5 Failed Return Runs by Popular WWE Superstars

#4 Rob Van Dam (2013-2014)

Van Dam was only used to get Del Rio over as a villain.

For those who have been watching professional wrestling since the turn of the century, everyone has a special kind of respect for Rob Van Dam. Arriving in WWE during the Invasion storyline as a member of the ECW and Alliance stable, RVD soon became one of the most popular superstars on the entire roster, that also despite being a heel.

As a staple and one of the leaders of the WWE mid card throughout his first run between 2001 and 2007, RVD, a six-time Intercontinental and 4-time Hardcore champion, was either holding one of the mid card title or was either a contender for it. Van Dam reached the pinnacle of his first run when he became the only simultaneous holder of the WWE and ECW Championship in the summer of 2006 after winning the Money in the Bank at Mania 22.

After his release in 2007, Van Dam continued his main event run in other promotions, winning both the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and X-Division Championship during his run with them between 2010 and 2013. This success forced WWE to again hire him back in 2013 ahead of the Money in the Bank pay per view.

Upon his return, he was greeted with a heroic reception from the crowd and had a stunning first few months. After that, he was paired with Del Rio in a feud for the World Heavyweight Title, but was only used to get his opponent over as a heel. After staying away for the entire WrestleMania season, RVD only appeared as a contender for the Intercontinental Title before he was again released in the fall of 2014.