8 jaw-dropping WWE returns we saw in 2021

2021 has been quite the year for WWE. The company started the year performing in front of no fans, and are now back at sell-out arenas across North America.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a nightmare for everyone, but for Vince McMahon's promotion, they've soldiered on and continue to produce entertaining content. All in all, the WWE ThunderDome allowed the company to try things they normally wouldn't in front of a live crowd.

Moving back to arena shows, with a live audience when it came around, made for a celebration. One can't beat the noise, the energy and the excitement of a live crowd, especially when a WWE Superstar makes their return after a long absence.

In 2021, we saw a number of legends and active superstars return to the squared circle. Some during the ThunderDome era, and some back when live shows returned.

That being said, let's take a look at the eight jaw-dropping WWE returns we saw in 2021.

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#8 Carlito returned to WWE during the Men's Royal Rumble match in January

He spits in the face of people who don't want to be cool. Carlito made a triumphant return to WWE for the first time since appearing on RAW in 2010. He received a warm reaction from fans as the Puerto Rican superstar came out looking in tip-top shape.

Carlito was due to appear at the RAW Legends Night on January 4, 2021, but a deal fell through. Instead, terms were agreed for the former Intercontinental Champion to appear in the Men's Royal Rumble match.

He also appeared the following night on the red brand, teaming up with Jeff Hardy to face Elias and Jaxson Ryker. Carlito spoke about his WWE deal earlier this year, and whether it was due to lead to more:

"It was just the Rumble. I think the day before the Rumble they asked if I can do RAW too and I said ‘yea sure, whatever you guys need.’ That’s all we talked about. It was RAW and the Rumble. I’ve had no communication since the RAW appearance. Whoever wants to use me I’m willing to listen. But like I said I’ve been doing my own thing for all of these years and if it stays that way I’m fine with that too. No, no talks with AEW either. It is what it is man. I don’t know," Carlito said. (h/t Wrestling Inc.)

Whether we see him step in a WWE ring in the near future remains to be seen. He certainly knows fans are appreciative of him and his career with the company.

#7 Zelina Vega returned to WWE after being released in 2020

On November 13, 2020, WWE announced that they had released Zelina Vega. It came as a shock to fans, as Vega had been a key player on television.

It was eventually reported that she was let go because she opposed the company's new policy of instructing superstars to cease their work with third-party platforms.

Once water had passed under the bridge, Zelina Vega returned eight months later, to the surprise of many. She now performs on RAW as Queen Zelina, after winning the Queen's Crown Tournament at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

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#6 Jillian Hall returned to WWE during the Women's Royal Rumble match in January

Cover your ears as Jillian Hall made her return earlier this year for a one-night appearance. Hall, singing her way down to the ring, entered the Women's Royal Rumble match in an attempt to secure her ticket to WrestleMania.

The Jingle with Jillian singer was eliminated second from the match after lasting just over eight minutes. She put in a valiant effort and the WWE Universe certainly remembered her with many talking about her on social media.

This marked her first appearance since appearing during the RAW Reunion the year prior.

#5 Victoria made her return to WWE during the Women's Royal Rumble match in January

Former women's champion Victoria also made her one-night return to WWE during the Women's Royal Rumble match earlier this year. She was one of the company's legitimate standout stars in the women's division in the early 2000s.

It was her first appearance in WWE since WrestleMania 25 in 2009, where she competed in the Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal. There's every chance we'll see Victoria again in the future being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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#4 Christian returned to the ring for the first time since 2014

What a moment it was when Christian's music hit inside the Thunderdome and he entered the Men's Royal Rumble match.

One key moment was when he embraced his former tag team partner and best friend Edge in the middle of the ring. It was a moment that gave everyone watching around the world goosebumps.

Captain Charisma's time with the company ended just days after this appearance. He is now signed to Tony Khan's All Elite Wrestling promotion.

#3 Becky Lynch returned to WWE at SummerSlam to win the SmackDown Women's Championship

Becky Lynch departed WWE in May 2020 to give birth to her first child. In the process, she relinquished her RAW Women's Championship.

15 months later, The Man returned. She shocked fans at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, who went wild when her music hit. Lynch made her way down to the ring and challenged Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women's Title.

Initially, Belair was due to face Sasha Banks, but the match was pulled. She was then due to face Carmella, but Becky Lynch came out and attacked her, leaving the match open.

Bianca Belair accepted, but Big Time Becks defeated her in just 26-seconds to win the title, leaving fans stunned.

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#2 Brock Lesnar returned to WWE for the first time since WrestleMania 36 at SummerSlam

Brock Lesnar last appeared for WWE at WrestleMania 36 before making his surprise return to SummerSlam in August. His contract was in fact up after his clash with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania, which left many wondering what was next for The Beast Incarnate.

We soon found out when he made his way down to the ring following the conclusion of Roman Reigns' Universal Title defense against John Cena. Lesnar had a staredown with The Head of the Table before the champion exited from the ring with Paul Heyman.

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#1 John Cena made a return to WWE to mark the "Summer of Cena"

John Cena returned to the company this past summer in what was described as the "Summer of Cena." He made his return to WWE programming 15 months after his last appearance. Cena appeared to confront Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank.

Of course, the pair had a blockbuster match at SummerSlam. But it was what The Doctor of Thuganomics did outside the ring during the summer that grabbed the headlines. John Cena broke records for merchandise sales and Instagram post records showing that even today his value is still high.

There's no doubt we'll be seeing Big Match John down the road.