CM Punk shocked the WWE Universe by returning to the company at last year's Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. It marked 10 years since The Best in the World was in a World Wrestling Entertainment ring.
A well-timed and well-planned return can really put an episode of RAW, SmackDown, or a PLE over the top. Randy Orton's return was heavily teased before last year's event and was well-received. However, Punk's emergence set the world on fire. Which last-minute returns or debuts could make a huge mark at this year's event?
The next six returns or debuts could take place at Survivor Series: WarGames tomorrow night:
Anoa'i was officially announced as one of the latest recruits to the WWE Performance Center. While a potential debut already would be an extremely quick turnaround, he does have loads of experience on the independent scene.
He also tagged with current Bloodline enforcer Jacob Fatu in Major League Wrestling. Although, the numbers are currently even, another name being added to the fray during WarGames would add yet another layer to this saga.
Alexa Bliss's name has been thrown around in creative meetings. Little Miss Bliss has been out of action for a year and a half due to pregnancy. She could fit in anywhere on the card due to her promo ability and character work.
Both divisions need credible challengers for either title and Bliss would benefit both RAW and SmackDown. Many fans want to see her in the path of The Wyatt Sicks and that could work.
A return at Survivor Series: WarGames could provide an unexpected moment from one of WWE's more reliable performers. Her final feud before her hiatus was against Bianca Belair and she battled Damage CTRL before that.
LA Knight has his hands full with Shinsuke Nakamura at Survivor Series: WarGames. He may not be expecting another former foe to ambush him like The King of Strong Style did a few weeks ago on SmackDown.
The Megastar keeps bringing up Paul and how he's a fighting champion during his promos before matches. The social media star probably doesn't like his name being uttered so many times by the man who beat him for the United States Championship.
Paul could attempt to interfere on Nakamura's behalf or show up after the match to announce his return to WWE.
While Lance Anoa'i recently joined WWE, Hikuleo has reportedly been under contract for a few months. He could have popped up at any time.
The former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star could have also been the final member of Solo Sikoa's Bloodline team for WarGames. However, Bronson Reed assumed the spot instead, but Hikuelo could still make his presence felt at Survivor Series: WarGames.
He could attack Paul Heyman outside the cage or emerge during the match to tip the favor in Team Sikoa's direction against the Roman Reigns-led OG Bloodline and CM Punk.
The Rock could re-emerge at any point to set big things up for the beginning of 2025. He gate-crashed at the ending of Bad Blood and could do so again at Survivor Series: WarGames.
It wouldn't have the same impact as a star coming back to WWE after 10 years, but he could still walk out with his title to end the show.
Fans might finally get an answer as to which side of The Bloodline he will side with going forward. WWE will need a big moment this year and Rocky picking sides could fill that void in Vancouver.
If Alexa Bliss doesn't make an appearance at Survivor Series: WarGames, another former multi-time WWE Champion could instead. Charlotte Flair has been out since December 2023 and could be ready to return at any time.
She teased a future feud with Bianca Belair a few months before her injury. The Queen also had a staredown backstage with Jade Cargill when Big Jade went to each brand before eventually signing with SmackDown.
Cargill has become one of the company's top women while Flair has been out. The Queen could be revealed as the mystery attacker and set up her first few feuds before the end game at WrestleMania 41.