3 Superstars WWE must bring back in 2019 and 2 they must avoid

2019 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for WWE.

Whilst we have only had one RAW and SmackDown Live this year, the company has already delivered plenty of shocks and spills so far.

Some of the biggest moments this past week have included some huge returns, with John Cena, Hulk Hogan and Universal Champion Brock Lesnar all returning on this week's edition of Monday Night RAW.

As the company continues to grow in this 'New Era' that was announced in December (not to be confused with the new era they spoke of after WrestleMania 32, or after WrestleMania 30 before that), it is clear why the WWE could be tempted to bring back some former Superstars, if nothing else, for the sake of nostalgia.

With that said, here are three Superstars WWE must bring back in 2019 and two they must avoid.

#3 Bring Back: Batista

Batista during his return in 2014.

After a four-year absence from WWE, Batista made a startling return in 2014, hoping for a hero's welcome.

What he got instead, was an onslaught of boos and ridicule from fans, who had sided with Daniel Bryan, who many thought should have won the Royal Rumble instead of the Animal.

Despite the best efforts of the company, Batista was booed mercilessly, leaving the company in June with a whimper.

Fortunately, the fans have softened their approach to the Animal, and bringing the Marvel star back could give the Washington-native a proper send-off. A final run could help keep the Animal fresh in audience's minds, before his inevitable Hall of Fame induction.

And with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 now on hiatus, there's never been a better time for Drax the Destroyer to return.

#2 Must Avoid: Alberto Del Rio

A former WWE and US Champion, Del Rio has burned bridges with WWE.

When Alberto Del Rio debuted in WWE in 2010, the Mexican Aristocrat seemed destined for a huge push.

Within a year, Del Rio won the 40-Man Royal Rumble match, the RAW Money in the Bank Ladder match, and the WWE Championship.

But after leaving the company in 2014, Del Rio didn't do himself any favors in the public eye, criticizing the company.

Returning in 2015, a series of suspensions and public confrontations with then-partner Paige saw Del Rio be fired. This didn't deter the former World Champion from digging deeper into the company, publicly calling out Triple H in drunken rants.

Whilst Del Rio has said he has since apologised to the Game, and even expects to be back in WWE, Del Rio brings too much toxicity with him, and should be avoided.

#2 Bring Back: Jack Swagger

Swagger as the World Heavyweight Champion, which he won after cashing in Money in the Bank.

He may not be everyone's favourite, but Jack Swagger had a bit of everything it takes to become a WWE Superstar.

Starting off as a cocky heel, Swagger transitioned from ECW Champion to World Heavyweight Champion, before falling into the mid-card.

Turning face and falling down the card, Swagger was let go by the company in 2017, Swagger has transitioned into MMA, as well as developing his in-ring and mic skills on the independent scene.

A second chance for Swagger could give the All-American (American) a chance to really prove himself, as well as have a more favorable image in WWE than the jobber status most sadly remember him for.

If Drew McIntyre can turn from 3MB Rockstar to rumored future Universal Champion in just a few years, why not Swagger?

#1 Must Avoid: CM Punk

CM Punk enters WrestleMania 28 as the defending WWE Champion.

CM Punk's departure from WWE has been felt years after his final appearance in January 2014.

Almost immediately after leaving, Punk's name became a chant from live fans, to voice their displeasure with matches, angles or just because they wanted to.

Joining the UFC, Punk is 0-2 in fights, with his career in the Octagon uncertain.

And whilst bringing Punk back would certainly make major headlines for the company, the differences between the Best in the World and the WWE seems to be too big to fix.

Punk himself has said he doesn't want to return to the company, or any wrestling promotion, not even appearing at independent super-show All In, which was in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

No matter what some fans may think, the WWE have clearly moved on from CM Punk.

#1 Bring Back: The Rock

The Great One is one of the favorites to win the 2019 Men's Royal Rumble match.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he should come back full-time, but a brief return by the Great One would be amazing to see.

Rock's last match took place in 2016, lasting a matter of seconds, with his last competitive match being in 2013.

A former World Champion, The Rock could even go toe-to-toe with Lesnar over the Universal Title, in what would be a rematch of their epic Summerslam 2002 encounter.

Imagine how incredible it would be to see the Brahma Bull have a match on RAW, over a decade after his last one.

Even if he was to come back for a few months, it would be exciting to see the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment back, and could lead to some iconic moments in 2019.