Fans called it ‘the three greatest comebacks in WWE history’ – But the final twist proves it was all just a lie!

When it comes to WWE history, fans love nothing more than debating the biggest moments, the loudest crowd reactions, and the most unforgettable returns. Recently, an image started circulating online, claiming to showcase the “three greatest returns in WWE history” centered around Seth Rollins. But here’s the truth: that’s not entirely accurate. The viral photo combines three different moments, each iconic in its own way, yet it doesn’t reflect an official top-three ranking or a list sanctioned by WWE.

The image in question shows Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, CM Punk at Survivor Series in 2023, and Seth Rollins holding a championship in 2025. At first glance, it looks like a tribute to three legendary comebacks. But dig deeper, and you’ll see that the Rollins moment isn’t even a real comeback—it’s more likely a fan-made edit or a speculative mock-up designed to spark conversation. So what’s the full story? Let’s break it down.

Cody Rhodes: The American Nightmare’s Homecoming in 2022

Few moments in recent wrestling memory compare to Cody Rhodes stepping back onto the WWE stage at WrestleMania 38. After leaving WWE years earlier, building his reputation in other promotions, and even helping launch AEW, Cody’s return was nothing short of shocking. The crowd at AT&T Stadium erupted as his entrance theme hit, and the camera panned across thousands of fans who couldn’t believe what they were witnessing.

This wasn’t just a superstar coming back. It was a career-defining homecoming, one that represented unfinished business, redemption, and the kind of long-term storytelling WWE thrives on. Cody immediately became a main-event-level star, proving his value by feuding with Seth Rollins in a trilogy of matches that many still call the best of 2022.

For many fans, this was the greatest WWE return of the modern era, setting a new standard for what a comeback should feel like.

CM Punk: The Long-Awaited Return in 2023

If Cody’s return was emotional, CM Punk’s comeback in Survivor Series 2023 was nothing short of seismic. After nearly a decade away from WWE and a very public fallout with the company, nobody thought they would ever see Punk back in a WWE ring.

The moment the Chicago crowd heard the familiar opening notes of “Cult of Personality,” the arena shook like an earthquake. Fans screamed, cried, and jumped in disbelief as Punk walked out, smirking, soaking in the moment that so many thought would never happen.

Punk’s return wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about unfinished business, second chances, and the possibility of new dream matches. Suddenly, storylines that seemed impossible—Punk versus Rollins, Punk versus Roman Reigns—were back on the table.

Many fans and analysts immediately called it the biggest return in WWE history, rivaling even legends like Hulk Hogan in 2002 or The Rock in 2011. For younger fans who had only heard stories of Punk’s glory days, this was their first taste of what made him the “Voice of the Voiceless.”

Seth Rollins in 2025: A Real Return or a Digital Fantasy?

And then there’s the third image—the one sparking the most debate. It shows Seth Rollins holding the WWE Championship in 2025, positioned alongside Rhodes and Punk as part of the “top three comebacks.” But here’s the catch: that moment hasn’t actually happened.

As of now, Rollins hasn’t staged a legendary return that puts him in the same category as Rhodes or Punk. What the picture likely represents is a fan edit or a speculative concept image that went viral. WWE fans are masters of creating hype, and in the digital age, one well-crafted Photoshop can ignite weeks of discussion.

This doesn’t mean Seth Rollins doesn’t deserve recognition. He’s been the backbone of WWE for more than a decade, delivering five-star matches, reinventing his persona multiple times, and carrying the company through injury-plagued seasons. But to call his 2025 image one of the “three greatest returns” is misleading—it’s not a documented comeback, but rather an imagined scenario.

The Debate: What Counts as a “Greatest Return”?

The controversy around this image raises an important question: what defines a legendary return in WWE? Is it the shock factor, the crowd reaction, the storytelling, or the long-term impact on the company?

For some, Cody Rhodes is the gold standard—leaving, proving himself elsewhere, and coming back to chase the dream his father never achieved. For others, CM Punk is untouchable—the rebel who walked away, only to come back on his own terms. And for die-hard Rollins fans, any big moment involving “The Visionary” could qualify as legendary.

But the truth is, the “three greatest returns” label is subjective. WWE itself has never officially ranked these moments side by side. The image, while powerful, is more of a fan creation than a historical record.

Other Legendary Returns Worth Mentioning

If we’re talking about history, there are countless other comebacks that could easily make the list:

• The Rock’s electrifying return in 2011, when he hosted WrestleMania and reignited his feud with John Cena.

• Triple H’s return in 2002 at Madison Square Garden after tearing his quad—one of the loudest ovations in WWE history.

• Edge’s shocking comeback at the 2020 Royal Rumble, after nine years of forced retirement due to injury.

• Shawn Michaels in 2002, returning after four years away to deliver another run of show-stealing matches.

Each of these moments could claim the title of “greatest return,” depending on whom you ask. That’s the beauty of WWE: the debate never ends.

Why Fans Fall for Viral WWE Images

The spread of this image shows just how much fans crave nostalgia, surprises, and dream scenarios. In the era of social media, speculation becomes reality faster than ever. A single photo edit can convince thousands of people that a storyline has already happened.

This isn’t new for wrestling fans. Similar fan-made posters have teased returns for The Undertaker, John Cena, and even legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin. Sometimes, WWE feeds into the hype, using the buzz to their advantage. Other times, the images are simply wishful thinking.

The Bottom Line: What the Image Really Means

So let’s be clear: the viral photo isn’t an official ranking of the three greatest WWE returns. It’s a collage of three iconic but very different moments—two real, one speculative. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s returns are undeniably historic, while the Seth Rollins image is best understood as a fan’s vision of what could be, not what has already happened.

For fans, that doesn’t make the picture meaningless. If anything, it highlights what WWE is all about: larger-than-life characters, shocking twists, and the possibility that anything can happen. The debates, the edits, and the dream booking are part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

When WWE fans look back at the 2020s, Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 38 and CM Punk at Survivor Series 2023 will stand tall as defining moments. Seth Rollins, while not part of this specific comeback conversation, will always remain one of the most important superstars of his generation.

So the next time you see a flashy image claiming to capture WWE history, ask yourself: is it fact, fiction, or a mix of both? That curiosity—combined with the passion of the fanbase—is exactly why WWE continues to dominate the world of sports entertainment.