11 MORE WWE Returns That IMMEDIATELY Backfired

11. King Kong Bundy (1994)

The 'New Generation' had kicked off by 1994. Dynamic in-ring workhorses like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were leading the way, but they were ably backed by The Undertaker, Diesel, Razor Ramon and others. Basically, anything other than what conjured up images of Hulk Hogan and the Hulkamania boom of the 1980s was in-fitting with the WWF's fresh direction.

That's why rehiring one of Hulk's biggest foes was a real head-scratcher.

Egg-shaped behemoth King Kong Bundy returned in late '94. He worked his first match for a Wrestling Challenge taping on 30 August, but that actually aired a day after the Superstars match he filmed on 31 August. Then, his first bout on Raw came on the 10 October episode. It wasn't long before Bundy had joined Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Corporation, but he looked 100% past his prime.

Even the big guy's squash matches were dull and lacked the oomph a new breed of monster like Diesel had shown when ripping enhancement workers a new one. Later, Bundy's 3 minute showing in the 1995 Royal Rumble was pathetic. Somehow, in spite of looking totally out of sorts since his comeback, the WWF thought he’d be ideal fodder for The Undertaker at WrestleMania XI anyway.

Nothing about this return worked, and it was apparent instantly that Bundy wasn't going to fly in a fresher federation. He linked up with one of the worst factions ever (sorry, 'Million Dollar Man' fans!), wrestled like he was moving through sludge, and his presence continued the agony inflicted on 'Taker during his earliest 'Mania performances.

Bundy's comeback should've been toast as soon as everyone saw his initial flurry of squashes.