WWE: 5 Returns That Rocked And 5 That Fizzled

1. The Rock (2013)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr8mfBRsD2s OK, fanboys, put down the flaming pitchforks slowly, where I can see them. Yes, Rock boosted the numbers for Wrestlemania for 27 and 28 and basically saved the show with 27. No one€™s denying that. However, by 2013, it was pretty obvious that there was little interest in still seeing him in the main event, and even less interest in seeing him end Punk€™s WWE title run in such telegraphed manner. Especially when it was also telegraphed that John Cena would be getting it back instead. Not only that, but any increases for 2013 for PPV buys were more than offset by Rock€™s astronomical salary. And ratings actually went down in the buildup to Wrestlemania. I love the Rock, you love the Rock, but it was an uninspired storyline (€œRock gets a title shot for some reason, never defends it, loses it and then leaves again€) with an uninspired payoff (€œWe know we said last year was the only time you€™d see this match, but we lied.€) that left everyone looking like sub-par stars next to him. And for that, I have to declare his 2013 return a flop. It€™s nothing personal.