poster boy, John Cena. That match is set as the main event of WrestleMania 28, and it will not disappoint.

1. Bret Hart, RAW, 2010

Where do I even begin?

One of the most beloved icons of his time was on his way out of the WWE/F in near the end of 1997. He had just signed a contract with the arch rival company WCW.

At the time, Hart was the world champion. At Survivor Series, Bret Hart was going to be facing his long time rival Shawn Michaels. After backstage talking with Mr. McMahon, it was agreed that he would retain the title in his home country and forfeit it the next night on RAW.

Mr. McMahon, however, feared that Bret Hart would betray the WWE/F and take their top title to WCW television. So, during the match, while Bret Hart was in the sharpshooter, McMahon had the bell rung.

What would take place after the match showed fans that this wasn't just another storyline. This was real. Bret Hart never returned to WWE/F television again. That is, until January 4th, 2010.

The Montreal Screwjob is one of the biggest events in the history of pro wrestling. For Bret Hart to look past that event and be able to forgive HBK and Vince McMahon shows he is the "best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."

Conclusion

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