A return can work one of two ways. One, it can be a complete success like we saw with the Hardys most recently. However oppositely, it can be a terrible move. We’ve seen fans lose interest in a returning act so darn easily in the past. Remember all that hype for Shelton’s WWE return? Yeah, a comeback isn’t always for the best and in some cases, it gets old real fast.

According to the latest gossip, WWE is planning on expanding the roster even further. This means several new signees. However, Vince has a knack for recruiting older talent from the past. If recent speculation is true, Vince allegedly reached out to AJ Lee for the Evolution PPV. Without a doubt, this would be a welcomed scenario.

In this article we take a look at other names we’d want to see return and which need to be avoided. Those that Vince needs to avoid won’t do much good in developing future programs. For the most part NXT talent should be the preferred option.

On the flip side we’ll feature names we want to see back in the WWE. Nostalgia is a beautiful thing and a lot of these acts can give us a fine dose. Others can make quite the impact with Raw, SmackDown or even NXT. We’ll feature both kinds of acts that need to return, full-time and part-time.

Enjoy the article folks and like always be sure to share it with a friend. Without further ado here are 10 discussed returns Vince needs to avoid and 10 he must make happen. We begin with one of the many possible returns to take place at the women’s Evolution PPV. Let’s begin!

20 Avoid – Rosa Mendes

Here’s a name most wrestling fans didn’t anticipate would come out of retirement. Yes, Rosa Mendes is back in the ring. Unfortunately she recently suffered an injury. She’ll be back but for now the former Diva remains on the shelf. With the Evolution PPV on the horizon the company is looking to bulk up the show with lots of talent both past and present.

Bringing Mendes back for the show really wouldn’t add much.

If anything it’ll just remind fans of a forgettable era in the women’s division prior to the revolution. It’s admirable that Mendes wants to improve and rewrite her wrongs however for now this must be avoided given all the talent already available.

19 Make Happen - AJ Lee

This happens to be the current trending story. With the Evolution PPV set for October it was expected that the WWE would reach out to several talent. A former Divas Champion nobody anticipated would be in the conversation is AJ Lee. However AJ has stated in the past she sometimes feels the itch to return.

According to the rumor mill, Vince McMahon was the one to give AJ a call.

At the moment both sides are considering their options. It is said that Lee is open to returning. Given her popularity and role in the women's revolution this would be a return welcomed by all.

18 Avoid – Goldberg

For whatever reason Goldberg’s name is in the headlines as of late – Kurt Angle recently discussed never having a match with the former WCW star. Daniel Bryan added to the equation claiming he had interest in taking on Goldberg following this year’s SummerSlam. Of course the speculation began pertaining to a possible bout between the two.

Goldberg’s prior run is still a little too fresh.

Most would also agree that there are many different opponents we’d rather see Daniel Bryan step in the ring with at the moment. A Goldberg return shouldn’t be off the table, more so, it should be avoided for the time being due to improper circumstances.

17 Make Happen - Batista

Despite wanting to return Batista still hasn’t been invited back. According to Brad Shepard of Bodyslam.net the reason might be due to Batista finding success outside of the company on his own and without the WWE’s help. If that’s the real reason, yikes!

With the SmackDown landmark 1,000 episode looming it would make for a perfect scenario for the WWE to put this silly reasoning aside and welcome back The Animal. Not only can he appear on the show but Dave can also serve as a strong veteran presence with so many possible matches. Opponents can include WWE Champion AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Nakamura, Cien Almas and a plethora of others.

16 Avoid – Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio visiting the WWE HQ a couple of months ago raised a lot of eyebrows. As a lot of you might know Vince has always had a soft spot for the wrestler. Some believe a return was in the works however still nothing has come from the meeting. Some speculate Del Rio took part in a Rey Mysterio special set for the WWE Network in the future.

It would not surprise us if Vince told Del Rio to stay on his best behavior and that a return in the future is a real possibility. Let’s just hope the future isn’t now. Del Rio working with Andrade Almas seems to be the only logical fit. However given Cien’s current success with manager Zelina Vega he doesn’t need anyone slowing him down. Vince needs to avoid this return.

15 Make Happen – Chris Jericho

Jericho with the WWE makes for a better program, flat out. Y2J recently made a shocking revelation claiming he pitched the idea of showing up just prior to SummerSlam. His involvement certainly had most of our interest. Here’s what Jericho wanted to do:

“I placed a call to a certain head of a certain wrestling company, let’s just leave it at that, and said ‘I have got something for ya. It’s boffo box office, it’s big time.’ I said ‘what do you think about first time ever Intercontinental champion vs. Intercontinental champion, Jericho vs. Rollins.What’s the finish? Doesn’t matter.”

Oh what could have been had Y2J gotten his way. We hope Vince revisits this idea heading into Survivor Series.

14 Avoid - Melina

Despite a return to wrestling Melina has once again decided to step out of the ring. The timing of it all seems to be peculiar considering the Evolution PPV is in just a couple of months. Melina also expressed a little remorse when asked about her potential status at the show:

"You’ve got me thinking but, I'm not coming back to wrestling guys. No. Stop making me think about this stuff. I don't want to (return to pro-wrestling). I've got happier stuff, you know? I accept that my time has come and gone, I'm secure with that. I'm cool with that."

Well, we can scrap that quote. Looking at her social media account it appears as though Melina is once again taking indie bookings. However given concerns with her past attitude it might be best that she stays away from the company for good.

13 Make Happen - Tenille Dashwood

In all likelihood this won’t happen in time for the Evolution PPV. However most fans can agree Emma deserves a spot on the card especially given her prior work alongside Paige with NXT. Even before Sasha, Bayley, Charlotte and Becky, both Emma and Paige launched the revolution with some terrific matches.

If she is to return, it’ll be because of Triple H, one her biggest supporters who always believed in her talent.

We just hope Vince gives the okay. She can serve as a valuable hand on either brand. However a return to NXT might be the most welcomed idea down the line.

12 Avoid – Enzo Amore

Love him or hate him Enzo Amore was a draw during his WWE run. Despite the fact that he claims to be done with wrestling good ol’ Jim Ross recently added fuel to the fire urging both Amore and Big Cass to reunite and join Impact Wrestling. This wouldn’t be a bad idea. The signings would make a lot of sense, a lot more than either of the two returning to the WWE.

They can serve as major hands in elevating Impact even further. Amore will likely get more freedom with his promos as well. Perhaps returning to wrestling wouldn’t be the worst idea as long as it’s not with the WWE.

11 Make Happen – Neville

Almost a year later still no Neville. With the NXT UK program set to launch it seems like the perfect time to rekindle the relationship. Triple H was asked about Neville’s future involvement, his answer really gave no clear indication:

"I'm not 100% positive, I would need to go back and look into that. To me, one of the most talented guys in the world. Time will see where that ends up."

Neville staying at home is a crime especially at this point in his career. Neville needs to return and having him as the face of the UK NXT program can make perfect sense. Here’s to hoping Triple H feels enough urgency to get Vince back onboard with this potential return.

10 Avoid - Big Cass

We can’t discuss Enzo without making mention of Big Cass. Seriously though, who could have predicted that both these two would be gone from the company following their call ups from NXT? Were there hotter acts in the company? Heck the two even teamed up on a PPV alongside John freaking Cena!

Attitude problems backstage plagued Cass’ WWE run.

Fans really don’t seem to mind that he's gone. He was starting to develop the reputation of being just another big man generic heel character. Perhaps a release is for the best as he tries to reinvent himself away from the WWE. In a couple years depending on his run maybe the company revisits a possible return. For now however, they must stay away.

9 Make Happen - Rey Mysterio

Since his return at the 2018 Royal Rumble fans have been demanding for Rey Mysterio back in the WWE. Rey looked absolutely flawless and some might argue he looks better than ever these days. A return seems to be an absolute must.

According to the speculations, fans might be getting their wish as of October. It is said that Mysterio will work his final indie date at the All In PPV. After that he is expected to rejoin the WWE. According to rumblings he plans on making this his final run. With 2K promoting Mysterio in the video game there’s a strong possibility we see him on the Survivor Series card.

8 Avoid - Rob Van Dam

You have to feel for the veteran who wants a WWE return. Van Dam recently admitted that he’s interested in returning. The only problem, according to RVD, the company just doesn’t feel the same way.

We hate to do this but we’ll have to side with WWE on this one. Van Dam has a history of various injuries as of late. Not only that but the man formerly known as Mr. Monday Night is also inching closer and closer to his 50s set to turn 48 at the end of the year. The company is better off promoting someone like Velveteen Dream rather than recalling the ECW legend.

7 Make Happen – nWo

This one happens to be one of the weirdest rumors out there. According to the latest gossip WWE is planning on reuniting the New World Order. Perhaps with The Shield reuniting maybe we’ll see some faction warfare? Okay, probably not, especially given the physical state of the three nWo members these days...

However, a return would still be welcomed, if anything just to give the fans some added nostalgia.

It could also help to ease Hulk Hogan back within the confines of the WWE Universe. As opposed to putting the spotlight only on Hogan, reintroducing him with the nWo might be the wisest decision at this point.

6 Avoid - Ryback

"I still have a little ways to go, but still, like I said, never say never, but it is just not in my radar right now," he continued. "I have not had any discussions; not from my end or their end. It is just not even in my mind right now. Not to say years from now it won't be, I just don't know. I am focused on growing my brand and my business right now.” 

So it appears as though Ryback plans to return just not right now. Vince loves the bigger muscular wrestlers so for that reason Ryback returning is never fully off the table. However given the talent nowadays it seems as though the days of the muscle heads are slowly coming to an end. Rehiring Ryback would just mean the company’s taking steps backwards especially in regards to what the fans want to see. In this day and age it’s all about talent and athleticism. For those reasons rehiring Ryback isn’t wise at any point.

5 Make Happen – Cody

Letting Cody leave the company is one of the biggest mistakes WWE recently made. In his defense, Cody tried his absolute best to make things work. The only problem is those in charge of his faith just weren’t willing to listen. Since his departure Cody has completely altered his brand becoming a must-see indie attraction. He’s also the catalyst for a massive PPV and the first one outside of the WWE confines in forever, All In.

With the company wanting to expand their roster, look for another contract proposal to come Cody’s way in the near future.

WWE is no fool and they’re aware of his power outside of the company. For that reason they’ll desperately try to sign him when the time is right. WWE fans are hoping he accepts and becomes a top player in the company. A role he should have been given quite some time ago.

4 Avoid – CM Punk

CM Punk has stated time and time again that he has no desire to return to WWE and pro wrestling in general. That factor alone is why WWE needs to avoid the former wrestler. With a new lawsuit currently brewing against his former buddy Colt Cabana some are making the claim that Punk might return for a big time pay day in order to help with the legal fees. It wouldn’t be all that shocking if he appeared at the All In event.

However, as for WWE, they need to avoid the talent given the fact that his stock is at an all-time low at the moment. Even Chicago fans jeered his name most recently due to his current lawsuit with Colt Cabana. The time to bring Punk back clearly isn’t now.

3 Make Happen - Juice Robinson

Formerly known as CJ Parker, the New Japan star made the admirable decision to leave NXT and bet on his talent overseas. He’s completely revamped his character over in Japan. Now known as Juice Robinson, the former NXT star is regarded as one of the top promos in the entire wrestling scene at the moment. If you haven’t done so yet check out some of Juice’s post-match promos. The guy is so captivating when he speaks!

Juice has said he’ll never rejoin WWE however that might be a work more than anything else. We hope Triple H revisits the wrestler down the road and he’s given the chance to shine for a second time as crucial part of NXT.

2 Avoid – Cryme Tyme

The Raw tag division seems to be in a difficult spot at the moment. However that doesn’t mean the panic button needs to be pushed. Recruiting older talent such as Cryme Tyme might make things worse at this point. Who can forget the Dudleys reuniting on Raw only to see their return be a complete waste. Cryme Tyme might offer and even worse outcome.

Both Shad and JTG are currently wrestling on the indie scene with hopes of returning to the WWE one day. No disrespect to the team but it’s time for fresh and exciting tag teams. NXT has a plethora of options such as Undisputed Era, Mustache Mountain, Heavy Machinery and TM61 just to name a few.

1 Make Happen – The Rock

During the premier of Skyscraper WWE cameras were on sight to interview The Great One. That alone is a great sign. However Rock took things a step further during the premier telling WWE cameras he couldn’t wait to return to the ring soon. Of course, the speculation began to run rampant following the quote.

Several return possibilities exist at this point. In October, SmackDown is set to hit episode 1,000. A return from the Great One might make complete sense since, heck, the show is named after him! Along with SmackDown 1,000 other rumblings suggest that he’ll appear as a competitor during next year’s WrestleMania. Make it happen Vince!