In a whirlwind of speculation shaking the wrestling world, WWE Raw backstage news, Chris Jericho WWE return, Seth Rollins injury update, Royal Rumble surprises, and wrestling contract rumors dominate searches as fans eagerly await potential blockbuster moves on the red brand in early 2026.
The first Monday Night Raw of 2026, held January 5 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, delivered high-stakes title matches and a Stranger Things crossover to celebrate the show’s Netflix anniversary. However, one of the biggest talking points remained off-screen: the status of wrestling legend Chris Jericho amid heavy rumors of a WWE comeback.
Multiple reliable sources, including PWInsider and Fightful Select, reported no internal confirmation within WWE that Jericho would appear on the January 5 episode. Despite Raw General Manager Adam Pearce’s promotional tease asking “Who can break down the walls and claim the gold?”—a clear nod to Jericho’s iconic entrance theme—no one backstage believed the former AEW star was in attendance. Jericho remains listed on AEW’s official roster page, and there has been no internal memo indicating his departure from the company. His AEW contract, publicly announced through 2025 with possible extensions, has fueled debate, but as of January 6, his future remains unclear.
Jericho, absent from AEW television since spring 2025, has stayed silent on specifics, previously telling fans “you never know” about his 2026 plans. Industry veterans like Matt Hardy predict he could appear in multiple promotions, including WWE and partner TNA, while others speculate a Royal Rumble surprise on January 31 in Saudi Arabia for maximum impact.
On the injury front, former World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was confirmed backstage at the January 5 Raw. Rollins, sidelined since October 2025 with a shoulder injury sustained during a program with Bron Breakker, has frequently visited shows during recovery. Sources note his presence tied partly to supporting family and promotional duties for WWE’s Netflix content, including the upcoming season of WWE Unreal featuring his storyline arcs. No on-screen appearance occurred, and his in-ring return targets WrestleMania 42 in April.
Other notes from the Raw backstage scene included NXT standout Jevon Evans spotted at the venue, sparking call-up rumors, though no usage was reported.
Wrestling insiders emphasize these developments highlight WWE’s strategic buildup toward the Road to WrestleMania. A Jericho return could inject massive star power into feuds involving top names like CM Punk or Rollins, boosting ratings amid Netflix’s growing platform. For U.S. fans, such moves impact entertainment choices, with Raw’s streaming accessibility driving record viewership and merchandise sales in the sports entertainment sector.
The wrestling community buzzes with anticipation, as contract freedoms and surprise returns define the industry’s unpredictable nature.
As WWE Raw backstage news, Chris Jericho WWE return, Seth Rollins injury update, Royal Rumble surprises, and wrestling contract rumors continue trending nationwide, the coming weeks promise clarity on these high-profile stories.
By Mark Smith
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