5 loudest return pops in WWE history

#2. Brock Lesnar returns to WWE the night after WrestleMania

April 2 2012: @BrockLesnar returns to @WWE and attacks @JohnCena on #RAW. #ThisDayInWrestling pic.twitter.com/endwFs40ZU

— @ThisDayInWrestling (@TDIWrestling) April 2, 2019

Brock Lesnar left WWE unceremoniously in 2004 and left a huge gap on the WWE roster. Lesnar decided to try his hand at playing in the NFL and also fighting for Ultimate Fighting Championship. It didn't look likely that Brock would ever make a return to the squared circle.

Then, the night after WrestleMania in 2012, the 'Beast Incarnate' made an unannounced return. He appeared at the conclusion of Monday Night RAW confronting John Cena. Lesnar immediately made his presence felt by delivering an F5 to a thunderous reception. It was a welcome return. The shocking moment received one of the loudest pops we've heard the night after WrestleMania.

ON THIS DAY: The #RAWAfterMania in 2012 was capped off by the @WWE return of @BrockLesnar! http://t.co/cFfpPVRIMV pic.twitter.com/GFtRstmHd3

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 2, 2015

Lesnar spoke on the April 14th, 2012 episode of Monday Night RAW about why he returned in full Brock mode:

"I'm not a superstar, I'm an ass kicker. I am Brock Lesnar, that's it. I left the WWE, everybody thought, here's a guy, there's no way in hell he's gonna make it in the UFC, but I climbed that mountain and became UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world and I proved everybody wrong. Why did I come back to the WWE? This isn't a feel-good moment. This isn't 'Oh I miss coming through the curtain, I miss all the fans.' At the end of the day, I don't care about anybody but Brock Lesnar. For me this is strictly business. We need a guy to legitimize this company and Brock Lesnar is that guy." Brock Lesnar said. (h/t MMA Mania)