5 Superstars whose return WWE run was more successful than their original run

#1 Shawn Michaels (2002-2010)

The best way to exit - Losing with Pride.

It would be unfair to select which of the two WWE in-ring runs of 'Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels was the better one. Often rated as the greatest professional wrestler of all time, Michaels always delivered big time whenever he stepped in the ring and has wrestled more all-time classics than probably any other professional wrestlers in America.

Making his debut with the WWE way back in 1988, Michaels had a successful stint as a tag team wrestler, along with Marty Jannetty as The Rockers, during his first 3 years. Upon turning on his partner in 1991, Michaels became a snobbish heel and became a big star in the mid-card. His three Intercontinental Title reigns and two reigns with Tag Team Championships acted as a stepping stone for his future success.

After failing to win the WWF Title at Mania XI, Michaels won his second Royal Rumble in 1996 and defeated Bret Hart in the main event of Mania XII to win his first WWF Title. Upon his heel turn in 1997, Michaels founded DX, won his 3rd WWF Title and continued to be the top star until an injury brought an end to his career at WrestleMania XIV. After his injury, Michaels became a trainer for future wrestlers until he was cleared to return in 2002.

Returning with a lot of fanfare, Michaels was immediately put into the main event scene and won the World Heavyweight Title less than 6 months after his return. Even after losing the title, Michaels stayed in the main-event scene and developed a whole new persona of the Showstopper. His matches with the likes of Chris Jericho, Triple H, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Ric Flair and The Undertaker were the best wrestling matches in the subsequent years.

After reforming DX in 2009 and winning the unified tag team titles with HHH, Michaels ceremoniously retired again after losing the main event of Mania XXVI, hence bringing an end to inarguably the best return run in the history of WWE.