Daniel Bryan’s return from retirement is certainly on top of this list, but which other wrestlers have returned from retirement? And which wrestlers made the best return from retirement? Let’s find out in the overview below!
Hulk Hogan
Many wrestling fans do not realize that Hulk Hogan retired multiple times over the course of his career. However, he also made some returns, which are counted among the most memorable retirement returns.
The first time Hulk Hogan retired was through an announcement on Jay Leno’s show. However, it was later revealed that this announcement was a publicity stunt.
Hulk Hogan did retire for real later on, mainly after a dispute with Vince Russo at WCW. Hulk Hogan would make a return from retirement though, facing Shawn Michaels in the WWE. He would later leave the WWE for TNA, but would return to the WWE when his stint in Impact Wrestling failed.
Ric Flair
Much like Hulk Hogan, it feels like Ric Flair has never retired. The man has been around for so long, it is difficult to imagine he actually stopped wrestling for some time.
Ric Flair got an excellent send-off though since he faced none other than Shawn Michaels for his retirement match. TNA would sign Ric Flair after his retirement, but much like Hogan, his stint in Impact Wrestling failed miserably.
During his stint in TNA (now Impact Wrestling), Ric Flair missed various event dates and allegedly causes “havoc” on international tours; this led to Ric Flair being let go by Impact Wrestling.
Ric Flair would not stay away from wrestling though, because the WWE resigned him under a legends deal. While he did experience a rough patch after his retirement from the WWE, things are looking up again for the Nature Boy.
Terry Funk
Terry Funk has retired more than the Brock Lesnar has wrestled in the last five years. Beginning in the early 1980s, The Funker repeatedly retired and returned. So much that it is almost a joke. In the past, he admitted he returned to wrestling due to financial difficulties, despite a legendary and long career. Terry still makes appearances today and while he isn’t putting on hour-long classics, he’ll still beat up some people when he needs to.
Bret Hart
One of the most unexpected returns from retirement was undoubtedly Bret Hart, uncle of current WWE wrestler Natalya. Hart retired after suffering a severe concussion during a match with Goldberg in WCW. So, a return for the enigmatic star was not expected by anyone.
Still, Bret Hart would surprise everyone by making his return at WrestleMania 26, where he beat Vince McMahon. He would also beat the Miz for the United States Championship. How’s that for a return?
Brie Bella
Our list would not be complete without mentioning a beloved female wrestler! Brie Bella, one part of the famous Bella Twins, retired to start a family with Daniel Bryan. However, after the birth of her daughter Birdie, rumors were floating about a possible return for Brie.
The return became a reality when Brie Bella entered in the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble. While the return from retirement was only temporary, I was quite happy to see Brie again.
Despite her retirement, Brie has been quite successful outside the ring with numerous side projects. With her sister Nikki Bella, she created her own clothing line Birdie Bee, her own wine, and she even has her own reality show on E! Network. With so much to do, it is unlikely that Brie will become an active wrestler again. Still, there is always hope.
Shawn Michaels
Finally, the best return in wrestling history. Shawn Michaels walked away from WWF in 1998 after a horrible back injury rendered him unable to wrestle. He returned four years later in better shape than ever and went to wrestle for eight more years before retiring for good. He essentially had two careers and each was one of the best in wrestling history. He still looks like he’s in great shape and could go to this day.
What was your favorite return from retirement? Let us know in the comment section below.