WWE stirred up speculation ahead of the January 5, 2026 episode of Monday Night RAW by making a subtle mention of Chris Jericho. However, according to PW Insider, Jericho is not slated to appear on the show and was not even near New York City during the live broadcast; he was actually in Los Angeles that week.
The rumors began when RAW General Manager Adam Pearce mentioned, “There are also three big championship matches on this card. Who will break through the wall and win the gold medal?” The phrase “breaking down the wall” is closely linked to Jericho’s iconic WWE entrance, which led many fans to think it hinted at his surprise return, especially since Jericho’s AEW contract was reportedly expiring on December 31, 2025. Nevertheless, PW Insider clarified that the phrase was a thematic reference to Netflix’s Stranger Things, as the RAW episode was crossover-themed with the show, where the “Wall” is related to the Upside Down dimension.
Despite the bait, insiders within WWE confirmed there was no expectation of Jericho’s appearance. Jericho has been absent from AEW TV since April 2025’s “World’s End” event, and rumors have persisted, with Jericho himself commenting cryptically during a recent YouTube livestream: “You never know.” For now, it seems the “wall” has yet to be broken down, and Chris Jericho’s name will not be featured on WWE programming just yet.
Did you fall for the tease, or did you recognize the Stranger Things reference? Should Jericho make a WWE comeback in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fan Take: This news excites WWE fans because Jericho’s potential return would bring a huge boost of star power and unpredictability to WWE programming. Whether or not he appears, the continued rumors keep viewers engaged and eager, which is great for the sport’s overall buzz and viewership.
