11 MORE WWE Returns That IMMEDIATELY Backfired
8. Christian (2009)
You've really got to wonder what they were playing at here.
Christian bolted from WWE in 2005 because he figured he'd never be taken seriously or given the chance to be a top guy. His TNA run peaked then faded, but it did prove one thing: Christian Cage could be an excellent addition to the upper card mix if WWE gave him a go at that level. When he re-signed in early-2009, there was much merriment. The buzz didn't last long.
He debuted on the 10 February 2009 ECW. Announcer Todd Grisham infamously seemed less-than-enthused (“It’s…it’s Christian!”), and Jack Swagger’s gawping sell mid-ring was a bit crap too. The biggest problem was which brand Christian had been dumped on though. Most fans figured he'd play a role in the ongoing Edge vs. Jeff Hardy feud, but it was Matt who turned on Jeff instead to launch into one of the worst brother vs. brother stories going.
Thankfully, WWE would correct their mistake by putting Christian on Raw by 2010, and he had World Title success, but the ECW surprise backfired. This was supposed to achieve 2 things. Firstly, it'd beef up the star power on the third brand. Second, in Vince McMahon's mind this was where Christian belonged. He got that one wrong, didn't he?
Audiences responded in kind by treating Christian like a bigger deal than anything else on ECW, largely because...he was. He'd more than earned a crack at the World Title scenes on Raw or SmackDown, so this slap in the face blew up in McMahon's face. You can't stop talent!