wrestling / Columns

The 411 Wrestling Top 5 4.10.13: Week 215 – Top 5 Surprise Returns & Debuts

April 10, 2013 | Posted by Ken Hill

Hello everyone. Your “Kennection To All Things Wrestling” Ken Hill here, and welcome to 411 Wrestling’s Top 5 List. What we are going to is take a topic each week and all the writers here on 411 wrestling will have the ability to give us their Top 5 on said topic, plus up to three honorable mentions.

So, on to this week’s topic…

THE TOP FIVE SURPRISE RETURNS & DEBUTS!

Jeremy Thomas

5. John Cena Returns from Injury at Royal Rumble (2008) – Cena’s return, I again say, was something no one saw coming. I mean, no one. If you know someone who said “Yeah, I saw that coming,” then smack them upside the head and tell them I say they’re a liar. It was an awesome moment and even most Cena haters were marking out for this one out of pure “holy crap!” factor…and deservedly so, I might add.

4. Lex Luger appears on the first Nitro (1995) – The Lex Express appearing on the first Nitro was a huge statement of where WCW was willing to take this war. Luger pissed off a lot of people within the ‘F when he did so, and I imagine that’s why his career’s never recovered since the folding of WCW. At the time, though, he was all the talk of any wrestling fan, and we knew that things were getting serious.

3. Rick Rude Appears on Raw and Nitro the Same Night (1997) – If Lex’s debut showed us that the Monday Night War was serious, then Rude’s appearance on both shows at the exact same time showed us exactly what lengths Bischoff would go to. Using Raw’s tape delay to screw with the WWF and fans was a pretty ingenious move, while he may not have had as much impact as other shots fired between the ‘F and WCW, it was perhaps one of the most shocking moments.

2. Chris Jericho Makes His Big Debut on Raw (1999) – When Y2J debuted on Raw, I was at a point where I had lost internet access, so I didn’t see this one coming at all. It was perfectly staged and just awesomely executed, with Jericho interrupting the Rock and declaring a new era in Raw. Watching the Rock and Jericho go back and forth at each other was a fan’s dream, and it was happening right in front of us.

1. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall Debut as “The Outsiders” in WCW (1996) – This is the big one of course, as it started the Monday Night War. Scott Hall’s debut on WCW, jumping the rail and declaring war, is one of those iconic moments that will stand the test of time in professional wrestling and that no one will ever forget, and is easily one of the most important moments in wrestling over the past fifteen years.

Francisco Ramirez

5. Kevin Sullivan introduces the Purple Haze – Old school, but Kevin Sullivan in full blown satanic heel mode was entertaining as hell. One of his better moments in Championship Wrestling from Florida, was his introduction of the Purple Haze. Pitch black night, Sullivan in full black garb, and Mark Lewin as the Purple Haze slowly coming from the ocean. Sure, by today’s standards it might look like a B Horror movie, but at that time, to many wrestling fans, Sullivan was the devil himself, and the Purple Haze was his muscle.

4. Raven returns to ECW – The Dudley’s were headed to WWE, they were vocal about it. Their last night in ECW they defeated the then tag champions Balls Mahoney and Spike Dudley, winning the titles and becoming tag champs for the 8th time. After threatening to deliver the ECW Tag-Titles to the desk of Vince McMahon, Tommy Dreamer came out, a match ensued, lights went out and Raven, Tommy Dreamers long time nemesis returned, defeating the Dudley’s and becoming the new ECW Tag-Team Champions.

3. L.A. ParK returns to AAA – This return was just unthinkable. After La Parka left AAA for the United States, Antonio Pena handed the La Parka mask and gimmick to another wrestler. To say the original La Parka was offended is an understatement. An unwritten rule was broken, and once Adolfo Tapia, the original La Parka returned to Mexico, he had to don the L.A. ParK name for legal reasons. Street fights between L.A. ParK and La Parka were known and documented. So to the surprise of many in 2010, at the AAA Rey de Reyes show, A hooded individual came out to assist Konnan and La Legion Extrangera, after beating down el Mesias, the hood was removed, revealing L.A. ParK. After years of lawsuits, and verbal venom, L.A. ParK was back in AAA and as he stated to La Parka and Joaquin Roldan on the mic, he was back for his name.

2. Ric Flair returns to WCW – One of the most emotional moments in wrestling history is easily the re-introduction of the 4 Horsemen and the return of Ric Flair to a WCW ring. After a long hiatus due to law suits and issues with management aka Eric Bischoff, a suit and tie affair was held, in Flair Country of course. After a promo by Arn Anderson introducing the 4 Horsemen, who consisted of Dean Malenko, Steve McMichael and some other guy. Arn made a goof, and admitted he forgot a Horsemen, calling out Ric Flair. Flair came out to a standing ovation, and a vocal crowd. Ric proceeded to cry in the ring, put over the Horsemen and the fans, in one heartfelt moment that can still stand the test of time.

1. Scott Hall returns to WCW – The end all of returns! No return has made such an impact and left such a mark than Scott Halls walk from the crowd to the ring during a match. He went on to grab the mic, inform the fans “You know who I am, but you don’t know why I’m here.” History was made and this return ushered in a wresting revolution.

Larry Csonka
5. Ric Flair Returns to Nitro – 1998 – I likely would have put this higher, but the fact was that I knew Flair would be returning on this night, so that takes away a bit of the impact. But that doesn’t change the fact that is was a great return, with the Horsemen in their tuxes and looking like they mattered again. It’s a shame that they always got pushed to the side during the nWo era of things, but this came off like a big deal, and Flair was Flair here, which makes it awesome. “FIRE ME…I’M ALREADY FIRED!” The segment was emotional because there was a lot of reality in it, which just put it over the top.

4. Chris Jericho’s WWF Debut – 1999 – Again, this was a case where about everyone knew that Jericho would be the Millennium Man to be revealed, but again, it doesn’t take away from the awesomeness of the debut. With the debut of Chris Jericho in the WWF, they took a guy that was being wasted in WCW and told the world that he would be a player. From the countdown and the crowd’s anticipation to the fact that HE cut off the Rock, it was awesome. This was just an awesome moment that is still fun to go back and watch to this day.

3. The Radicalz WWF Debut – Raw 2000 – Obviously personal bias comes into these lists, and that is likely the case here. I was at this edition of Monday Night Raw when Guerrero, Benoit, Saturn and Malenko came through the crowd and grabbed seats at Raw. The funny thing was that the WIFE and our friend April (who bought us the tickets as a wedding gift) were talking about, “How cool would it be if some of the WCW guys showed up” since there was rumors of some of them quitting at that time. When it actually happened, it was a mark out moment for all involved. I have thankfully watched some cool moments at the old Civic Arena (THE IGLOO) and this was one of them.

2. Lex Luger – WCW Nitro 1995 – When Nitro hit the air back in 1995 I was the basic wrestling fan. Reading magazines, trading some tapes, but no “insider stuff” like dirt sheets. So when LEX LUGER appeared on Nitro, I knew shit was ON and was very surprised. I had no clue that he was leaving the WWF and I sure as hell had no idea he would be on Nitro. I feel that this was an awesome return that doesn’t get much love, because Lex Luger doesn’t get much love. WCW didn’t send a warning shot; they got a direct hit here.

1. Hall – WCW Nitro 1996 – I think that the debut of Scott Hall (and later Kevin Nash in WCW) has to be at the top of the list. Hall’s debut kicked off the nWo angle, the Monday Night Wars, the resurgence of WCW and made wrestling the cook thing to watch. It also made Vince a cornered animal and forced him to up the ante as it were. I remember the moment I saw “Razor” walk through the crowd, much like Luger, I had no clue that he was leaving the WWF and I sure as hell had no idea he would be on Nitro. This was a complete surprise and has so much historical importance that I really couldn’t think of anything else to top this list.

Jack McGee
5. The UNDERTAKER, Judgment Day 2000 – Triple H and The Rock were battling in an Iron Man match for Rock’s WWE Championship. There was about two minutes left and they were tied up at 5 falls each when the strange sounds of little girl’s chanting started. Everyone should have known it was The Undertaker, but when he rolled out on his motorcycle as the American Bad Ass and then proceeded to kill DX and the McMahan family it was an incredible mark out moment. The fact that it allowed Triple H to win the title should not overlook the fact it was a great return in spectacular style.

4. RIC FLAIR, Nitro, July 19, 1998 – This was a huge moment for me as a long time NWA fan. JJ Dillon comes to the ring and then calls out Arn Anderson, who comes out dressed in style in a suit. It was a special moment on a special night. Everyone in the audience was eating it up, while holding up their four fingers. As Arn gave a promo like only he could, fans started chanting “We Want Flair.” This was after weeks of Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko begging Arn to give them his blessing to reunite as The Horsemen. Arn finally called Benoit, Malenko and Steve McMichael to the ring and then told each man why they deserved to be a Horseman. Then: “What a goof, I get accused of getting racked in the head a few times and having a little touch of Alzheimer’s. I almost forgot the fourth Horseman, Ric Flair get on down here!” I popped like no one else when Ric Flair walked down the aisle. To Eric Bichoff: “You’re a no good lying asshole! Fire me, I’m already fired! Fire me, I’m already fired!” The entire arena popped like I have never heard before or since.

3. JOHN CENA returns and wins the Royal Rumble with a huge shit eating grin– I don’t know anyone who saw this one coming. Cena was out with an injury and had a few more months before he was supposed to be cleared to wrestle. However, for once the Internet was swerved. 29 men had entered the ring for the Rumble and then the timer clicked down to the introduction of the thirtieth contestant and Cena’s music hit. Triple H looked as shocked as all the fans who erupted for his arrival. When thousands of fans who have conditioned themselves to boo the man because it is “the cool thing to do” erupts in cheers when he arrives, the WWE did something right. Then Cena would win the match. There is not much chance for surprises thanks to the Internet, but the WWE pulled one off here.

2. ULTIMATE WARRIOR arrives in WCW – Hulk Hogan: “I’m the man, I always will be. There’s not a wrestler I can’t beat to win my belt back. There’s not a war I can’t win to get my belt back. And there’s not a Warrior in the world I can’t beat to get my belt back.” That legendary line gave away what I knew was coming but it didn’t matter because when those lights started flashing on and off and the ominous voice began, the hair on my arms stood on end. Then HE walked out sillouetted by lights and smoke and The Warrior returned to wrestling. Hogan did made me laugh when he said “I thought you were dead.” Then Warrior did what he does, talk talk talk, but it was still a huge mark out moment for me. “You have never, ever, beaten a Warrior!” It’s just too bad it was only to set up Hogan to get his win back then dropped.

1. SHAWN MICHAELS joins the nWo – I had missed Shawn Michaels more than any other wrestler since I became a fan after injuries forced him to retire. I had finally resigned myself to the fact that I would never see the Showstopper wrestle again. I was following the revival of the nWo in the WWE and was kind of enjoying it when one thing happened that made me leap to my feet. Kevin Nash introduced the newest member of the nWo and then Sexy Boy started playing. I could not freaking believe it and it was my all time best surprise return mark out moment ever. Ultimate Warrior returning was awesome. Ric Flair returning was inspired. But Shawn Michaels meant the return of my favorite wrestler of all time and nothing can touch it.

Michael Weyer
5. The Undertaker debuts, Survivor Series 1990: RD Reynolds nicely described the Undertaker as the living example of the old bit of wrestling that so often the best ideas bomb while the ones that sound incredibly stupid draw huge money. When Brother Love brought out this six and a half foot guy in pale makeup and dressed in black, fans were rocked. See the footage, fans truly not sure what to think of this new guy, an impressive debut. Undertaker backed it up, pounding away, debuting his rope walk on Dusty Rhodes and then giving Koko B. Ware the dubious honor of the first man to eat the Tombstone. He was counted out but everyone knew they were watching a star in the making who would then go on to become a true icon of the business, making this debut all the more impressive.

4. Sandman to ECW, 1999 ECW may have been on its downward spiral but was still revered by its fandom. Having made his shocking return to help arch-rival Tommy Dreamer win the tag titles weeks before, Raven and Dreamer faced the Impact Players in a hard match with Rhino coming to aid the heels. As the Players went for double pins, the lights went out, which everyone knew meant something huge. A spotlight hit the rear of the building and the place went nuts as the Sandman, fresh off a poor WCW run, stood there, cane in hand and popping open a beer. He marched to the ring, using the cane to clear off the heels and you haven’t lived until you’ve seen several hundred wrestling fans singing the lyrics to “Enter Sandman” then erupt into a “WELCOME BACK!” chant. It was one of the last great moments of the true ECW that every fan remembers well.

3. The Ultimate Warrior, 1992 We may laugh at him today but the Ultimate Warrior really was a huge deal for WWF in the early ’90’s. His title reign may not have been as successful as hoped but he was a massive star so his sudden exit after SummerSlam ’91 was jarring. For months, fans asked where he was but by 1992, had mostly forgotten about him. So it made it all the better at the main event of Wrestlemania VIII when Sid and Papa Shango double-teamed Hogan and that familiar pounding music hit. The Hoosier Dome went insane as the Warrior charged down the aisle to drive the heels off and help Hogan, the two celebrating. It was a big moment for the pre-Internet era and helped the show cap off well for fans as Warrior got his spotlight for at least once.

2. Hall and Nash in WCW, 1996 As others have pointed out, a huge shock for everyone. Keep in mind, the IWC as we knew it was in its infancy, almost no rumors of the backstage turmoil with Hall and Nash leaving WWF despite oral promises of re-signing. So when they showed up on Nitro, acting their old roles, fans truly thought they were witnessing Razor Ramon and Diesel invading WCW. Say what you will about how the NWO eventually fell apart but you cannot deny how briliantly WCW pulled off this huge shock that left fans rocked and sparked the Monday Night War to new heights.

1. John Cena returns, 2008 Royal Rumble To shock the “smart fans” is something very rare to do. But damn it WWE didn’t pull it off here. Out since late 2007 with a shoulder injury, it was reported John Cena wouldn’t be due back until April at the earliest, probably later like SummerSlam. We had gotten used to him not being around, totally out of the conversation for Wrestlemania, the focus on HHH or Jeff Hardy. So when the final number for the Rumble came and Cena’s music hit, you got the sight of 20,000 fans echoing millions at home screaming “WHAT THE HELL?!” It’s interesting that fans there truly did pop for Cena massively, only when he started boos came as if “oh, wait, booing Cena’s the cool thing to do.” But it speaks volumes on how well this was done, even the most jaded fan rocked at such an early return as Cena won the Rumble and proved himself able to keep at the main event still after so long off. A great return that should always be remembered for how unexpected it was.

YOUR TURN KNOW IT ALLS
List your Top Five for this week’s topic in the comment section using the following format:

5. CHOICE: Explanation
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1. CHOICE: Explanation