Rumored retired superstar, real-life Bloodline member- 4 greatest returns in WWE Survivor Series history

WWE Survivor Series has featured several debuts, twists, and other surprises for decades. As one of the top premium live events of the Stamford-based promotion, several returns have also taken place during the show.

The first time WWE held Survivor Series was in 1987 and since then the show has always been known as the PLE that occurs every Thanksgiving season. The event became well-known for its Elimination Tag Team Matches, but since 2022, WarGames has become its highlight.

For this list, we will look at the four greatest returns in WWE Survivor Series history.

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#4. Randy Orton has been out for almost two years before returning in 2023

During a May 2022 episode of SmackDown, RK-Bro not only failed to become the Undisputed Tag Team Champions against The Usos, but Randy Orton also sustained a serious back injury that put him on the shelf for almost two years. Initial reports weren't looking good for The Viper, even his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, had expressed that Randy might not return, but that wasn't the case.

Weeks before Team Cody Rhodes battled The Judgment Day at last year's WarGames match, The American Nightmare announced that their fifth member was Randy Orton. The Viper caused some fear when he was late to show up, but the crowd erupted in deafening cheers when he finally did.

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#3. The Undertaker haunts Randy Orton in 2005

At WrestleMania 21, The Undertaker defeated Randy Orton to continue his then undefeated streak of 13-0. The feud between both men was put on hold for a while because of The Viper's injury, but they had a rematch at SummerSlam. They faced again at No Mercy and The Deadman lost this time. After the match, Orton put 'Taker inside a casket and set it on fire.

Weeks later at Survivor Series, Randy was the sole survivor during the Elimination Tag Team Match and was the reason for SmackDown's victory. The roster from the Friday show celebrated with Randy inside the ring, before the lights dimmed out and a casket was shown on stage. After it was struck by lightning, The Deadman emerged while flames engulfed the casket. He then sent a message to The Viper by clearing out the rest of the superstars inside the ring.

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#2. The Rock teamed up with his rival in 2011

The lead-up to WrestleMania XXVIII is one that many fans cannot miss as it featured the "Once in a Lifetime" match between John Cena and The Rock, two of WWE's biggest superstars. However, before they were rivals, they were partners.

Weeks before the 2011 Survivor Series, a shocking turn of events occurred when John Cena named his WrestleMania opponent as his chosen partner against Awesome Truth. The tag team match was Dwayne Johnson's first match since 2004, and it ended with the returning star turning his back against his partner after gaining the victory.

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#1. CM Punk shocked the world at WWE Survivor Series 2023

The lead-up to Survivor Series 2023 was just as exciting as the event itself. Aside from the rumors of Randy Orton's return, there were several references made by superstars hinting that The Voice of the Voiceless was en route to WWE.

At the event itself, many lost hope that Punk was going to return as the credits began to flash after the WarGames match. However, in the last second, the iconic Cult of Personality riff hit and the rest, as they say, is history.