WWE Biggest Returns in 2025: Hulk Hogan’s Last Promo, Brock Lesnar’s Return, and More

In the main event of Friday Night SmackDown on September 5th, one of the most anticipated returns in a decade happened. In the city of Chicago, the hometown of CM Punk, his wife, AJ Lee, awaited her spotlight as Becky Lynch and Punk traded barbs.

Lynch, the wife of the World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins, has had issues with CM Punk for over a year, with Rollins and Punk having a rivalry since Punk’s shocking return at Survivor Series Wargames two years ago. There is no question that these two would not like each other. Rollins called Punk a ‘cancer’ during an interview. Fast-forward two years, and Lynch found herself in the ring with CM Punk.

Lynch kept hitting Punk, hoping to get him to fight back, but Punk exited the ring before saying:

“This is exactly the situation I wanted to avoid, because you know, and I know, and everyone else knows that I would never put my hands on a lady,” CM Punk continued, “Thankfully, I got somebody who will.”

Moments later, “Let’s Light it Up” played, and AJ Lee pranced down the ramp to a thunderous ovation. She then proceeded to beat up Becky Lynch, in what could become a tag match between AJ Lee and CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at WrestlePalooza on September 20th in Indianapolis. AJ Lee’s return was heartwarming, and here are four more returns that happened in the year 2025.

Hulk Hogan

Several returns happened at the Netflix premiere of Monday Night Raw, such as the Rock’s and the Undertaker’s. However, Hogan’s appearance was not what the WWE was expecting. When “Real American” hit the speakers, the WWE Universe began to boo Hogan. He struggled through his promo and proceeded to wave the American flag.

What was even more condemning was that this was his last appearance in WWE before he passed away. Terry’s controversy outside the ring didn’t go unnoticed. From his court trial to his comments about his daughter’s love life, Hogan was no stranger to the spotlight. WWE fans weren’t showing much appreciation for him, and, unfortunately, his last WWE appearance was not to the expectation of his wants and desires.

Alexa Bliss

“It thought she wasn’t coming back, the internet said he wasn’t coming back,” Michael Cole said after Bliss’ surprise entry into the Royal Rumble at #21. Bliss explained the process of returning to the WWE in an interview with the Bellas.

“I got a call at midnight the night before,” Bliss said, “It wasn’t fully decided until like 4 AM. And then I get a call at 5. They’re like, ‘Alright, we need you on a plane by 10 AM.”

Even better, Bliss’s comeback was a surprise to all the girls in the Rumble.

“No one knew I was there, not even the girls. No one knew I was there until I was in Gorilla.”

The last time she was on television was since the Royal Rumble in 2023, where she challenged Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship and lost. Since then, she’s now a mother and a current member of the WWE roster.

Nikki Bella

Speaking of the Royal Rumble, a WWE Hall of Famer made her presence at the final slot of the event. At #30, many were expecting AJ Lee, but instead were treated to Nikki Bella.

“For the first time in three years, Nikki Bella is here at the Royal Rumble,” said Michael Cole.

In an interview with People Magazine, Bella talked about how she got back into the ring and character: “I couldn’t believe how much my body remembered, but how much I was loving it.

She has since challenged Becky Lynch to a match for the Women’s Intercontinental and lost.

Brock Lesnar

At SummerSlam in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Lesnar made an epic return after a two-year hiatus. What was a classic main event between Cody Rhodes and John Cena, became wreaking havoc with a beast.

Michael Cole could not believe it either, saying, “Holy **** it’s the beast.”

This was not without controversy, however. Lesnar’s name is tied to a lawsuit between Janel Grant and the WWE. Lots of fans and wrestling journalists were left wondering why the WWE would make such a move, but it’s clear Lesnar is a money-making machine.

These are just five of the biggest returns of the year in WWE. There is plenty more to go. Who do you think will be next, or could even come out of retirement?