WWE GM Teases Chris Jericho’s Return With Cryptic Line While Hyping Monday’s RAW

Chris Jericho may be done with AEW, but his WWE comeback could be sooner than you think — and now WWE’s own Adam Pearce is pouring gasoline on the fire.

As noted last week, Jericho is expected to sign a new contract with WWE and could return as soon as the January 5, 2026 edition of Monday Night RAW. That same episode marks WWE’s one-year anniversary streaming live on Netflix — and the card is already stacked.

General Manager Adam Pearce hyped the event in a promo released ahead of the show. While listing the matches and dropping hints, he casually slipped in a line that longtime fans immediately recognized as one of Jericho’s most iconic catchphrases.

“There are also three massive championship matches on the card. Who will break down the walls and walk out with gold?”

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The wording wasn’t lost on anyone. “Break down the walls” is synonymous with Jericho, whose entrance theme in WWE for years began with that exact phrase. This cryptic reference comes just after Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba confirmed previous reports from Alex McCarthy, stating:

“Chris Jericho’s #AEW contract expires at midnight on Dec. 31, he’s WWE-bound, and that he may debut as early as Jan. 5 on Raw. My sources also believe he’s going to show up on #WWE TV very soon.”

Jericho has not appeared on AEW programming since April 2025, when he walked out on Big Bill and Bryan Keith. He also notably streamed live on YouTube during AEW Worlds End, choosing not to participate in the show — a move that appeared symbolic, signaling the end of his time with the company he helped launch in 2019.

During a Christmas livestream with The Winnipeggers, Jericho responded to fan questions about a WWE return by keeping it vague:

“You never know. You never know.”

But with WWE now subtly referencing his legacy and his AEW deal officially expired, fans may not have to wait much longer.

Do you think Chris Jericho is showing up on RAW this Friday? Should WWE use him as a surprise or promote his return in advance? Drop your thoughts in the comments.