3 Part-time WWE Superstars fans want to see return and 3 they don't

Over the last decade, the idea of part-timers in WWE has been a polarizing subject. While it's widely acknowledged that part-time legends add a lot of casual fan interest during times like WrestleMania season, only a few of them are welcomed back to WWE with open arms.

There are various reasons for his, and we explain why with the following examples on both sides of the coin.

Note: Triple H is omitted from this list since he stated last year that he was 'happy' being a full-time office guy, and doesn't seem as keen to return to the ring.

#3. WWE fans want to see return: John Cena

It's hard to argue against the idea that John Cena is the most popular and beloved WWE part-timer. It's interesting because he spent a full decade being arguably the most polarizing star in WWE history.

It was only after he became a part-timer in late 2015 that WWE fans began to understand the value that Cena had. The fact that he was able to carry WWE on his shoulders as the franchise player for a decade is a feat that nobody before him achieved. The elite group in WWE is considered to have four Superstars - Hulk Hogan, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, The Rock, and John Cena.

While Hulk Hogan had a long and impactful tenure, it didn't reach the length of John Cena's run on top. As for Steve Austin and The Rock, both of their runs as the face of WWE was relatively short-lived (but extremely impactful in the grand scheme of things).

The fact that John Cena didn't make his return at a show in which the tagline was "you'll never see it coming" deeply offends me, WWE you need to do better.
— Fiending For Followers ‼️ (@Fiend4FolIows) August 26, 2020

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When John Cena transitioned into a WWE part-timer, he took on a different role. Not only did he face many of the up-and-coming WWE stars, but he mostly put them over in a big way. That level of selflessness was never seen in a top guy before him, and every time he returns to WWE, it truly feels special.

Not only is he among the last 'larger-than-life' characters that exist in WWE, but the fact that he hardly has a match per year makes his rare appearances more impactful.

I want John Cena to Return at the Rumble ❤️ 👌That's the tweet.
— 𝗔𝗷𝗶𝘁 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗝𝗵𝗮 👌 (@srk_akjha) January 3, 2021

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John Cena will be welcomed back to WWE positively for a while to come. He's still in great physical shape and can go in the ring. It's been two years now since we've seen John Cena in a traditional match. The last time he competed in the ring, he lost to Finn Balor on RAW.

#3. WWE fans don't want to see return: The Undertaker

The Undertaker said goodbye at Survivor Series 2020

Despite a less-than-flattering WWE run between 2014 and 2019, The Undertaker managed to end his career in the best way possible in 2020. Not only did he face one of the best of this generation in his final match against AJ Styles, but he returned in a big way, and his appearance as The American Badass in the cinematic Boneyard match marked a fitting conclusion to his incredible career.

It was only apt that 30 years after his debut at Survivor Series 2020, WWE held a final farewell for The Undertaker. After years of teasing retirement, The Deadman finally ended his WWE career with an unprecedented three-decade-long run.

It's a legacy that will never be touched, and his final farewell means that it doesn't make sense for him to come out of retirement yet again for a WrestleMania match. The reality is that WWE doesn't need The Undertaker for WrestleMania anymore, even if he is the greatest Superstar to ever compete at the event.

#2. WWE fans want to see return: Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar has been one of WWE's most valuable Superstars in the last decade. Since his return to WWE in 2012, Brock Lesnar has headlined WrestleMania three times - in 2015, 2018, and night two of 2020.

From 2015 to 2020, there has only been one WrestleMania where Brock Lesnar hasn't been involved in a WWE or Universal Championship match, and that was 2016 when he defeated Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) in an underwhelming street fight.

Brock Lesnar is still in great physical shape and has proven that when he wants to put on a great performance - he can. 2020 has been unusual for Brock Lesnar, having only wrestled at Royal Rumble, in Saudi Arabia, and at WrestleMania 36. WWE has seemingly held off on having him return due to the lack of crowds, but fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of The Beast Incarnate.

Brock Lesnar is currently not under a WWE contract after his deal expired last summer, but he will be expected to re-sign ahead of his return

#2. WWE fans don't want to see return: Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon and The Miz at WrestleMania 35

Shane McMahon wasn't the worst WWE part-timer by any means. He wrestled a few times a year, although he was getting unusually active in the ring in 2019. His last WrestleMania outing saw him defeat The Miz in a Falls Count Anywhere match, and after that, he went on a run where he even defeated Roman Reigns in Saudi Arabia.

There were rumors about Shane McMahon possibly dethroning then-WWE Champion Kofi Kingston. Thankfully, that was never the direction WWE went in, and he began a feud with a babyface, Kevin Owens, instead.

Their tension from 2017-18 had spilled over, and with the roles reversed, Kevin Owens would end up defeating Shane McMahon in a ladder match that saw the latter leave WWE for good.

It was a good way to write Shane McMahon off WWE TV, and since then, his main role was in the brief RAW Underground segments that happened on Monday Nights. While it was short-lived, it was good to see Shane McMahon back in a different capacity.

But his heel character had become oversaturated by 2019, and it wasn't as enjoyable as most felt it would be. While his 2016 return will always remain an iconic moment in WWE, he isn't a Superstar who fans are keen to see return to the ring.

#1. WWE fans want to see return: The Rock

The Rock hasn't had many appearances on WWE TV since his run ended in 2013. His last WrestleMania appearance was in 2016 in front of a record-setting crowd at AT&T Stadium. In that appearance, he defeated Erick Rowan in six seconds - right before the main event of WrestleMania.

While Rowan can always have the claim of being The Rock's last opponent, several WWE fans don't seem to think that The Great One is done. The Rock admitted in 2019 that he 'quietly' retired from wrestling.

Even so, two major matches were reportedly planned - one against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30, and the other against Triple H at WrestleMania 32 in the main event.

It didn't work out, but rumors keep emerging of WWE trying to pursue The Rock back for another dream match at WrestleMania. It's hard to say whether it will actually happen, but he is a legend who WWE fans always welcome back. A return would be highly-anticipated by WWE fans.

#1. WWE fans don't want to see return: Goldberg

Goldberg is arguably the most polarizing part-timer in WWE today. While there's a large section of non-vocal fans who adore and respect the legend, the vocal audience lets WWE know that they aren't big on the two-time Universal Champion.

Somehow, Goldberg always returns, and he mostly does so for World Championship matches. Although this ideally shouldn't count on the list because he has already returned in 2021, he's still a part-time star who many WWE fans don't want to see return.

There are two main arguments fans have against his return. Firstly, many feel that the quality of his in-ring performances and short matches aren't as fun to watch. Secondly, there's a sentiment that Goldberg's appearances mean that a deserving full-time WWE star gets a major spot taken away.

Regardless, there's a reason why WWE keeps bringing him back. He has proven to be a big draw and brings a lot more interest - regardless of how polarizing he can be. Whether fans love him or hate him, they tend to tune into his appearances.

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