10 Weakest WWE Return Pops Ever

10. Layla

Nikki Bella had been WWE Divas Champion for just six days prior to Extreme Rules 2012. She'd scored an opportunistic pinfall over previous champ Beth Phoenix in a Lumberjill match on Raw that week, with a rematch slated for the PPV. Phoenix wasn't given medical clearance to compete after suffering a kayfabe sprained ankle, leaving Nikki without opposition.

WWE switched to a "mystery opponent" angle, and the Bella Twins cut a basic, cocky promo beforehand, calling Nikki's foe to the ring. What should have been a familiar theme song hit, and out came Layla, who'd just missed a full year of action after suffering a double ligament tear in spring 2011. Unfortunately, the Detroit crowd barely mustered a murmur for her, and the return fell flat.

Layla's reaction was a far cry from the one Nikki would later receive at SummerSlam 2016, when she returned from her own lengthy injury absence. Michael Cole tried to muster some enthusiasm on commentary, but there was no masking the dire reaction.

Layla defeated Nikki that night and held the Divas Title for 140 days, fortunately recovering some of her lost popularity along the way.