Speculation about a Chris Jericho WWE return has intensified following recent hints made by WWE officials, with particular attention on a high-profile anniversary episode of RAW set to air from Stamford. The tease appears strategic, as WWE draws on Jericho’s storied legacy to fuel fan excitement and attention ahead of the anticipated broadcast.
Jericho, known as
“The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla,”
has reportedly wrapped up his time with AEW, and rumors point to his return to World Wrestling Entertainment. RAW General Manager Adam Pearce primed much of this speculation with a pointed reference to the classic “Break the Walls Down”—a signature phrase associated with Chris Jericho—during a recent on-air segment. This calculated nod has only fueled curiosity about when and how Jericho might make his comeback on WWE programming.
The Motive Behind WWE’s Jericho Tease
According to coverage from the Wrestling Observer, WWE’s decision to drop clear allusions to Chris Jericho is aimed at boosting anticipation for the first anniversary of the RAW Netflix partnership, which coincides with tomorrow night’s episode. As reported, this episode distinguishes itself as a milestone event in the Stamford-based company’s calendar, drawing increased attention from both viewers and arena attendees—over 9,400 tickets have already been sold for the broadcast.
The intention behind these teases is to ignite speculation around a possible Chris Jericho WWE return, encouraging both attendance at the live event and viewership for the broadcast. Nevertheless, there remains no definitive confirmation as to whether Jericho will appear on the upcoming January 5 episode, although industry sources suggest that his return could materialize before the end of this month.
What Fans Can Expect From the Anniversary RAW
The landmark RAW episode, in addition to its links to Netflix, is scheduled to showcase a special tie-in with the popular “Stranger Things” series. This collaboration is expected to influence the atmosphere of the night, as fans are being enthusiastically invited to come dressed in costumes inspired by the series’ iconic characters and stories. This unique theme aims to create a celebratory ambiance in alignment with WWE’s innovative partnership initiatives.
On the match front, the event promises several high-stakes battles. Bron Breakker is slated to challenge CM Punk for the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship. In the women’s division, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are set to face The Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—for the Women’s World Tag Team Titles. The action-packed night culminates with Maxxine Dupri defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, a contest that has drawn significant interest from fans and insiders alike.
Will Chris Jericho Appear—and What Happens Next?
Despite the calculated hype, there remains a subdued sense of uncertainty about whether Chris Jericho’s return will actually occur during this anticipated RAW event, or if WWE is laying the groundwork for an even bigger comeback possibly timed with the upcoming Royal Rumble. While the strategy of leveraging Jericho’s legacy may help elevate the occasion, fans are left in suspense, waiting to see if the iconic wrestler will indeed “break the walls down” once more in a WWE ring or hold out for a grander stage later in the month.
This ongoing speculation highlights the enduring appeal Chris Jericho brings to WWE storytelling, and underscores the company’s reliance on beloved personalities to mark special events. Whether or not Jericho appears this week, the attention around his potential return demonstrates his lasting connection to the Stamford-based promotion’s audience, and sets the stage for what could be one of the most talked-about comebacks in recent WWE history.
