5 best WWE Royal Rumble returns of the century

#4 Rey Mysterio shocks the WWE Universe and enters

the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble match

In January 2018, WWE hosted the inaugural Women's Royal Rumble match at the titular event. While most of the hype revolved around this historic occasion, Rey Mysterio surprised the world with his unannounced return during the Men's Rumble match.

This was the Master of the 619's first appearance in the company since April 2014. Mysterio entered the ring as the 27th entrant and lasted nearly ten minutes. The former world champion had an impressive showing as he eliminated Adam Cole and made it to the final five before being eliminated by Finn Balor.

The Wells Fargo Center was buzzing the entire time Mysterio was in the ring. The 2006 Royal Rumble winner later made a full-time return to the company in October 2018, making this surprise appearance a one-off. He also appeared at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018.

The return was vital as it raised the Ultimate Underdog's popularity and led to a full-time return later in the year.