10 Loudest Pops In WWE Royal Rumble History

3. John Cena's Return (2008)

John Cena Royal Rumble 2008
WWE.com

John Cena's Lazarus-like healing abilities are legendary.

The man has been hit by several serious injuries throughout his career, and not only seems to come back stronger every single time, but well ahead of schedule too. It was impossible to keep him down in his physical prime, and his video game-like regeneration powers created an awesome return at the 2008 Royal Rumble.

'The Fact That Runs The Place' tore his pectoral muscle while wrestling Mr. Kennedy in October 2007. Such an injury would usually mean a recovery period ranging anywhere from seven months to a year, but not Cena. WWE's franchise player was ready to go after just four months. Nobody expected him to show up at Madison Square Garden, but that's exactly what happened, and his theme music drew a frenzied mix of shock, disbelief, and jubilation at number 30.

The pop subsided soon after, presumably as certain sections of the crowd realised they were supposed to hate the guy. Regardless, Cena's appearance created the kind of natural, organic reaction that only an unexpected return can provoke, and everyone in the arena was drawn into it from the moment the first chord hit.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.