2016 was a mixed year for WWE. There were some great matches for sure, but the storytelling, quite often, was abysmal, and this reflected in the ratings of the product. Moreover, on both Raw and Smackdown, we saw the same talents in the main event spot week after week, and this honestly does try one’s patience.
The need of the hour is to freshen the WWE product, with new faces. Better yet, if familiar faces were to return and face the top stars of the company in brand new programs, it may revive interest for both old fans and new ones. Here are five returns, guaranteed to rock WWE, if/when they happen in 2017!
#5 Broken Matt Hardy and Brother Nero
With due apologies to Kenny Omega, if one were to ponder who the non-WWE wrestler of the year was, any answer that does not say Matt Hardy is wrong! Having reinvented himself in his ‘Broken Matt’ character, Matt Hardy is the only person still keeping TNA relevant.
What’s more? Revitalising Jeff Hardy as Brother Nero has given him a new lease on his career too, and they quite honestly may be the ‘greatest tag team in all time and space’, right now, as they so proudly proclaim.
Here’s what’s interesting. Matt and Jeff Hardy’s contracts expire come February 2017, and they’ve been open with regard to jumping ship to WWE in shoot interviews. Matt and Jeff Hardy have been very vocal about wanting to wrestle ‘The Day of New’ and ‘The Family of the Wyatts’, and if they were to jump ship, this may very well be a reality.
The only issue with The Hardy Boyz coming to WWE is that McMahon would stifle their creativity. Let’s hope for the best for the sake of the entire wrestling community.
#4 Mickie James
We last saw her in a one-off match against undefeated NXT Women’s Champion- Asuka, where Mickie James showed that she can still go, at 37 years old. Since then we’ve learned that Mickie James is all set to return to Smackdown Live, and bolster the Women’s Division on the blue brand.
It is already being speculated that the Masked Luchadora that cost Becky Lynch her title opportunity was in fact, Mickie James. The mystery should be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Mickie James brings star power and veteran skills to Smackdown. The women can benefit greatly from working with her, and it lends legitimacy to a division that’s been overshadowed by Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair’s history-making rivalry.
#3 Triple H
In 1997, Sting vs. Hogan was built for almost a year before it eventually took place at that year’s Starrcade event. Through this duration, Sting did not wrestle a single match even though he was the company’s hottest star. It gave the company one of the highest pay-per-view buys in company history, because of the slow build.
Triple H vs. Seth Rollins has been simmering in pretty much the same manner. Hunter turned on his ‘guy’ and put the belt on Kevin Owens. Seth Rollins has been calling Triple H out for weeks now, but we see no sign of The King of Kings. Because of this build, when the match does happen it may be a pretty big deal in itself.
We’re sure Triple H will return on a big stage like The Royal Rumble at the Alamodome or at Wrestlemania 33. We know Triple H is approaching the end of his wrestling career. Will he be retired with a Pedigree maybe?
#2 Shelton Benjamin
Immediately after the brand split, we learned that Shelton Benjamin would be returning to SmackDown Live. This was definitely a necessity, as we’ve seen the same faces in the mix on SmackDown Live, week after week now. Sadly, a torn rotator cuff put his return on hold. Having successfully undergone surgery, Benjamin’s return should be on the cards soon.
Benjamin’s return is of the utmost importance because he can seamlessly fit into any role on Smackdown. He could be allied or feuding with American Alpha, with their amateur wrestling gimmicks, he could be in a mid card feud with The Miz or even at the top of the card with AJ Styles or John Cena.
The fact that he's a familiar face also adds a whole new dimension to his character.
#1 Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle still has two independent dates left, but it was recently reported that he’s telling promoters not to book him since he’s coming back to WWE. It is rumoured that he’ll be a part of the Royal Rumble, an event where he is desperately needed, as the massive venue needs to be filled.
Angle may not have an entire run left in the tank, but he still remains one of the best workers in the business. Moreover, he remains a massive draw for the company and a Wrestlemania match for him may be a huge selling point.
Angle’s expressed the willingness to work with talent he’s never stepped into the ring with, such as Rusev and Seth Rollins. When his music hits, we’ll mark out!
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