It is a crazy time in the WWE. With Evolution on the horizon and Crown Jewel soon after, WWE is bringing back various familiar faces for both shows. Of course, Shawn Michaels has to be the biggest name set for a return. Adding to the awesomeness of his comeback, he is rumored to stay onboard till next year’s WrestleMania. However, rumors suggest he is set to take on a talent that isn’t full time. This has led to some speculation that potentially a blockbuster match between HBK and The Rock is finally set to take place. Without a doubt, The Rock returning under these circumstances is something we all would want to see. We’ll discuss other rumored returns for 2019 that also make a lot a sense and would get the fans buzzing for all the right reasons.
One the flip side, we’ll also take a look at returns that would make a lot less of an impact. In a lot of these cases, the performers are better off working the indie scene a little longer while enhancing their reputations. We’ll also feature a couple of names that might be better away from the WWE as the company might tarnish the image they’ve built up outside of the company in the recent months.
From The Rock to Jeff Jarrett to Rob Van Dam, here are 11 rumored WWE returns we hope to see in 2019 and 9 we don’t. Enjoy the article folks and like always be sure to share it with a friend. Let’s get started!
20 Hope Returns - Batista
The Animal finally returned to the WWE after a lengthy hiatus. For quite some time now, Batista has been campaigning for a return. However, the conditions were under a possible match with Triple H. The company seemed less enthusiastic about that, however they might have a change of heart these days.
The two teased a possible angle during the Evolution reunion and on top of that, Batista was met with a positive crowd reaction similar to Goldberg. Given the return and the large impact it had on social media, it is very possible that Batista returns in 2019 on the road to a WrestleMania clash with Triple H. It wouldn’t be the worst idea and a welcomed return.
19 Avoid - Chris Jericho
Obviously, Chris Jericho is still a fantastic talent and up there with any member of the WWE’s current roster. However, from a pure pro wrestling fan’s standpoint, Jericho away from the WWE is what’s best for business.
According to the rumor mill Jericho might be starting up his own wrestling promotion alongside Jim Ross. In addition, he continues to be a hot name in the industry with New Japan and he’s also in discussion with Impact. Again, Y2J continues to make waves outside of the WWE. Pro wrestling needs Jericho away from the WWE for that competition aspect to truly thrive.
18 Hope Returns - Booker T
"I can tell you, if WWE asked me to come back and do a match, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Preparation is the only luck I've ever had in my career, and if they asked, I'd be prepared."I'm in a good place right now. My Reality of Wrestling is going really well, my school is doing really well, my Heated Conversations radio show is doing really well, so I'm in a great place right now, but why not do it if you still can?" (Source: Wrestlinginc)
Booker caused quite the stir during his recent interview with SI. Booker admitted that he’s open to a possible return. All it’ll take is for the WWE to ask. The company can easily implement Booker into a storyline with a younger talent – there aren’t many fans that would oppose this book-ing (see what we did there).
17 Avoid – Cody
Similar to Chris Jericho, Cody is a talent better off outside of the WWE. He managed to change his entire career trajectory since leaving WWE. He is now a legitimate heel character and arguably among the top in the entire pro wrestling business, WWE included.
WWE is set to make a serious pitch at a variety of wrestlers come 2019. Cody returning would be great for the WWE but not so much for the talent. He needs to stay away for a lot longer as he continues to build his name away from the company. Perhaps 2020 or 2021 might be a better timetable for a possible return.
16 Hope Returns - Goldberg
Goldberg’s recent return changed his entire image in the pro wrestling business. His return was initially meant as a one-off however it turned into a lengthy return and one that saw him win the Universal Championship. He was also over with the crowd, that wasn’t the case during his prior WWE run.
Goldberg is open to a return. He isn’t the most gifted in the squared circle but take nothing away from Bill, the guy is still a massive draw. Daniel Bryan expressed interest in working with Goldberg. How great would it be to see a possible David versus Goliath matchup featuring these two? Or what about Goldberg and Braun Strowman locking up?
15 Avoid - Rob Van Dam
''Been awhile Bull. Last time we talked, my time was worth more to me than to them. That hasn’t changed.” (Source Sportskeeda)
The 47 year old continues to address questions about a possible return. Given his Twitter response to a fan, it appears as though the WWE doesn’t have much interest in the semi-retired wrestler.
Let’s not get it twisted, Van Dam deserves a spot in the WWE’s Hall of Fame for his ECW work alone, never mind his brilliant matches with the WWE. However, when it comes to an actual in-ring return, that might be far too risky. Van Dam wasn’t renewed due to various concussion issues. It isn’t the company’s best interest to revisit the talent given these past troubles. It might be best to leave the memories alone – at least inside of the squared circle.
14 Hope Returns - Jeff Jarrett
“Never say never.' That's how I look at it," he said. "Not just about me going back on whatever role or capacity, it's just this business. Who would've thought me and you would be talking in March about the WWE Hall of Fame? That's the real, real fun part about this industry, you never know what's gonna happen." (Source Wrestlinginc)
Clearly, Jarrett left the door wide open for a possible return following his Hall of Fame induction. In truth, Jarrett can still serve a great purpose on the show. The connection with Elias is rather clear; the two working together can be quite the treat. Given Elias new feud with Corbin (pulling a Jeff Jarrett and smashing a guitar on Baron’s back), how great would it be to see Elias announce Jeff as the new GM of Raw?
13 Avoid - Big Cass
One of the most surprising departures, if not, THE most surprising departure has to be Big Cass leaving the WWE in 2018. The talent was once viewed as a performer high up on Vince McMahon’s totem pole. This became evident with his booking being placed in a feud with Daniel Bryan following his return from injury.
Big Cass wasn’t the problem. Instead it was William Morrissey that cost him the job. Antics outside of the ring got Cass released by the company. His goal is to make a WWE return while making a name for himself on the indies. In order for this to fully work, he needs a longer period on the indie scene. Take Drew McIntyre for example, who is the idea blueprint for Cass to follow. The talent won almost every indie championship while staying away for three years. That might be an appropriate timeline for Cass to follow.
12 Hope Returns - Sting
Sting left the door open during his Hall of Fame speech. Surprisingly these days, the iconic WCW star is still teasing a possible return. However, if it were to happen, Sting admits there is only one opponent he has interest in working with and that’s The Undertaker;
"I would only consider against one opponent, and that would be [Undertaker], and that's it," Sting said. "Anyone else, at this point, why? But, I have always loved the idea of the Sting-Taker thing. So many ideas in my head, you know, how to make it just a night that people would never forget." (Source Wrestlinginc)
That match likely isn’t to go down and Sting admits that he wouldn’t consider a GM job as it would tarnish that mystique. However, with WWE filing a trademark for Halloween Havoc, it would be great to see Sting return in some type of capacity in the fall of 2019 for the rumored event.
11 Avoid - Jack Swagger
Jack is one of the many names currently enjoying his freedom outside of the WWE creating his own schedule on the indie scene. However, he does admit that a return can happen at some point. Looking at Jack’s perspective, would this be a good idea?
He’s currently being booked as a headliner for the events he’s featured on. Unfortunately, that just won’t happen with the WWE. A return would be cool however that specialness would die down rather quickly and he’ll be back at the same spot he was in before. A return in 2019 is still far too early. He needs more time on the indie scene to make a greater impact.
10 Hope Returns - Wade Barrett
"I think one of the things that happened to me in the last couple of years in the WWE where I realized how unhappy I was in that environment, was that I realized that I needed variety and balance in my life.” (Source Wrestlinginc)
Those were Barrett’s recent comments on a possible return. Given that he likes variety and less of the grind travel schedule, how perfect would it be to include Barrett as a part of NXT UK? This can be the perfect solution and travelling would be limited while he can still work on other projects. Wade can also take on a managerial role or better yet, GM role.
9 Avoid - Kelly Kelly
Kelly Kelly is one of the many alumni names added to the women’s Evolution PPV show. Still only 31, the former Divas Champion wants a permanent return. Given the crowded field of talent, this wouldn’t be the best idea on the WWE’s end.
If Kelly’s seriously considering a WWE in-ring return permanently, then perhaps she might be better off walking in the footsteps of Kaitlyn and working on the indie scene for a little while. Once her skills clearly get better, then and only then should she be considered in a full-time capacity.
8 Hope Returns - Michelle McCool
Speaking of returning women from the Divas era, we now turn out attention to Michelle McCool. Although she came out of that era, McCool was well ahead of the class in-terms of in-ring ability. During her Royal Rumble return, those skills were clearly still there. She still can go in the ring even these days.
If her return at women’s Evolution is another success, perhaps WWE should think about bringing her back, even if it is for a short program. With Survivor Series looming, how great would it be to see a team of the past versus a team of the present? McCool can easily slot into the past team alongside Trish.
7 Hope Returns – Melina
Naomi stirred things up by challenging the former WWE Diva Melina. The former Divas Champion responded to the request:
“I wanted to hug her face off. That’s so sweet. I would love to have a match with her. I would love it. She’s such a good person, we could make magic together. People who are appreciative and want to work with you – there’s nothing like it. when people don’t want to work with you, it’s – it makes for crappy matches. And people feel it.”(Source Pwmania)
Clearly, Melina definitely has interest in such a match. She can also play a great role over on SDLive as a valuable veteran, similar to Natalya and Mickie James over on Raw.
6 Avoid – Eva Marie
According to recent reports, Eva Marie isn’t quite done with the WWE just yet. She claims to have unfinished business in the industry and she wants to take on the likes of Alexa Bliss, Ronda Rousey and the Bella Twins. Some fans might be less enthusiastic about this announcement.
Before this happens, Eva needs to spend some time on the indie scene, at least a year. She’s a draw without a doubt but her in-ring ability didn’t do her any favors then and it won’t now. The only way to get better is with actual match experience. This needs to happen before a return takes place.
5 Hope Returns - AJ Lee
“My heart is always going to have this giant place for wrestling. So I’ll always miss that moment right in the ring when you feel that energy from the crowd.” (Source Cagesideseats)
Unlike husband CM Punk, Lee admitted to missing the business and the energy that it provides. The reality of leaving the WWE is never easy especially with all the eyeballs the company attracts. It’s especially difficult for someone like AJ given she’s barely into her 30s. Here’s to hoping she gets that itch and finally decides to return – she’ll be a perfect fit in this day and age.
4 Avoid - Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio claims he’ll have one more run with the WWE prior to calling it a career. For now, he is all about MMA and potentially a new deal with Impact Wrestling. The question is do fans really want to see the 41 year old back in a WWE ring in 2019?
Given his troubled history and continuous negative comments pertaining to Paige and their past relationship, such a return would not be best for business. The talent definitely deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, however anything wrestling related with the WWE is a polarizing topic, therefore, it might be best for WWE to avoid.
3 Hope Returns – nWo
Hogan returning to the WWE seems inevitable at this point. Even Shane McMahon recently commented claiming Hulk returning to the WWE on-screen should go down sooner rather than later.
In order to facilitate the blow, Hulk must return alongside his nWo buddies. This should take place in 2019, for the time being there are far too many nostalgia acts. Bringing back the nWo right now would only hurt that rareness of a past act returning. Save this reunion for 2019 Vince. And oh, keep them out of the ring as actual wrestlers too!
2 Avoid – Ryback
Ryback is just one of the other many names wanting to make a WWE return at some point. For now, he feels content with his supplement brand and working sporadic dates on the indie scene. However, he’ll feel the itch to reach out at some point and that might happen in 2019.
Ryback returning would not be a good idea. The obvious reason, Ryback has done very little to enhance his brand on the indie scene since leaving the company. He has worked for lower tier promotions barely getting his name out there. If he is to return, Ryback needs to ramp up the indie schedule and at least create some hype for himself.
1 Hope Returns - The Rock
"I can’t wait to get back into the WWE ring. Everybody always asks me, ‘what’s it like being in a WWE ring?’ I always tell them there’s nothing like it. There’s a certain live crowd acumen, there’s great connective tissue that’s second to none. That was, and will always be the best part of my job, whether I’m actually wrestling a match, or just giving a promo. That connection with the audience, there’s nothing like it." (Source Comicbook)
The Rock wants to return and his name continues to surface as a major face set for a comeback in 2019. The possible matches for the Great One seem endless. Now let’s just imagine the scenario of Rock and HBK finally locking horns after all these years, one of the greatest matches that never took place. Man would that be something else!