So many returns. So many opinions.

In this special edition of Gimme Five, the team take a look at the returns of Brock Lesnar and Alberto Del Rio - is it good to have the pain back and to be reminded of Del Rio's destiny?

We also discuss the re-debut of Ryback - formerly Skip Sheffield - and Lord Tensai - formerly A-Train.

Glad to have you with us for this week's edition of Gimme Five.

1) The mere mention of his name brings strong reactions – both positive and negative – from the NZPWI G5 team, and now he’s back. So, are you welcoming Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE? How would you like to see the big man used?

Steph:
Shooting star press! Shooting star press! I'd like to see a storyline where it's revealed Lesnar is an escapee from a Soviet genetically-engineered weapons project. But I'm weird like that. Seriously, *either* put him in the championship frame *or* keep him out of main events. Belts need love too.

Blake:
Brock Lesnar is arguably the best all-round athlete in WWE history. Brock Lesnar is in tremendous shape. Brock Lesnar unglues the fans from their seats. John Cena; here comes the pain. 'Nuff Said.

Kirsty:
I can't stand him. I think he's an over-rated, arrogant arse who has always treated pro-wrestling and its fans with disdain. I know I'm in a minority and that his popularity means his return is good business for WWE, but I wish someone had kicked his teeth down his throat while he was in UFC and put him out of action for good.

Dion:
Definitely great to see him back. The reaction from that amazing crowd at RAW vindicated his return. If he can draw fans old and new, that can only be a positive. It sounds like we'll only see him two or three times a month, so it'll be interesting to see how that plays out. Also interesting to see him head straight for Cena, which I think is probably more interesting in terms of what it may mean for Cena's future.

Stevie:
Despite all the off-screen stuff regarding Brock, he's one of my all-time favourites in the ring. At the end of the day, he's one of the last guys I'd ever want to run in to anywhere - and that's terrifying to watch as other superstars try to match up with him. This is a huge deal for WWE. And the best way to use him is to have every appearance be special, like in the old days when Hogan as champ barely appeared on anything but the most important shows (Brock's contract makes this beautifully unavoidable). And don't have him lose. At all. Starting with John Cena at Extreme Rules please, simply because I'll be there. Keep it all victories right up until he is defeated by The Rock at next year's WrestleMania, who wins the title off him. But I'll get back to that in question 4...

Scott:
Oh f**K off, I mean really, what the f**k? Here was this guy who left at the apex of ‘professional wrestling’, bad-mouthed the business for years afterwards, and now he’s too fat and unfit to compete in UFC is back for a pay check? F**k off, Brock, f**k off.

Daniel:
I don't mind Lesnar I guess. I think WWE was missing a big, brutal heel. What's that you say? What about Mark Henry? What I meant to say was WWE is missing a big, brutal heel who is not Mark Henry. Obviously Brock is intended to be a big, brutal heel who is not Mark Henry and everything seems to be on track so far. Unless he wakes up as Mark Henry, but that too would be a hell of a gimmick. Tonight on RAW, Mark Henry vs. Mark Henry...

David:
I think I'm coming down more on Kirsty and Scott's side, which is quite odd. I was a big fan of Lesnar in the UFC - I have a life-size cardboard cutout of the man! But in WWE, this is a guy who has been pretty open about not wanting to put up with everything that comes with being a wrestler. I was on John Cena's side in the lead-up to WrestleMania because I didn't think The Rock was committed enough, but this is on a whole different level. Brock had better just be being used to put everyone over come August or so.

2) And, in another post-WrestleMania return, Alberto Del Rio also reappeared on our screens, going straight for Sheamus’ World Heavyweight Championship. Are you pleased to see the Mexican Aristocrat back, and in the title picture? And what do you think this may mean for Daniel Bryan?

Steph:
I'm always delighted to see Ricardo Rodriguez on screen! And Alberto isn't too bad either. But I don't think they've ever really known what to do with him, beyond "you're rich! And Mexican! People will hate that!" and I'd like to see him actually get pushed as a character.

Blake:
Del Rio facing off against Sheamus for the Big Gold Belt... before Bryan gets a rematch? Little bit stupid, but whatever. These two could put on a good match, and if Del Rio wins, we could get a triple threat at Extreme Rules. Maybe it's not such a bad idea. Go me for thinking awesome.

Kirsty:
Really happy to see him back, he's one of the great heels around at the moment. As for the title... not so much. At least, not yet. Daniel Bryan and Sheamus have unfinished business. But I'd love to see a Sheamus/Del Rio feud going into SummerSlam.

As for what it means for Daniel Bryan... well, it's no secret that Vince hates the idea that an indy vegan pipsqueak is main-eventing his company. But have you heard how over he is??? Hopefully we'll continue to see Bryan in the main event scene for a bit longer yet, but remember what happens to the little guys... Vince squashes them eventually.

Dion:
I'm a big fan of Del Rio but I am surprised to see him in the title hunt so quickly. That said, he deserves to be there and I don't think that'll be the end for Daniel Bryan. Perhaps we'll see a Triple Threat at Extreme Rules?

Stevie:
Del Rio is a guy who is a great wrestler and has all the special gimmicks draped all over him... but is still boring as anything. He needed a really strong midcard feud at some point to make him seem legit in the eyes of fans, it feels like we're missing an essential part of character. I think Punk called him a gimmick or a cartoon and that there was nothing underneath, and that's what I always think of when I see Alberto. Potential. But not a star. Not yet.

Scott:
ADR being back? Si si si! Daniel Bryan being pushed to the side? No no no! I hope this leads to a Triple Threat. I really do.

Daniel:
I was glad to see Del Rio. I don't like the aristocratic gimmick, but I do like Del Rio. I think he's a good wrestler and honestly, it's just nice to see an Hispanic character not made out to be a lowrider gangster. I think this can be a good thing for Daniel Bryan who is way over with the fans, as well as for Sheamus who seems to be receiving the brunt of Creative's 18 second job-out idea for WrestleMania. The three of these guys can go on a 3-man program chasing the belt.

David:
Yeah, Del Rio's a good little main eventer. Daniel Bryan is the hottest thing in WWE right now though. If he gets sidelined in any way, it's not going to be good business.

3) Perhaps of lesser note, but alongside Lesnar and Del Rio’s WWE returns were the re-debuts under new names for two former talents this week. Prince Albert / A-Train made his return as Lord Tensai, while Skip Sheffield came back under the name Ryback, and both debuted with squash matches. What did you think of how these two re-debuted, and what do you think of former talent returning under new names and looks?

Steph:
A-Train is before my current wrestling-watching time, but I was very interested to see how the Japanese theme was going to play. Can't say I'm hooked, at this point.

Blake:
Absolutely loved Lord Tensai's re-debut; showed some tremendous Japanese striking and was absolutely perfect for pushing a new character straight into the spotlight. As for Ryback? Could be a great star, but I simply don't know yet. He's good at squashing, he's good at looking big, but we can't yet tell of is wrestling/brawling ability or his charisma. Time and opportunity will tell.

Kirsty:
I love the Lord Tensai character, I think they can do a lot with that. Skip Sheffield/Ryback looks like someone's been at him with a bicycle pump, he looks jacked to the max. Yuck.

As for characters re-debuting under different names, I don't think much of it when they've only been gone a year or so - like Ryback - but it makes sense for Lord Tensai. All down to the individual.

Dion:
I was really impressed with both guys. They looked great and the gimmicks look like they could have legs. We'll know in a month's time.

Stevie:
I'm all for new names and gimmicks if they're done right. I'm glad they referenced Ryback's time as part of NXT and Nexus, much like with A-Train's history. I don't know if much will come of Ryback (a name I don't understand) but I have always enjoyed Albert's work, especially his Japan stuff, so hopefully I'll get used to the name soon. While we're at it, I don't suppose we could give Dolph Ziggler a new name?

Scott:
Albert / A-Train / Tensai looked *good* on debut. Strong, interesting, powerful. I didn’t see Skip’s return, so I can’t speak to that. As for the ‘change of gimmick’ thing; sure, as long as it’s been long enough. A-Train to Tensai, yes. Skip Sheffield to Ryback? Yeah, whatever.

Daniel:
Ryback looked a bit over-excited about crushing a gnat. I wasn't super-impressed. Lord Tensai I liked, even though the gimmick is a bit ridiculous, perhaps because he looked like Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But - true story - I had the pleasure of meeting Lord Tensai when he was known as Prince Albert and was full timing it as a high school gym teacher and only getting occasional work in the ring. He came into the store I was working at in the States at the time and we had an awesome chat for about 20 minutes about wrestling, the comfort of a wearing a tracksuit to the mall, where he stood in the business and what he hoped to do. He was a really nice guy and I hope he gets a good run this time around as Lord Splinter, I mean Tensai.

David:
I also missed Ryback, but Tensai was pretty impressive. I liked how the commentators touched on him being in WWE before, too. It'd be too weird to try and pretend that he wasn't previously A-Train.

4) The Rock made a bold statement of intent – he intends to win the WWE Championship one more time. A good idea, or a bad one?

Steph:
Four words: WHY. WON'T. YOU. DIE. One question: will they let him win via satellite?

Blake:
If he stays around and wins it; good. If he stays around and doesn't; fine. If he doesn't stay around and doesn't win it; whatever. If he doesn't stay around and wins it; bad, bad, bad. This could be great for business either way, but one way could be terrible for the superstar's backstage morale.

Kirsty:
Bad idea. The Rock doesn't need a title to get over and titles should be reserved for up-and-comers in any case. It won't do the locker room any good.

Dion:
A good one, simple for the fact that a) it's going to happen and b) it means we'll see The Rock with an extended run in WWE sometime in the future. Bring it on!

Stevie:
It's a great idea. One more title for The Great One. And, as I said above, he should defeat the undefeated (since his return) Brock Lesnar for it. Lesnar can win it at the Royal Rumble and maybe Rock wins the Rumble match itself (which would be something to add to his achievements). And then the latest Money in the Bank winner can cash it in on Rock on RAW. It's easy. Which means Creative will do something entirely more convoluted.

Scott:
As Blake said, this will be good if Rock comes back for a serious programme and wins. Or if he comes back for a serious programme and loses. But if he mucks around here and there and wins then loses with only an appearance at a PPV or two, I’ll throw toys. I will.

Daniel:
Really? Come on Rock, great WrestleMania main event, but go and make Tooth Fairy 2 and stop by from time to time for a big pop and a chance to refer to yourself in the third person.

David:
I hope it's a bad idea for The Rock. John Cena should have taken him down at WrestleMania, and it didn't happen, and I got annoyed. But if this means Rock's going to be gunning for CM Punk, and subsequently get beaten senseless by Punk to have him retain the title, then I'll be even happier than if Cena had won in the first place.
 

5) And so, with a range of new faces and absent old ones, what do you think might be the key feuds or storylines that will take place in WWE over the next few months? And any guesses – or preferences - as to what the key angles may be for next year’s WrestleMania XXIX?

Steph:
I see the John Lauranaitis/GM storyline taking up way too much time. The Divas will continue to be my number 1 reason for watching TNA Impact, until Kharma is ready to come back and destroy them all. I'm hoping for big things for Cody, Punk and Jericho to continue shaming everyone with their immense talent, and a well-deserved resurgence for the Miz.

I would prefer not to see Taker back at WrestleMania, and if Cena/Orton/HHH have to be in the main event then at least get a belt involved.

Blake:
If Barrett comes back soon, and Rhodes isn't yet facing Sheamus, then we could see a tremendous feud between the Celtic Warrior and the Brawling Brit. I hope Punk and Jericho continue for a long time. Tensai moving to the forefront of the WWE will be great. Cena versus Lesnar seems obvious. Hopefully Kharma will return for a feud against the Glamazon. Santino Marella facing off against Cody Rhodes would actually be awesome. Usos against Epico and Primo, Tyson Kidd teaming with Trent Baretta, Johnny Curtis moving to Smackdown for a feud against Big Show, Mark Henry turns face to take on Del Rio. Simply, there is gold for the WWE to work with, and you can take that as gospel.

Kirsty:
Like many people I'm hoping for longer legs on the Chris Jericho/CM Punk feud. I also think a returning Wade Barrett could cause some serious damage with the Money In The Bank briefcase, a year long reign that would do for him what it did for Edge, culminating in a title shot at WrestleMania, possibly against Sheamus.

I think we'll see the Rock and Brock Lesnar sporadically, and while I'd like to see a lot more of one and nothing of the other, I believe that they'll be main events in next year's 'Mania while doing very little of the work. That I don't like. Here's hoping that guys like Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler don't get lost in the shuffle this year.

Dion:
I love the post-WrestleMania period because it's always a fresh start of sorts. I think Cena's progression this year is going to be really, really interesting. I just don't see him turning heel, but his character looks like it'll have some challenges thrown at it in 2012. I think well see CM Punk continue to dominate but at some stage, Lesnar will take the WWE Championship - maybe around Royal Rumble time.

Whatever happens, this is a really exciting time to be a WWE fan.

Stevie:
Hopefully Bryan doesn't get lost in the shuffle. After Punk is done with Jericho, I'd like Bryan to take the title from Punk by or at Summerslam. Punk can get it back any time before the Royal Rumble, leading to my proposed Lesnar loss. This will free up Punk to focus on the beer drinking rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin. I'd like to see Cena's quite sad losing streak culminate in him trying to break THE Streak. And fail, because Taker ain't losing, no way no how. I imagine Barrett might be champion by now, if he gets Money in the Bank and beats Sheamus. Maybe Orton will take care of Barrett, only to fall to Cody Rhodes once more. Hmm, lots of possibilities in WWE this year. Great time to be a fan.

Scott:
I think the next year will be about the “redemption of John Cena”. Cena will face and defeat Rock at some stage this year, and will win next year’s WrestleMania over Lesnar (in my opinion). But how? Well, I have no idea! But I’m thinking that over the course of the next year Rock will win the championship from some up-and-comer (such as Dolph Ziggler), but lose it again via nefarious means. This will set Rock up for a non-title match at WrestleMania, and allow Cena and Lesnar to compete for the big title on the big stage.

Daniel:
I like the idea of the Sheamus/Bryan/Del Rio program and expect that eventuate. I'm curious to see where the John Cena program goes. It will be fine, but interesting line to put him into a slump and yet continue to have him be a merch machine. The Punk/Jericho feud is a good one - I will enjoy watching it boil over.

As for WrestleMania, seems so far away and any ideas they have now can of course be changed in a heartbeat. I would guess that Lesnar will be in a title match, either defending or contending. At some point they have to do something with Dolph Ziggler - he's just to good and I'm hoping to see him in a significant WrestleMania match next year.

David:
Brock vs. Rock II for next year's WrestleMania? Cena gets monstered by Brock in the short-term and those two wind up on a collision course. Meanwhile, Cena redeems himself with a win over The Rock at SummerSlam or something, and ends up in the WWE Championship picture for 'Mania. If all the biggest names on the roster aren't interested in holding the WWE title, why does anyone want it?