Chris Jericho WWE RAW return rumors intensified as Adam Pearce, RAW’s general manager, hinted at a potential comeback ahead of the year’s first show in Brooklyn, New York. With Jericho now a free agent following his AEW contract expiration, speculation grows about how and when he could make his long-awaited return to WWE.
Jericho, who recently displayed impressive physical condition in a social media post, has been the subject of Royal Rumble comeback rumors. However, fans are now eager to see if his return will happen on RAW, coinciding with the anniversary of the show’s Netflix debut, marking another milestone in his storied career. As discussions circle names like Gunther, CM Punk, Paul Heyman, and Rey Mysterio, there are three particularly notable ways Chris Jericho’s reappearance could shake up WWE RAW.
Opening the Night with a Classic Chris Jericho Entrance
One scenario sees WWE leveraging Jericho’s legendary entrance music, “Break The Walls Down,” famous for its dramatic countdown that delighted fans during his original debut in 2000. Playing this theme to start off the first RAW of 2026 would create immediate excitement, perhaps even blending his current “Judas” theme into the mix. Jericho, a six-time world champion with roots in Manhasset, New York, would likely receive a tremendous reception from the Brooklyn crowd, ensuring a distinctly local and nostalgic homecoming. Fans have come to expect Jericho’s creative reinventions throughout his career, fueling rumors that this return could launch a brand new persona for what may be his final run in WWE.
Confronting Gunther for a Major Storyline Twist
Gunther, known for taunting the WWE Universe and recently putting an end to John Cena’s career, continues to generate heat as he mocks fans and other wrestlers. He is scheduled for an appearance on tonight’s RAW, teasing confrontations with various stars, including AJ Styles and R-Truth. A surprise Chris Jericho WWE RAW return, interrupting The Ring General during his segment, could turn the night on its head. Such an entrance would not only energize the crowd but would also provide Jericho with an instant, high-profile feud leading into the WrestleMania season. Aligning Jericho against Gunther could offer a new dimension to both superstars as the storylines build toward one of WWE’s biggest annual events.
Stealing the Spotlight During the Main Event
The scheduled main event on RAW features CM Punk versus Bron Breakker for the World Heavyweight Championship, with several influential figures expected to get involved. As Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Paul Heyman position themselves around the action, the odds appear stacked against the babyface competitors. Rey Mysterio and Penta, who also have ongoing tensions with The Vision, might step in to support Punk, but may still find themselves outnumbered. At this pivotal moment, Jericho’s sudden intervention—whether during the match or its aftermath—could help the underdogs turn the tide against their antagonists. This dramatic return would not only electrify the audience but also set the stage for Jericho’s potential involvement in the upcoming Royal Rumble, giving WWE multiple avenues for storytelling as they launch into the new year.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch, WWE fans and personalities like Austin Theory and Paul Heyman are preparing for a show that could see one of wrestling’s most celebrated figures make history once again. Whether Jericho chooses to ignite the crowd at the start, clash with Gunther mid-show, or tip the scales in the main event, his return to WWE RAW promises to be one of the most talked-about moments of the season. With WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble on the horizon, Chris Jericho’s possible involvement signals exciting changes ahead for WWE storylines and the entire wrestling landscape.
