The indication is that WWE will ring in the New Year by turning back the clock. Latest reports are that Chris Jericho is set to make a return to the company, with his first appearance back possibly taking place next Monday night. If not next Monday night, he certainly will be a favorite to be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble.
Jericho hasn't been seen on AEW programming since early April, and with his contract expired, the expectation is that his return to WWE will be his retirement run. Likely not having the same fanfare that John Cena's retirement tour had, WWE fans likely will see some dream bookings come true before The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla hangs up his boots with a likely induction in WWE's Hall of Fame.
Chris Jericho return to WWE sets up 4 dream feuds
There is still some unfinished business for Jericho, which is why his wrapping up his professional wrestling career with WWE makes sense. Some feuds certainly will make headlines, and his return should provide a much-needed jolt.
CM Punk
Let's get the easy one out of the way first. There's a storied history between CM Punk and Jericho in WWE, but the two never had a storyline in AEW. Considering how WWE hasn't been shy to lean into Punk's polarizing exit from AEW in the past, one last feud with Jericho would certainly create the type of headlines that TKO is looking for. Especially when it allows for creative to take subtle swipes at their rival.
Seth Rollins
In terms of WWE's biggest voice against AEW, it has been Seth Rollins. Rollins was the flag-carrier for WWE when AEW was in its infancy, and it's no wonder he was among the first feuds for Cody Rhodes and Punk upon their return to the company. Once Rollins is cleared, likely after WrestleMania, Rollins seems like an inevitable feud for Jericho.
Cody Rhodes
Similar to Punk, the expectation should be that WWE will lean into Jericho's run with AEW. Now that both Jericho and Cody Rhodes are back with the company, two key figures in the counterpart's birth, it's inevitable that their paths will cross one last time. Honestly, it wouldn't be a surprise if Rhodes is the first to welcome Jericho back to WWE.
Gunther
It is very clear what WWE is doing with Gunther: establishing him as the new Legend Killer. Gunther has already retired Goldberg and John Cena, and chances are, he will be the one to put down Brock Lesnar for good next summer. Chances are, in Jericho's last match, Gunther will be the one to send him out.