It is inarguable that WWE fans are a nostalgic group, with few things guaranteeing a thunderous pop than the surprise return of a former star—especially one who evokes memories of childhood and the golden days of wrestling.
The Attitude Era, a time when WWE was at its cultural peak, continues to hold special resonance across generations.
Below are some Attitude Era legends we could potentially see return:
6. X-Pac
At TNA Wrestling Rebellion on April 27, Sean Waltman, WWE’s iconic X-Pac, joined The Rascalz to corner them against The System.
The crowd erupted with joy and joined in as Waltman delivered his signature 90s crotch chops, telling his opponents to “suck it.”
There is little doubt that the WWE audience would light up in the same way if the former “degenerate” made a return.
At 52 years old, Waltman has dealt with a spate of injuries, but looks to be in incredible physical shape, so perhaps he could still go in the ring.
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5. New Age Outlaws
On the subject of degenerates, a reunion of D-Generation X alumni the New Age Outlaws in WWE would undoubtedly be met with joy.
“Badass” Billy Gunn’s time in AEW appears to be coming to a natural end following The Acclaim’s recent breakup, and Road Dogg could step out from behind the desk in his role as SmackDown’s co-head writer for one more nostalgic run.
A more exciting possibility is that Gunn doesn’t return alone but brings his sons — Austin and Colten Gunn — with him.
The Gunns, as next-generation DX team, could be ready to light up WWE’s tag team scene.
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4. Lita
Lita is an Attitude Era favourite who seems likely to return to WWE programming at some point, especially with WWE reportedly set to resurrect its all-women’s PLE, Evolution this summer.
The original show received critical acclaim and saw Lita team with former Attitude Era foe Trish Stratus against Alicia Fox and Mickie James.
The question now becomes: who could Lita’s opponent be on this long-awaited return show?
Several younger WWE stars would no doubt jump at the opportunity to wrestle one of WWE’s all-time great female performers, with countless options on the table.
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3. JBL
It seems unlikely that we’ll see a full-time return of the APA’s Bradshaw any time soon.
Nevertheless, JBL has recently resurfaced across the wrestling world, appearing in TNA, MLW, and the now WWE-owned lucha libre AAA promotion.
With his renewed visibility and WWE’s acquisition of AAA, a return to WWE programming feels like an inevitability.
Though his wrestling days are behind him, JBL could thrive in a role similar to Harley Race when he managed the powerhouse Big Van Vader in 1990s WCW.
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2. Rikishi
Rikishi is undoubtedly one of the most famous, or perhaps infamous, stars of the Attitude Era, being fondly remembered by even casual fans of the product during the Attitude Era.
Though no longer an active performer, he has been producing new talent as a respect pro-wrestling trainer.
However, as the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa, a brewing feud between Sikoa and his cousin Jacob Fatu could lead to Rikishi’s return.
Injecting himself into The Bloodline storyline, Rikishi could turn on his nephew Fatu, in favor of siding with his son Solo Sikoa as their feud erupts into the open.
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1. Chris Jericho
Of all the Attitude Era stars still plying their trade today, it seems inarguable that Chris Jericho continues to perform at the highest level.
Constantly evolving since the golden days of WWE, a return for Y2J would be far more than just a nostalgic act.
Of course, such a return seems unlikely for now, with Jericho currently signed to AEW, however, there have been reports of Jericho’s contract coming up at the end of this year.
Nevertheless, it feels inevitable that he will one day return to the company where he famously beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night — as fans explode in excitement, shouting in unison: “Break the Walls Down!”
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