7 WWE Returns That Flopped HARD!

Big returns are usually greeted with open arms by pro wrestling audiences around the world. Waves of nostalgia overcome us all, as we remember the matches and moments that made us fall in love with these heroes of the past. Only sometimes, these returns are nowhere near as fruitful the second time around.

It's hard for lightning to strike twice with WWE's audience. Do the same thing that worked the first time around and you'll be labeled as a nostalgia act, but stray too far from the formula that proved successful, and that can upset the apple cart just as much. It's a tricky tightrope and one that some of the biggest names in company history have fallen foul of.

From former champions to some of the most iconic names to ever grace the business, no names are safe from flopping on their return. The glories of the past can prove to be worth nothing in the present, as this group of elite names goes to show. These are some of the most disappointing returns in the history of WWE.

It's hard to think of a relationship that has soured quite like Ronda Rousey and pro wrestling fans. During the years that Rousey was crushing all who stood before her as an undefeated fighter in the UFC, Rousey was one of WWE's most notable allies, who would constantly talk about her love for wrestling. Taking Roddy Piper's 'Rowdy' nickname and wearing it with pride, once she suffered two crushing defeats, it was no great surprise when Ronda decided to sign with WWE and give pro wrestling a shot.

Her first run with WWE did massive things for the women's division from a credibility standpoint. With Rousey recognised as a draw in sports as well as entertainment, Ronda went on an absolute tear. From arriving as a curiosity at WrestleMania 34, she then headlined wrestling's biggest event in the first (and only) all-women's main event the next year.

Rousey then disappeared entirely, returning for the first time in 9 months to win the 2022 Royal Rumble. With this echoing what all but ended her relationship with UFC fans, she was not greeted the same way by fans. Ronda then wrestled less than 13 minutes between the Rumble and WrestleMania 36, making it seem like she was being handed everything without earning it. After being welcomed with open arms in her first run, fans soon saw her as a spoiled diva during her second stint with the company, with Rousey doing little to squash those accusations. She now snipes at WWE every chance she gets to compound this radical change of fortunes.