WWE lit up the rumor mill ahead of the January 5, 2026 episode of Monday Night RAW with a not-so-subtle reference to Chris Jerichobut it turns out the speculation was just that.
According PWInsider, Chris Jericho was never scheduled to appear on RAW, and despite WWEs cryptic language, the former world champion was nowhere near New York City during the live Netflix broadcast. In fact, Jericho wasnt even on the East Coast.
The buzz started when RAW General Manager Adam Pearce hyped up the show by saying:
The phrase break down the walls is synonymous with Jerichos legendary WWE entrance, and many fans immediately took it as a hint toward a surprise returnespecially with reports suggesting Jerichos AEW contract expired on December 31, 2025. However, PWInsider clarified the line was a thematic nod to Netflixs Stranger Things, not a Jericho tease:
While fans took the bait, multiple sources within WWE maintained that no one expected Jericho to appear, and PWInsiderElite confirmed he wasnt backstage in any capacity.
Jericho, who hasnt appeared on AEW TV since April 2025 and skipped Worlds End on December 31, did nothing to calm the rumors either. During a recent YouTube livestream, he responded to WWE speculation with a simple: You never know. You never know.
But for now, it appears the walls remain unbroken, and Chris Jerichos name wont be appearing on a WWE marquee just yet.
Were you fooled by the tease, or did you see through the Break the Walls reference? Should Jericho return to WWE in 2026? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
