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Top 5 WWE Returns of 2025

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 9:53 AM ET

2025 is in the history books. For the average WWE fan, it was the ultimate rollercoaster ride with an odd mix of good and bad. Over the last 12 months, fans witnessed the farewell tour of John Cena, RAW’s first year on Netflix, and several high-profile feuds.

Nonetheless, 2025 also witnessed several returns, which generated massive ovations from the live crowd. Some of these comebacks included Superstars who we never thought would step in the squared circle.

Considering the sheer volume of returns this year, it was difficult to narrow down the list to 5, which is why we have a few honorable mentions:

The Hardy Boyz return to NXT
Becky Lynch returns at WrestleMania 41
Jade Cargill returns at Elimination Chamber 2025

#5. Roman Reigns Returns To Take Down Bronson Reed And Bron Breakker (RAW: July 14, 2025)

As Roman Reigns is a part-time talent, he works a limited number of dates. WWE often takes measures to write him off TV to propel the OTC’s ongoing feuds. Therefore, Reigns makes a lot of returns in a single calendar year to the point that it has become a running joke among fans.

Nonetheless, one of his comeback segments stood out this year. The OTC returned on the July 14th edition of RAW to take down Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. This was Reigns’ first appearance since the RAW after WrestleMania 41, where he was brutally assaulted by Breakker and Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

The crowd popped, the stars in the ring were shocked, and Paul Heyman was absolutely terrified. Michael Cole’s passionate commentary added to the return’s significance. The OTC’s return saved CM Punk and Jey Uso from a brutal assault by the Vision.

#4. R-Truth Returns At Money In The Bank 2025

On June 1, 2025, R Truth, one of the most entertaining and beloved wrestling figures of all time, was released from WWE. This announcement came a week after Truth had a high-profile match with his childhood hero, John Cena.

The WWE Universe was clearly upset and taken aback by TKO’s decision to release such an important figure of the wrestling family. A massive campaign broke out on social media with the hashtag “#WeWantTruth.” Over the next few shows, live crowds also voiced their displeasure over Ron Killings’ release and demanded his return.

In a surprising but welcome twist, Truth made his return in the main event of Money in the Bank 2025, i.e, John Cena and Logan Paul vs. Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. A hooded figure jumped and attacked Cena in the closing moments of the match. The assailant took his hood off, and the crowd exploded as they saw Truth in a WWE ring once again.

WWE could have done more with Truth as he returned with a new wave of momentum. This arc had plenty of potential, but it was evident that the company had no long-term plans.

#3. Alexa Bliss Shocks The World At Royal Rumble 2025

Royal Rumble 2025 received a mixed reaction from the WWE Universe. Both the Rumbles were star-studded and had their fair share of big moments. However, the selection of the winners, Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair, left a bitter taste. Nonetheless, there were several noteworthy surprise entrants.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came during the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Alexa Bliss, the 21st entrant, came out to a thunderous ovation. Bliss had not been seen in a WWE ring in two years, and the fans had dearly missed the former Women’s Champion. What was more shocking was that many dirt sheets had stated that she would never wrestle again.

This was Little Miss Bliss’s first appearance since the Royal Rumble 2023. Although she didn’t win the match, Bliss was heavily cheered during her time in the ring. 2025 was also kind to her as she formed a successful tag team with an unlikely ally in Charlotte Flair.

#2. Brock Lesnar Brings The Pain At SummerSlam 2025

The main event of SummerSlam: Night Two featured a competitive, thrilling 5-star WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. The American Nightmare regained the top prize, and Cena endorsed Rhodes following their epic clash. The Never Seen 17 soaked in the packed crowd’s applause, but his moment was cut short by a familiar foe.

After a two-year absence, Brock Lesnar made his earth-shattering return to WWE. Lesnar had been implicated in the Janet Grant lawsuit, and some believed that the Beast would never step into the squared circle again. Nonetheless, in true “Brock Lesnar” fashion, the Conqueror laid out Cena with an F5 as the crowd looked on in shock.

Given the lawsuit and allegations, it was a controversial move to bring Lesnar back, and some fans were unhappy with the decision. However, the Beast received a thunderous ovation, and his comeback generated much excitement.

#1. AJ Lee Comes Back Home After A Decade (SmackDown: September 5,2025)

CM Punk and Seth “Freakin” Rollins had been feuding for ages. However, when Becky Lynch low-blowed Punk at WWE Clash in Paris, fans could sense the beginning of a new chapter in the Punk vs. Rollins saga. Triple H was planting the seeds for a massive Mixed Tag Team Match at WrestlePalooza, but no one wanted to entertain the possibility.

AJ Lee had retired from wrestling, and WWE, known for playing it safe, would most likely go with the easier option of Rhea Ripley. However, the company proved everyone wrong as the former Divas Champion made a shocking return on the September 5th edition of SmackDown.

The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate. Rollins’ wife, Becky Lynch, had attacked Punk multiple times. Fortunately, the Straight Edge Superstar had a crazy wife in AJ Lee to teach Lynch a lesson. The craziest woman on the WWE roster got a massive ovation from the live crowd.