John Cena is renowned for his superhuman strength and rate of recovery but even by his standards his 2008 Royal Rumble return was miraculous.

The 16-time World champion had held the WWE title for 380 days prior to suffering a right pectoral muscle tear in October 2007 which forced him to vacate the belt. The injury left him facing at least six months on the side line, but Cena is no normal athlete.

Instead, he returned in half this time and in one of the best spots to do so; the 30th entrant in the Royal Rumble at Madison Square Garden. It is arguably the most shocking and best return ever at the event.

So few people knew Cena was returning which made it all the better

There was near-zero expectation of Cena making the show with WrestleMania in April even being viewed as a bit of a stretch such was his injury. Still, the return was kept secret outside of a few people, according to former WWE referee Marty Elias.

It has not been fully confirmed if Triple H was one of said people given his look of genuine amazement when Cena’s iconic music hit and he appeared in the world’s most famous arena. The doors opening made the return all the better. It was all so big-time.

It’s unlikely the commentators knew outside of possibly Jim Ross. He, Jerry “The King” Lawler and Joey Styles’ reaction feels so real, which makes the moment all the better.

Cena and The Game eyeballed one another, with the two men having their hearts set on that WrestleMania main event and a past rivalry there, having met on the “Grandest Stage of Them All” in 2006. Mark Henry, Carlito and Chavo Guerrero were dispatched before the two WWE icons focused on one another again.

Take a look at the mega return below (clip shared by @XOFOR3VER).

VIDEO: John Cena's shocking return at the 2008 Royal Rumble

Cena won but he and Triple H both lost at WrestleMania 24

Cena and Triple H had not shared a ring since The Game’s own injury over a year prior and it appeared a WrestleMania rematch was in the offing with their showdown here. Cena won the match by last eliminating his old adversary.

The two men did eventually meet at ‘Mania for the WWE title. However, it was in a triple threat with Randy Orton, who retained his title in one of the more surprising results.

What’s next for John Cena?

The Champ is rumoured to be making his in-ring return at WrestleMania 39. He has not competed since Summerslam 2021 when he was defeated by Roman Reigns.

See more: Roman Reigns & John Cena's brutal 2021 promo segment

A list of potential opponents have been drawn up here, but could any feud begin at the Rumble itself, 15 years on from his first win?