Rey Mysterio Returns At WWE Royal Rumble 2018

Redemption for 2014.

by Andy H Murray
Rey Mysterio
WWE.com

Rey Mysterio returned to a WWE ring for the first time since April 2014 last night, entering the 2018 Royal Rumble as a surprise participant.

The former World Heavyweight Champion drew a big pop when his music hit at number 27. After charging to the ring, he embarked on a strong run through the bout, delivering 619's to Roman Reigns and The Miz, and starring in a number of other crowd-pleasing moments. He was eventually thrown out by Finn Balor, but not before eliminating NXT's Adam Cole himself.

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Given the grand failure that was his last Rumble appearance, it was great to see Mysterio leave such a strong impression in Philadelphia. Entering the 2014 bout at number 30, he was jeered out of the building for taking a spot many felt should've belonged to Daniel Bryan, and made only a handful of further appearances prior to his release. PWInsider are reporting that last night was a one-time deal, but it should help scrub those painful memories.

Rey wasn't the bout's only returnee, as former Cruiserweight Champion The Hurricane entered at number 23, only to be eliminated by John Cena 23 seconds later.

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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.