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Ex-Intercontinental Champion Could Finally Make WWE Return On RAW

By Monika Thapa • Published Dec 31, 2025 05:31 EST
wwe logo over chris jericho
wwe logo over chris jericho

The first WWE Raw show of 2026 will take place next week on Monday, January, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The show will mark the first anniversary of RAW’s Netflix debut, and WWE has already stacked an awesome match card with some high-profile matches for the night.

Bron Breakker will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.

The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) will put their Women’s Tag Team Championship on the line against RHIYO (Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky).

And Becky Lynch will get her rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Maxxine Dupri.

Additionally, it was announced that RAW on January 5 will feature a Stranger Things-themed show.

One more special thing could happen at the January 5 RAW show, and it is the WWE return of the ex-Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho.

Chris Jericho Could Return To WWE On First RAW Of 2026

Jericho’s contract with AEW is almost over. In 2026, he’ll be a free agent.

Therefore, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer predicted that The Demo God might shock the fans with a surprise return on Raw next week.

Meltzer noted that as of now, there’s no news of Jericho signing a contract with WWE, but he can legally appear on RAW next week.

“I’ve heard plans from WWE for him, but not that he was signed. That goes back months. He could be on Raw next Monday legally. There have been rumors of that. Knowing him, I think that he’d want to debut when people don’t expect it.”

Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW TV since losing the ROH title to Bandido back in April 2025.

The entire wrestling world is confident that Jericho is heading back to the Stamford-based promotion. He has even shared a few teases of his WWE return on the internet.

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