10 Big WWE Returns That Could Happen In 2019

Who will be 2019's Rey Mysterio?

The Rock WrestleMania 35
WWE

If crowd reactions are currency in professional wrestling, the ‘Big Return Pop’ is one of the most valuable. Nothing beats the euphoric rush of a beloved face from the past making an unexpected comeback, though WWE’s propensity to spoil such moments by advertising them ahead of time often dulls their impact in the modern era.

Regardless, 2018 has brought us all kinds of thunderous WWE returns, from Rey Mysterio’s Royal Rumble appearance and eventual re-emergence as a full-time roster member to the host of familiar faces who’ve re-emerged as part of the Women’s Revolution. Oh, that James Ellsworth guy briefly got his job back as well, but let’s not talk about him.

Such moments are part of what makes the sport so much fun to follow in the first place. WWE understand this. They’ll keep delivering big returns at every opportunity, and guess what? There are a host of old faces ready to jump back into the fold in 2019, though they vary in feasibility and likelihood.

Each of these names would get the crowd pumping and the internet buzzing, and if WWE can pull even a handful of them off, 2019 is going to be awesome...

10. Kenny Omega

The Rock WrestleMania 35
New Japan Pro Wrestling

We’re including the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion in this lowly spot because while he would absolutely be a huge signing for WWE in 2019, his previous run with the company wasn’t even a drop in the ocean, so it isn’t exactly a ‘big return’ in any way.

Kenny Omega was part of the Deep South Wrestling developmental territory from October 2005 to August 2006, and has since been extremely critical of the time he spent there. Nonetheless, with New Japan contract season coming up and his deal supposedly set to expire in January, there’s still an outside chance he could end up back in the biggest promotion in the world, and finally make a go of life as a WWE SUperstar.

The rumoured All Elite Wrestling promotion or re-signing with New Japan seem far likelier options for a wrestler who seems to value creativity and freedom above all else. It’d be a surprise to see him show up on Raw or SmackDown, but who’d bet against him succeeding after witnessing the incredible body of work he has put together over the past few years? He’s a star.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.