3. Edge (2010)
Just a month after aligning with Chris Jericho in June 2009, Edge suffered a torn Achilles tendon. As he would require surgery, Edge had to relinquish his half of the Unified Tag-Team Championship and was replaced with the Big Show. Edge was due to be out of action for up to a year and during this time was ridiculed by his former partner Jericho. Just over six months later, the former WWE Champion returned much to Jerichos surprise in the Royal Rumble match. Edge gained retribution, eliminating Jericho. Edge also eliminated John Cena, ultimately winning that years Rumble. Edge challenged World Heavyweight Champion Jericho for his championship at WrestleMania XXVI but lost the match. Following his return in 2010, Edge celebrated a further two World Championship reigns before retiring in 2011. Edge was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
2. Triple H (2002)
In May 2001, Triple H suffered a potentially career-threatening injury. In a tag-team match with Steve Austin, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, Triple H tore his left quadricep muscle. The injury would require surgery as well as painstaking rehabilitation and he was due to be out of action for at least a year, but ahead of schedule, Triple H returned to WWE less than eight months later. Entering the Royal Rumble as the 22nd participant, Triple H eliminated The Hurricane, Farooq, Mr Perfect and Kurt Angle to win the match. Receiving a shot at the Undisputed WWF Championship, Triple H challenged Chris Jericho at WrestleMania X8 where he won the match. Since his return in 2002, Triple H has suffered a tear in his right quadriceps muscle, again returning to action ahead of time. http://youtu.be/y0xg01fqtnY