This week, WWE fans anticipated the Chris Jericho WWE return after a prominent tease on Monday Night RAW, but the wrestling legend didn’t show up, causing disappointment across the community. The false hint, set up by RAW General Manager Adam Pearce, drew sharp criticism from former WWE star Stevie Richards, who accused the company of misleading fans.
WWE Faces Backlash Over Chris Jericho Tease
The controversy began when Adam Pearce posted an Instagram reel hyping up the Stranger Things-themed episode of RAW, where he mentioned “Break the Walls Down,” a phrase synonymous with Chris Jericho and his iconic entrance theme. Fans and viewers took this as a strong indicator that Jericho would be making his WWE return. When he did not appear, many followers expressed frustration, feeling the company had purposefully used Jericho’s legacy to boost interest in the show without delivering on expectations.
Stevie Richards, speaking on the Brand Podcast alongside Vince Russo, openly criticized WWE’s approach, suggesting the tease was either a plan gone awry or a deliberate strategy to manipulate viewers’ enthusiasm.
“I think that WWE number one, there could have been something where he was planning to be on the show. Who knows what could have happened or creative control and he said, “Well, you know, Stranger Things episode and nobody from Stranger Things and nothing else.” ..Do you think that they think this is some kind of swerve to keep people paying attention to the show?” He said.
This comment highlights the ongoing debate in the wrestling world about promotional tactics, creative decisions, and the importance companies place on maintaining fans’ engagement, even at the cost of delivering genuine surprises.
Chris Jericho’s Recent Wrestling Journey
After leaving WWE in 2017, Chris Jericho reinvented his persona as “The Painmaker” in New Japan Pro Wrestling, gaining a new wave of popularity. Soon after, he became one of the very first major stars to join All Elite Wrestling, where he claimed the inaugural AEW World Champion title and remained a marquee figure, winning several championships and headlining numerous events.
Jericho’s latest in-ring action came at the AEW Dynasty event in April of last year, where he was defeated by Bandido in a Title vs Mask match for the Ring of Honor World Championship. Jericho has not appeared in AEW since, and speculation mounted after rumors suggested his contract ended in December, further fueling hopes among fans about a potential WWE comeback.
What the False Tease Means for WWE and Fans
The company’s use of Jericho’s catchphrase without an actual appearance has intensified scrutiny around WWE’s promotional strategies, especially as it relates to leveraging nostalgia and recognizable names to attract viewers. Stevie Richards’ remarks underscore a broader sentiment of frustration within the wrestling community, raising important questions about the impact of such tactics on audience trust.
As fans continue to await an official announcement or genuine Chris Jericho WWE return, the company may face mounting expectations to deliver real surprises rather than teasers that risk damaging credibility. For now, speculation persists about if and when the influential former world champion will step back into a WWE ring, with the wrestling world watching closely for any development.
