10 WWE Returns Nobody Saw Coming

8. Tatanka (Royal Rumble 2006)

Royal Rumble 2006 Tatanka Triple H
WWE

'Who's that guy?'.

That was surely the sentiments of most youngsters attending the 2006 Royal Rumble when early-90s Native American sensation Tatanka rocked up as #15 in the titular match for a 15-minute cameo. The former 'New Generation' fave hadn't been seen since 1996. 10 years later, he was back, and it was... unexpected.

The fact that Tatanka then went on to trade a nostalgic Rumble bit part for a full time role on the WWE roster was even more stunning. He'd last until january 2007 before being released from his contract, but then showed up for yet another cameo at WrestleMania 32.

To put this one into perspective, consider an alternative. Imagine the company had brought back Henry O. Godwinn for one more run in 2006, and then hired him so he could work a tag feud against rising stars MNM on SmackDown. That's along the same lines.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.