The January 5, 2026, episode of Monday Night RAW was filled with a sense of anticipation, particularly when a cryptic reference to Chris Jericho sparked a flurry of speculation among fans. The wrestling world’s attention was piqued as WWE seemingly dropped a hint about the legendary wrestler’s involvement in the show. However, a closer look reveals that the rumors were, in fact, a clever misdirection.
What Was the Tease About?
During the January 5 episode, a camera panned to a shot of the Jericho family’s iconic bar, Le Champion, located in Winnipeg, Canada. While the brief clip didn’t provide any concrete clues, it was enough to send the WWE universe into a frenzy. Fans began to speculate about Jericho’s potential return to the ring or a possible storyline. However, sources close to the situation have revealed that the Jericho family’s bar was simply a pre-recorded segment that had been filmed weeks ago.
A WWE Insider Sheds Light on the Situation
According to a WWE insider, the decision to air the Jericho family segment was a creative choice made to build anticipation for an upcoming storyline. “The idea was to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity among fans,” the insider explained. “The Jericho family’s bar is a beloved part of the Chris Jericho brand, and it was a great way to pay homage to his legacy without necessarily hinting at his return.”
Behind the Scenes of Monday Night RAW
While the speculation surrounding Jericho’s involvement may have been a red herring, the January 5 episode of RAW still delivered an exciting and engaging show. The action-packed matches and intense feuds that played out on the program left fans eagerly anticipating the next episode. As the WWE continues to build towards its biggest events of the year, the mysterious tease may have been a clever distraction from the real storylines unfolding behind the scenes.
What’s Next for Chris Jericho?
While Jericho may not have made a physical appearance on the January 5 episode of RAW, his legacy continues to be felt throughout the WWE. Fans remain hopeful that the wrestling legend will return to the ring in the near future, but for now, the focus remains on the current crop of superstars. As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, one thing is certain – Chris Jericho’s impact on the industry will be remembered for years to come.
Cody Rhodes Weighs In on the Situation
When asked about the Chris Jericho tease, Cody Rhodes, one of the top stars in the WWE, offered his thoughts on the matter. “I think it’s great that the WWE is always finding ways to keep fans engaged and speculating,” Rhodes said. “While I might not have been the intended focus of the tease, I’m just happy to be a part of such an exciting time in the WWE. We’re all working hard to deliver the best content possible for our fans, and I’m confident that we’re going to have a fantastic year ahead of us.”
As the WWE looks to the future, one thing is clear – the legacy of Chris Jericho will continue to be felt throughout the industry. While the January 5 episode of RAW may have been a misdirection, it’s a reminder that in the world of professional wrestling, anything can happen, and the lines between reality and fiction are often blurred. Stay tuned to see what’s next for the WWE and its talented roster of superstars.