The rumors were flying ahead of the January 5, 2026 episode of Monday Night RAW, with speculation surrounding the whereabouts of wrestling legend Chris Jericho. While some fans were convinced that the AEW star would make a surprise appearance on the show, others believed that he might be involved behind the scenes in some capacity.
As it turns out, Jericho was not in attendance at the WWE Performance Center, nor was he spotted backstage at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, where RAW was taped. According to sources close to the company, Jericho was actually in the midst of a well-deserved break, taking some time to recharge and focus on his personal life.
“Chris is someone who consistently puts everything on the line in the ring, and that takes a toll on his body and mind,” said a WWE insider. “He’s been one of the most active performers in the business for years, and it’s not uncommon for guys like him to take a step back and prioritize their well-being. This is simply a matter of Chris taking care of himself and coming back stronger than ever.”
Despite the rumors surrounding Jericho’s potential appearance on RAW, the show itself was business as usual, with a focus on the ongoing storylines and feuds that have been building in recent weeks. The likes of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre all featured prominently in the show, which was highlighted by a thrilling match between the two former WWE Champions.
Meanwhile, Jericho’s AEW colleagues were keeping busy, with a packed schedule of events and shows leading up to the upcoming pay-per-view event, Revolution. Cody Rhodes, in particular, has been making waves in the AEW locker room, with some insiders suggesting that he may be in line for a major push in the coming weeks.
“Cody is someone who is always pushing himself to be the best, and he’s been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help elevate the entire AEW roster,” said a source close to Rhodes. “He’s got a keen eye for storytelling and knows exactly how to get the most out of his fellow performers. If anyone is going to help take AEW to the next level, it’s Cody Rhodes.”
As for Jericho, it remains to be seen when he’ll next be seen in action. While some fans may be disappointed that he didn’t make an appearance on RAW, it’s clear that the wrestling legend is committed to taking care of himself and prioritizing his personal life. When he does return, it’s bound to be a major talking point, given his reputation as one of the most popular and respected figures in the business.
WWE RAW Recap: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins Steal the Show
Last night’s episode of RAW was a thrilling affair, with a focus on the ongoing storylines and feuds that have been building in recent weeks. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins were the standout performers of the night, engaging in a series of intense promos that left fans eagerly anticipating their eventual showdown.
The two former WWE Champions have been at odds for weeks, with their rivalry reaching a boiling point in recent days. While some fans may have been expecting a surprise appearance from Jericho, it’s clear that the focus was firmly on Reigns and Rollins, who continued to trade barbs and insults in the lead-up to their highly-anticipated match.
AEW News: Cody Rhodes Set for Major Push
Cody Rhodes has been making waves in the AEW locker room in recent weeks, with some insiders suggesting that he may be in line for a major push in the coming weeks. Rhodes has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help elevate the entire AEW roster, and it’s clear that he’s been making a strong impression on the company’s decision-makers.
As one of the most respected and beloved figures in the business, Rhodes is undoubtedly a key player in AEW’s plans for the future. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the wrestling world, he’s the perfect candidate to help take the company to the next level.
Chris Jericho’s Return: When Will We See Him Again?
While Jericho may not have made an appearance on RAW, it’s clear that he’s still a major player in the world of professional wrestling. When he does return, it’s bound to be a major talking point, given his reputation as one of the most popular and respected figures in the business.
With a career spanning over two decades, Jericho has established himself as one of the all-time greats, with a storied history that includes multiple championships and a reputation as one of the most fearless and unpredictable performers in the business.
In the meantime, fans will have to content themselves with Jericho’s ongoing work in AEW, where he continues to be a major player in the company’s creative direction. Whether he’ll eventually make his way back to WWE remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: when Chris Jericho returns, it’ll be a moment that will be remembered for a long time to come.