Wrestle, take break, return, repeatWWE’s roster is plagued big time with injuries right now. They are having a string of big names out of action due to various reasons. With the WrestleMania season just around the corner, this is indeed a big problem for the creative team.Coupled with the low ratings that their weekly flagship show has been garnering, it would be safe to say that WWE is in need of some timely reinforcements.Returns of some big names SHOULD happen before WWE gets on the Road to WrestleMania and TLC provides the best stage for this. So here is a look at some of the superstars who could return to action at the 2015 edition of TLC:
#8 Honorable Mention: Randy Orton
Randy Orton reportedly underwent a surgery recently and the chances of seeing him at TLC are pretty low. But, The viper is rumored to be set for appearing at WrestleMania. If so, WWE will have to build up a feud for him and this might result in a return from the former WWE champion even if it is in a non-wrestling capacity.
#7 An ECW Original
The return of Tommy Dreamer to the WWE roster has stirred up the dormant WWE fans. WWE’s habit of still relying on ECW to get some love from the WWE Universe was there to be seen in the angle and WWE could take it to the next stage by bringing back one more ECW Original.
The Dudley Boyz is still outnumbered against the Wyatt Family and we could have one more superstar in the feud. And a couple of entries on the list will be in keeping with this fact as well.
Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and the Sandman are usual names that come up when we mention ‘ECW’, but one person that will fit perfectly into the situation is Spike Dudley. He is an ECW original and above all, he is a ‘Dudley’.
#6 James Storm
James Storm made an appearance down in NXT a few weeks back and it was a one night thing. However, Storm has apparently agreed to a full-time deal with the company and has cancelled his independent bookings for the same.
Bringing back Storm to the NXT roster would be a predictable move from WWE’s side, but if they bring right into the main roster, it would be a surprise.
And if the return happens on a platform like TLC, then it would help Storm to have a good foundation for his WWE career. Also, the surprise factor of his return will help the pay-per-view make some headlines.
#5 Chris Jericho
Now, not including Chris Jericho in the ‘ECW Original’ slide was intentional. This is because; Jericho has other storyline possibilities apart from the Dudleys vs. Wyatt Family battle. One of the most notable angle from the lot would be a potential feud against an upcoming talent.
Jericho is known to put over superstars and there are few names on the current roster that could use a rub from this veteran talent.
Kevin Owens, Tyler Breeze, Stardust, and Neville are just some of the names that could use Jericho’s brilliance. A wrestler with his talent will be a big boost for the company at this moment and if he does return at TLC, he should stick around till WrestleMania gets over.
#4 Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn recently announced that he will be returning to action soon, but the question is: will he return to NXT or will he return to the main roster? The answer to this question is quite simple.
Zayn was the champion down in NXT before he left and the championship scene is currently occupied by Finn Balor and Samoa Joe. The main roster on the other hand, has Kevin Owens as the Intercontinental Champion.
Owens was the main who responsible for Zayn’s injury and it would make sense if Zayn goes behind Owens at TLC. A feud between Zayn and Owens will simply blow the roof off, heading to WrestleMania.
#3 Sting
Sting might not be able to wrestle at TLC, but if WWE could bring him back as a non-wrestling figure, it would be a great boost for the ratings. Sting is a household name in the business and having him week in and week out on television ahead of the WrestleMania season will work wonders.
The only thing that WWE needs to find for Sting now is a storyline.
He belongs in the main event and the only possible angle for him at this moment is a battle against the Authority. Without getting into the ring, Sting could spark off a power struggle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
#2 Brock Lesnar
There was a rumor about Brock Lesnar agreeing to work more dates. Later, we came to know that the Beast would be in the company before the Slammys. All this points to one thing: a potential return at TLC.
His star power is something that Vince McMahon could use at this moment. Lesnar is bound to appear at Royal Rumble and WrestleMania next year and WWE can sow the seeds for these appearances at TLC.
The major add-on to Lesnar’s return is Paul Heyman. The evil wrestling genius knows how to captivate the fans with his microphone skills, and his presence will be priceless for WWE on the road to WrestleMania.
#1 John Cena
The Cenation leader recently took a break from the squared circle, due to the television commitments that he had with FOX. His absence was probably one of the reasons why the Raw ratings fell and his return, in turn, will likely boost them.
After all, Cena is still WWE’s franchise player and it’s his face that fills up the coffee mugs and posters.
There is clearly a big question about where Cena will fit in and we will get to know the answer only when he returns. Delaying Cena’s return till Royal Rumble is also a possible move but WWE cannot afford to keep him away from the product till then.