Seemingly part of TNA's plans, Booker T's return in 2011 was a total shock. Although he didn't last very long, fans went nuts when they heard "Can you dig it, suckaaaa?"
10 years after Chyna broke the gender barrier, becoming the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble, Beth Phoenix became the second. Not only did the Glamazon enter the match, she eliminated Great Khali as well.
WWE fans hadn't seen Kevin Nash in years prior to his return at the 2011 Royal Rumble. Nash appearing as Diesel as a cool throwback, but the real shock was that he appeared to be firmly part of TNA's active plans at the time.
After a four-year absence, fans weren't sure they'd ever see Rey Mysterio again. Not only did he return in 2018, Rey has remained a key part of the roster ever since.
In retrospect, this shouldn't have been that much of a surprise. The woman who paved the way for modern women's wrestling, Trish Stratus deserved a spot in the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble in 2018.
One year after Edge returned from what was supposed to be a career ending neck injury, his partner in crime made a similar shocking return. Christian's career was also reportedly over due to injuries, making his appearance a stunner.
Chris Jericho had been out of WWE since 2012 after losing a "contract termination match" against Dolph Ziggler. It was well known that Y2J was going on tour with his band, Fozzy. When he appeared at the 2013 Royal Rumble, no one saw it coming.
The heart and the face of TNA basically since its inception, it was unclear how A.J. Styles would be received in WWE. The fans knew exactly who he was, making his debut one of the greatest of all time.
The term "Super Cena" is now viewed negatively as a time when John Cena never lost. But in 2008, he really was Super Cena, returning from a torn pec that was supposed to knock him out of action for at least six months in just three. It was indisputably the greatest return of all time, until...
In a list full of subjectivity, this one is objective. There is a correct answer to the greatest Royal Rumble return of all time. Edge was never supposed to wrestle again. Not only that, in the modern era, it is impossible to keep anything a secret. Yet, WWE managed to hide Edge's return from the world. The reaction from the fans and Edge himself is all you need to know.
