WWE fans love surprise comebacks and nostalgia-driven storylines that bring beloved stars back to the spotlight. Sometimes these WWE returns create magical moments that remind us why we fell in love with certain performers. On other instances, they fall flat and damage both the returning star and the promotion itself.
The worst WWE returns suffer from misguided creative direction or simply trying to recapture magic that no longer exists. These comebacks often expose how much performers have declined or how drastically fan expectations have changed. Bad returns can tarnish legacies and create awkward situations. Here’s our countdown of the 10 worst WWE returns that disappointed fans.
10. Eva Marie – 2021
Eva Marie returned to WWE with weeks of glamorous vignettes, promising an “Eva-lution.” However, when she finally arrived, she barely wrestled and was often paired with others like Doudrop to carry her matches. Fans rejected the push outright, viewing it as a waste of airtime and talent. Her in-ring work hadn’t improved, and the storylines were uninspired. After a few forgettable months, she was quietly released again.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best WWE Storylines of All Time
9. Terry Gordy as The Executioner – 1996
Gordy returned to WWE masked as “The Executioner” in a brief and forgettable stint aligned with Paul Bearer and Mankind. Despite being a legend in Japan and the U.S., he was given no creative depth and was quickly defeated by The Undertaker in a dull Armageddon Rules match at In Your House 12. His talents were hidden under a generic persona, and he was released shortly after his WWE return.
8. Mick Foley – 2000
After a tearful retirement following No Way Out 2000, Mick Foley returned just a month later to main event WrestleMania 2000, diluting the emotional impact of his farewell. While he added star power to the match, the rushed comeback made his prior exit feel hollow. Foley himself has expressed regret over his WWE return, stating it compromised the sincerity of his retirement.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Superstars of the 2000s
7. Papa Shango – 1992
Charles Wright’s earlier gimmick as Papa Shango was a supernatural disaster. Returning with voodoo theatrics, Shango was involved in one of the most bizarre feuds ever, making The Ultimate Warrior vomit and ooze black liquid. Fans were confused, not scared, and the storyline quickly became infamous for its absurdity. Despite a unique look, Shango was booked in cartoonish segments that lacked credibility. His WWE return failed to build him into a credible threat, and the character was soon dropped.
6. The Godfather as The Goodfather – 2000
Charles Wright’s transformation from the flamboyant Godfather to the preachy Goodfather in the Right to Censor stable was an immediate flop. The change eliminated everything fans liked, his charisma, humor, and crowd engagement. The gimmick was a heat magnet, but not the good kind bored audiences instead of drawing interest. The Goodfather’s bland style and preachy promos made him unrecognizable and irrelevant. While the intention was to push a serious message, his WWE return tanked a once-entertaining character.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 United States Championship Reigns of All Time
5. Hulk Hogan – 2025
Hogan returned during the premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix in 2025 but was met with loud boos. Once a beloved icon, Hogan’s legacy has been tainted by past controversies, and the fanbase made it clear they hadn’t forgotten. Despite WWE presenting him as a legend, the reception exposed the disconnect between management’s vision and modern audience values. The return wasn’t followed by any real involvement.
Jimmy Hart shares that Hulk Hogan was devastated by the negative reaction during his appearance on the RAW on Netflix debut in Los Angeles, CA. pic.twitter.com/NXp8ka84ho
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) July 31, 2025
4. Alberto Del Rio – 2015
Del Rio returned as a surprise opponent for John Cena at Hell in a Cell 2015, winning the U.S. Title. But his alliance with Zeb Colter in the bizarre “MexAmerica” gimmick was confusing and directionless. The pairing never clicked, Del Rio was stripped of his aggressive heel identity, and the momentum from his return quickly vanished. A string of uninspired matches and backstage issues led to a forgettable run that tarnished any nostalgia fans had for his previous success.
3. Scott Steiner – 2002
Scott Steiner returned at Survivor Series 2002 to a huge pop but quickly disappointed with sluggish matches and weak promos. His main feud with Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship was a disaster, particularly at the Royal Rumble 2003, where the match was panned for its slow pace and botched spots. Steiner, once known for his explosive athleticism, looked out of shape and unmotivated. The hype quickly vanished, and his second WWE stint ended without achieving anything of note.
2. Batista – 2014
Batista’s 2014 return was heavily promoted, culminating in a Royal Rumble win that fans rejected instantly. The crowd viciously booed him as Daniel Bryan, their favorite, wasn’t even in the match. Instead of being cheered, Batista was dubbed “Bootista” and forced to turn heel. WWE had misread its audience entirely, and Batista’s WWE return stumbled through awkward promos and misused momentum before fizzling out.
Which is the worst WWE return of all time?
The Ultimate Warrior – 1996
Returning after four years, Warrior faced Triple H at WrestleMania XII in a squash match lasting less than two minutes. While fans were excited for his comeback, the bout buried Triple H and offered little substance. Backstage tensions soon resurfaced, and Warrior’s erratic behavior led to his departure within months. WWE had hoped to recapture the magic of the ’80s, but the return lacked storytelling and long-term value.
