Ranking the best and worst WWE returns of 2025

The year 2025 is nearing its end, and it has seen several memorable moments in WWE. Fans witnessed some massive returns that changed the dynamic of the product.

While some were unexpected and exciting, some turned out to be underwhelming as well. In this listicle, we will rank the best and worst WWE returns of 2025:

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#9. Best: Zack Ryder

After a 15-year tenure with the company, Zack Ryder was released from WWE in April 2020. However, he finally made his return this year. He initially appeared on NXT as Matt Cardona as part of TNA's invasion storyline, during which he lost to Josh Briggs in a singles match.

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The Broski returned as Zack Ryder on the November 14 episode of SmackDown as LA Knight's surprise opponent in John Cena's Last Time is Now Tournament. While he couldn't secure the win, Ryder's comeback was received well by fans.

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#8. Best: R-Truth

Earlier this year, R-Truth shocked the wrestling world by revealing that his WWE contract would not be renewed, creating a massive uproar. Fans started a movement to bring the veteran back to the global juggernaut.

The company was forced to listen to the audience, and R-Truth made a comeback with a serious attitude a week later at Money in the Bank, attacking John Cena. While his new character didn't last long, his return was a huge success.

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#7. Worst: Aleister Black

After weeks of cryptic teasers, Aleister Black returned to WWE on the April 25 episode of SmackDown. While fans were excited initially, Black's run thus far has failed to live up to expectations.

The Dutch star had been involved in a prolonged feud with Damian Priest that didn't help anyone involved. While it led to Black's on-screen alliance with his wife, Zelina Vega, the rivalry itself was lackluster.

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#6. Best: Dolph Ziggler

On the November 17 episode of RAW, Dolph Ziggler returned to WWE for one night as Solo Sikoa's surprise opponent in the first round of the Last Time is Now Tournament to a huge ovation from the crowd.

While The Showoff lost the match, his performance reminded everyone why he is considered one of the most underrated talents of all time.

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#5. Worst: WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg

Goldberg returned on the June 16 episode of Monday Night RAW to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. The Ring General had previously disrespected the veteran and his family at Bad Blood 2024, which became the reason for this feud.

The two locked horns at Saturday Night's Main Event XL, where Da Man lost to Gunther in his final in-ring outing, concluding his 28-year career as a pro wrestler. While Goldberg is a legend, his final run and retirement match failed to live up to the hype and ended up being quite forgettable.

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#4. Best: Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins convinced everyone that he had suffered a serious knee injury during his match against LA Knight at SNME XL. Fans thought he would be out of action for months as a result.

However, it all turned out to be The Visionary's plan, as he revealed at SummerSlam night one that his injury was nothing but a ruse. Rollins ditched his crutches in a shocking moment and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk, who had just won the World Heavyweight Title from Gunther.

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#3. Worst: The Rock

The Rock proved that The Final Boss is the most unpredictable character in WWE, but not always in a good way. The Hollywood megastar returned on the Netflix premiere of Monday Night RAW, and abruptly turned babyface. Fans were confused by seeing The Great One thanking and hugging Cody Rhodes, who was his rival before this appearance.

The Final Boss returned the following month and turned heel once again, as he cryptically asked for Rhodes' soul. However, The American Nightmare denied The Rock's offer, leading to John Cena's shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber: Toronto.

Fans were excited to see how the dynamic between The Rock and Cena would develop. However, The Great One ghosted the WWE Universe, and there was no proper conclusion to the storyline.

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#2. Best: AJ Lee

AJ Lee returned to WWE after over a decade on the September 5 episode of SmackDown to help CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Her return took the wrestling world by storm, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from fans.

AJ teamed up with Punk to defeat Rollins and Lynch in a Mixed Tag Team Match at Wrestlepalooza. The Black Widow then competed in the Women's WarGames Match at Survivor Series, securing the win for her team. It has been exciting to see the veteran interact with the current crop of talent.

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#1. Worst: Brock Lesnar

Due to the legal controversies surrounding Brock Lesnar, many thought he would never come back to WWE. However, that didn't turn out to be true, as The Beast Incarnate returned in the closing moments of SummerSlam night two and took out John Cena with an F-5.

This led to a one-on-one match between Lesnar and Cena at Wrestlepalooza, where The Beast Incarnate squashed The Cenation Leader. Fans were not happy with the outcome of the bout and were left disappointed with the creative team wasting one of Cena's few remaining appearances on a one-sided loss against Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar's return was already a controversial subject in the wrestling world. A lackluster bout against John Cena didn't do him any favors, leaving a sour taste in everyone's mouth.

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Edited by Parth Pujara