WWE officials ultimately decided not to fly Chris Jericho on a private jet to Memphis, Tennessee—the site of Monday’s Raw SuperShow—because they felt the plan they had devised to keep his return from being spoiled was infallible.

WWE decided to have Jericho fly into Nashville International Airport on Sunday instead of Memphis on Sunday or Monday, have a limousine pick him up and hide him until showtime.

“They didn’t figure somebody would take a photo of him at an airport 220 miles away,” Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer stated on the F4WOnline.com message board.

The photograph was published online Monday morning, which Jericho vehemently refuted.

“Apparently, I’ve been cloned… or somebody has started a great rumour,” he wrote on Twitter.

He then posted several photoshopped images of himself at various places including Egypt, Paris, Gettysburg and Kim Jong-il’s funeral.

– The WWE website attempted to interview Chris Jericho backstage at Monday’s RAW, but did not get much out of him. Jericho continued the “silent treatment” we saw on television, smiling and ignoring the questions asked of him. When asked if he plans to enter the Royal Rumble, Jericho paused, turned on the lights on his jacket, and walked away. To view the video, visit WWE.com.

– The latest on Brodus Clay’s status is that WWE is holding off on his debut until the Royal Rumble.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who is celebrating his 60th birthday today, will be calling an NBA basketball game tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Portland Trail Blazers. Ross tweeted on Tuesday afternoon:

“Heading to OKC for Thunder game tonight at 7 central on Fox Sports Oklahoma & NBA Season Pass. I’m Going 2 join broadcast team in 2nd QT.”

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

Pictures Of Randy Orton & His Wife Samantha (Click to view more)

— Randy Orton addressed his detractors on Twitter, telling fans he’s no longer bothered by people who don’t like him.  to a Twitter follower that he is no longer phased by his numerous haters.

“Why not? It’s not like I gave em my address or phone #. if anything I just motivated them to spend more time tweeting garbage.”

“Stuff like this used to upset me, but [my wife] Sam is the one the made me realize these people have no impact on my life, and the things they say mean absolutely nothing.”

— Chris Jericho, who returned to WWE at Monday’s SuperShow, will be working house shows. WWE has updated their advertisements for upcoming Raw live events and he is listed as making a “special appearance.”

— WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas appears for IYF Wrestling at the Ballston Area Community Center 20 Malta Ave. Ballston Spa, New York on Jan. 14.

Pictures & Video from Chris Jericho's Return

There were a lot of people within WWE wondering why the company had Chris Jericho fly into a major airport over the weekend. Jericho was photographed at the airport and that photo circulated online on Monday, taking some of the surprise away from Jericho’s WWE return.

• Pictures Of Chris Jericho Sightings From This Weekend

WWE has taken extra measures in the past when it came to returning talents’ travel. No word on why they did not take the same steps with Jericho. We’ve heard that Chris Jericho’s name did not appear on the script for RAW – however, Jericho was backstage during the show and there was not a big effort made to keep his presence top secret.

Jericho’s appearance on RAW was meant to be somewhat of a parody of his WWE debut & “Save Us” return several years ago. Like with Jericho’s WWE debut back in 1999, Jericho appeared after weeks of buildup, got a tremendous reaction from the live crowd and wound up turning them against him by the end of his segment. Based on what we’ve been hearing, Jericho will be turning full-fledged heel in the coming weeks and is still scheduled to wrestle CM Punk for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 28.

• Laurinaitis, Storm & JBL Comment On Jericho’s Return

Jericho re-tweeted several comments from fans about about how he was trending worldwide during RAW without speaking on television.

The WWE’s website has posted a few articles looking at Jericho’s return and shedding some light on where his storyline is headed. One article discussed Jericho’s use of viral videos over the years – and questions who the little girl in the “It Begins” video was meant to portray:

“There are plenty of questions left unanswered between the videos and Jericho’s shocking appearance on Raw SuperShow. For example, the fourth video refers to a mysterious “she.” According to the clip, “she” holds the answers to the return of Chris Jericho, and that when he calls her, he will begin to reclaim what is rightfully his.

What does all this mean for the WWE? No one but Chris Jericho knows, and until he decides to let the rest of the world in on his ultimate goals, all the WWE Universe can do is conjecture. Certainly, Jericho has left us plenty of material to do precisely that.”

The Rock, Lance Storm, JBL and RAW interim General Manager John Laurinaitis are among the people  to tweet about Chris Jericho’s return last night.

• Pictures & Video of Chris Jericho’s Return At RAW

The Rock tweeted:

“@IAmJericho Helluva kick ass return. Welcome back my friend. Look forward to having some fun w you.”

Jericho’s longtime friend Lance Storm says he helped train Jericho in recent weeks at his Storm Wrestling Academy in Canada to prepare for his return. Storm wrote:

“Since he’s back yes @IAmJericho did come back and train with me at SWA. We spent a couple days in the ring including a 17 min match #norust”

Former WWE Champion JBL wrote:

“The @Iamjericho return to WWE? Loved it. This is going to play out well over the next couple of months. The audacity of the return is gold!”

Interim RAW General Manager John Laurinaitis said:

“We are now stalking @IAmJericho to see what all that silence was about.”

My staff and I aren’t pleased, for those of you who follow this and want the real scoop. We hope to have answers from @IAmJericho soon.

After being spotted with Abraham Lincoln and The Beatles – Chris Jericho was revealed to be the man behind the cryptic “It Begins” promo vidoes and made his long awaited debut to WWE television on Monday’s RAW.

• Video Of Chris Jericho’s WWE Return On RAW

Jericho came out to his signature “Break The Walls Down” theme music and wore a flamboyant & illuminated studded black leather jacket.

Jericho came to the ring and soaked up the huge reaction from an audience that appeared to be satisfied on WWE’s delivery of this latest surprise. Fans chanted “welcome back” to the former Undisputed champion. The celebration lasted several minutes, with Chris Jericho riling up the crowd and slapping hands with fans – without taking a microphone and explaining why he is back. The crowd began to turn on Jericho as it became apparent he was not going to do anything more than listen to them cheer him on. The segment ended awkwardly, with Jericho apparently looking to turn the crowd against him.

Check out these pictures of Jericho’s WWE return and hit up the comments section below with your feedback.

It’s January 2nd, 2012, which means – tonight is the night we find out who has been behind the cryptic videos airing on RAW over the past couple months.

With the rampant rumors that Chris Jericho is returning to WWE on tonight’s RAW, the following image has been circulating online of Chris Jericho reportedly at the airport today – flying to Memphis, where RAW takes place.

Chris Jericho headed to RAW tonight? Jericho says, not so much

Jericho, who has been vehemently denying that he’s returning to RAW tonight, says the image is a fake:

“Apparently I’ve been cloned…or somebody has started a great rumour!! #waroftheworlds”

He has since posted links to various hilarious pictures of Chris Jericho sightings throughout the world – and throughout history!

— DDP has posted a new YouTube video featuring Chris Jericho, with the two of them telling stories about the late great Eddie Guerrero. Check it out here:

— WWE’s new “Cena Sucks” t-shirt appears to be a hit, as the shirt is currently sold out on the WWEShop.com website.

— The Rock wrote the following on his Twitter last night, wishing John Cena a Merry Christmas:

“@JohnCena Merry Christmas. I have a special gift for you. My size 15 boot. #GuessWhereItGoes?”

The Rock posted the following picture along with that tweet:

It’s been rumored for months that Chris Jericho is on his way back to WWE, despite his repeated claims that he is done with pro wrestling and focusing his attention on his metal band Fozzy and other non-wrestling projects.

Jericho addressed his WWE future on Twitter once again on Sunday night, stating once again that he has no plans to return to the company again:

“Sick of all the questions so this is it…from now on I’m not answering anymore wrestling related questions. I’m done w WWE. Deal with it.”

Chris Jericho hung out with Christian and TNA stars Samoa Joe and Bully Ray this week.

He tweeted the following on Thursday night:

Awesome time w @Christian4Peeps @SamoaJoe and Brother Ray tonight!! Merry Christmas f**kers!!

Samoa Joe, Chris Jericho, Bully Ray & Christian

CHRIS Crossed (Click to Enlarge)

Several readers have pointed out that the latest installment of WWE’s cryptic promos leading up to January 2nd appears to have the name “Chris” crossed out on the cover of the notebook written in by the little boy in the videos.

• VIDEO: The Latest Cryptic 1/2 Promo – “PROPHETLESS”

This will only add to the speculation (yeah, we’re not helping) that Chris Jericho will be revealed to be the man behind the vignettes

While WWE has been known to drop red herrings before to throw people off in previous cryptic promos, this does not help Jericho’s case that he’s got nothing to do with the videos.

– Two WWE legends are celebrating birthdays today, as WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin turns 47 and Trish Stratus turns 36..

– John Cena vs. Kane has been added to WWE’s upcoming Madison Square Garden show on 12/27. Kane has been attacking Cena at WWE’s weekend live events.

• Video: Kane Attacks John Cena On Friday Night

– Speaking of the 12/27 MSG show, that is the next scheduled appearance from R-Truth, who is currently on suspension due to a Wellness Policy violation. Truth’s suspension ends next weekend and he’ll be cleared to appear on the 12/26 episode of RAW from Chicago.

– A fan asked Chris Jericho on Twitter his thoughts on the masked Kane returning to WWE. Jericho, who has been very outspoken about the WWE product in recent months, said:

“Dont have any cos i dont care. @sameoldshit”

– WWE is hoping that Andrew Judelson, the company’s new Executive Vice President of Sales & Partnership Marketing, will help the company land some major endorsement deals for WWE superstars.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

— Speaking to The Celebrity Cafe, former WWE Women’s Champion Chyna says she has not retired from the professional wrestling industry. Chyna said:

“In the wrestling world, as long as people keep me in their hearts, then I will never truly be retired from wrestling. If the opportunity arose to step back in the squared circle, I think I have one more match in me.”

Chyna also discusses her upcoming New Year’s Eve party and what’s in store for her in 2012.

• Chyna Reportedly Working As An Escort (Her Rates Revealed)
• Disturbing Pictures from Backdoor To Chyna

— Chris Jericho tweeted on Friday that his rock band Fozzy will be recording a new album from January to March. Take that for what you will.

— Sgt. Slaughter has been announced to appear at the Washington Auto Show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C. on February 1, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

– After Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Raleigh concluded, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Heath Slater beat down Randy Orton until Big Show made the save. Orton put Slater through a table to end the show.

– Chris Jericho was asked on Twitter about online reports that he’s returning to WWE to feud with CM Punk. Jericho, who is rumored to be returning to WWE in several weeks, called the reports “bogus, weak journalism.”

• Chris Jericho Update: Status For The Rumble, WM28 Opponent

– WWE Games noted on Twitter that data from the new WWE ’12 video shows that CM Punk is the most-played superstar in the game.

– WWE officials Trish Stratus to appear at Monday’s Slammy RAW to present the Divalicious Slammy along with Lita. Trish turned down the offer because she would have to spend two full days traveling from/to Canada for a 5-minute television appearance. WWE was understanding about the situation and there’s no heat on Trish for declining the offer.

• Pictures from Trish Stratus’ New Action Movie (She Looks HOT!)
  

As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, the cryptic “It Begins” promos that have been airing on RAW are building up to the WWE return of Chris Jericho.

Despite Jericho vehemently denying that he’s the man behind “It Begins” – our sources have been strongly pushing the scenario of Chris Jericho making his big return on the January 2nd RAW Supershow from Nashville, Tennessee.

To update this story, the very latest is that Chris Jericho will be wrestling at the Royal Rumble, although it’s unknown at this point whether he’ll have a singles match or be part of the 30-man battle royal.

This is where things get interesting. Looking past the Rumble, WWE currently has Chris Jericho penciled in for a WWE Championship match against CM Punk at WrestleMania.

While a lot can change between now and April, the seeds have already been planted for a Jericho vs. Punk feud. The two have been taking shots at each other on Twitter for months, with Jericho claiming stars such as Punk stealing his moves & ideas – and Punk poking fun at Jericho’s stint on Dancing with the Stars.

Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about a CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho match at WrestleMania.

• CM Punk Makes Fun Of Chris Jericho’s Stint on DWTS (Video)
• Chris Jericho Responds To CM Punk’s Insult
  

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Scouting Talent at FCW Last Week: “My most recent trip to FCW in Florida was good. WWE has several, potential main eventers that are being groomed as we speak. No one candidate sticks out head and shoulders above the rest but there are many athletes that I feel will be in the hunt for a WWE roster spots sooner than later… I hope to get more involved in WWE developmental as it’s an exciting time with which to be involved in the process. Nothing is more important for WWE’s long term success than developing tomorrow’s stars and then being ready to fully utilize them once that they are called up to the big time.”

Kurt Angle’s Olympic Hopes: “Is Kurt Angle serious about trying to make the US Olympic Wrestling team? Absolutely serious according to Jerry Brisco. Kurt visited Jerry Brisco while Jerry was in a Pittsburgh hospital recently and re-enforced such with Brisco with who Angle is still close. Jerry was a coach/mentor to Kurt during Angle’s WWE run. BTW, Jerry is feeling MUCH better after having two stents put in his neck area for two, seperate blockages that had previously gone undetected.”

Chris Jericho & Batista’s WWE Futures: “Do I think that Chris Jericho and Dave Batista have wrestled their last matches in WWE? No…but that may simply be my personal, wishful thinking. Few performers want to walk away when there’s gas left in the tank and with good paydays to be earned. Plus, being on WWE TV is a global marketing tool that furthers other endeavors. Just my two cents and, again, because I like both men’s work it may be simply wishful thinking on my part.”

– Chris Jericho wrote the following on Twitter regarding the cryptic promos that have been airing on WWE TV:

“Haven’t watched Raw in a month and I haven’t seen the mystery promos. Sorry…don’t know and don’t care so u can stop asking.”

– The Wrestling Globe reports that Chyna is charging $5,000 per wrestling-related appearance these days.

– WWE Superstars Big Show, Mark Henry, Evan Bourne, CM Punk, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, Eve Torres, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Alberto Del Rio, Drew McIntyre, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Wade Barrett and Jack Swagger appeared at a meet-and-greet event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina yesterday. While the event was advertised to be for Department of Defense cardholders only, nobody was checking ID’s and several civilians were in attendance.

John Cena and CM Punk were presented with an Airborne Trooper Iron Mike statue by the military and the military was given a replica WWE Title belt.

– Chris Jericho tweeted on Friday morning that he’s been named one of the Top 100 Living Rock Stars by Revolver Magazine. He wrote @IAmJericho:

“Just found out that the new issue of @Revolvermag named me as one of their top 100 living rock stars…What an honor! #hardworkpaysoff”

In related Jericho news, Jim Ross was asked on Twitter who would win in a match between Chris Jericho and CM Punk JR responded, “Let em fight! Love 2see it.”

– WWE is now teasing that Beth Phoenix and Maria Menounos will wrestle at this weekend’s Tribute to the Troops tapings. The two have been going back and forth over Twitter for a few weeks now.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery soon, according to PWInsider.com.

– WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper filmed a Piper’s Pit with director Eli Roth for Funny or Die yesterday. Piper also revealed that he’s been asked to appear on Celebrity Ghost Stories:

“Been asked to do Celebrity Ghost Stories. I think I will do that show.They have asked for next week.They won’t believe what I’ve seen.”

– Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler’s booking fee for apperances has reportedly gone through the roof since she began dating Hollywood star George Clooney.

• Stacy Keibler Suffers WARDROBE MALFUNCTION (View Here)

– On Monday’s RAW, we saw the third installment of the “It Begins” video trailers, with this week’s promo titled, “Look within.” According to a report on PWInsider.com, insider sources continue to state that the person returning to WWE at the January 2nd edition of RAW from Memphis will be Chris Jericho.

Some had speculated that the “It Begins” videos were leading up to the return of the Undertaker, but the latest on his return is that he won’t be back until after the Royal Rumble.

– After The Rock claimed that his new “Boots To Asses” t-shirt was the best selling WWE t-shirt, CM Punk responded by re-tweeting the following message from one of his followers:

“The Rock comes up with another lie..Claiming his shirt is the most sold in WWE. We all know it’s the @CMPunk T-Shirt, that’s most sold.”

Punk also updated fans on the x-rays he had done on Tuesday, revealing that it was his right hand that might be fractured.

Punk posted the following picture of his x-ray – coincidentally doing one of John Cena’s hand gestures with the caption, “Hustle. Loyalty. Respect.”

Chris Jericho: Wrestler, Rock Star, Author, Sexy Beast

– It has been confirmed that Chris Jericho’s negotiations with WWE about a return have stalled out. Believe it or not – one of the big issues that turned Jericho off was the fact that he wasn’t included in the new WWE ’12 video game, which would have brought him royalties in the “five figure” range. While its understandable how Jericho would be upset by the snub (and the financial loss), others believe that Jericho would be foolish to skip out on a huge WrestleMania 28 payday as a result. There are said to be other factors keeping Jericho from returning at this time, but most believe he’ll be back in WWE again some time in 2012.

• Chris Jericho Says He’ll Never Wrestle For WWE Again

As we reported yesterday, there are conflicting theories in WWE s to whether the cryptic “It Begins” promo videos are hyping the return of Chris Jericho or the Undertaker. One source stated that WWE created the promos with Chris Jericho in mind, but will use them to reintroduce The Undertaker in the event that Jericho doesn’t sign a new deal by the new year.

• View Here: The Cryptic “IT BEGINS” Videos

In related news, there is also some speculation that John Morrison will return to WWE next year at some point. Morrison will be taking time off from WWE to rehabilitate his various injuries and take a shot at acting.

• Jim Ross Blogs About Morrison’s Future In WWE/TNA

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– We’re hearing conflicting reports as to the meaning of the recent “It Begins” promos from RAW. While some believe the cryptic videos are hyping the return of Chris Jericho, another reliable source has informed us that the video is actually for the Undertaker’s return. Some are speculating that WWE hasn’t even decided yet on who will be the returning superstar. If Chris Jericho re-signs with WWE – they videos could be for him. If not, they’ll be for the Undertaker.

• View Here: The 2 Cryptic “IT BEGINS” Promos

– WWE is close to bringing back a former Women’s Champion to feud with Beth Phoenix and Natalya. No word yet on who that might be.

It’s worth noting that former WWE diva Amy “Lita” Dumas was working with WWE today conducting an interview for an unspecified project.

– Chris Jericho will be attending Metallica’s 30th Anniversary shows in San Francisco, California next week. He wrote on Twitter:

“Shot a quick vid for next weeks Metallica 30th ann shows at the Fillmore.I’ll be there on Mon…such an honor to be invited! #metalupyourass”

– Speaking of Chris Jericho, American Idol alum (and huge wrestling fan) James Durbin will be appearing on Jericho’s Rock of Jericho show this Saturday at 5pm EST on XM channel 164.

(Partial source: f4wonline.com)

— During Monday’s Raw SuperShow, WWE displayed a graphic pointing to a YouTube page. The page features a cryptic video teasing the return of a familiar wrestler on January 2, 2012—the first Raw of next year. WWE’s latest cryptic tease inevitably led to speculation that absent talent Chris Jericho could be returning to the organization. Jericho, however, has already dismissed the possibility.

When asked by a Twitter user what he’s doing on January 2, 2012, he responded, “Working in Hawaii.”

Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported over the weekend that contract negotiations between both parties recently fell through and that a possible return is now considered a “dead issue.”

— WWE has announced that Rey Mysterio will appear at the 52nd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. His appearance is scheduled for Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. More details are available here.

— The November 19, 2011 episode of A.M. Raw garnered a 0.23 rating with 487,000 viewers.

source: PWInsider.com

Chris Jericho says in an interview with Wrestledope Radio that he has several Hollywood projects lined up for early next year and would only return to WWE if there was an individual he was interested in working with.

He explains, “For me to go back to WWE, I would have to have someone that interests me personally. You could say any name—it could be CM Punk, it could be The Rock, it could be Funaki. But, to me, it’s like I’d have to feel it. Right now, I’m happy doing the stuff I’m doing.

“When I’m finished with this tour, we’re doing a new record and I have a bunch of stuff going out in Hollywood that’s kinda coming to fruition. I had to leave that block of time open, January, February, March, April, May.”

Jericho, however, is open to returning “someday” and says he likes CM Punk’s work. He says, “Punk is great and he’s doing a great job, but as of right now, as much as people don’t want to hear it, I don’t have any plans as of right now to go back to WWE. I never said I wouldn’t go back; now is just not the right time for me.”

Jericho was also asked whether another promotion could ever be a legitimate competitor to WWE by rising to their level. He doesn’t think so.

“I don’t think it’ll ever happen because WWE is such a machine at this point. Vince could leave this earth tomorrow and it would still continue on. I think it’d be, not impossible, but you’d have to have a lot of money behind you and it’s not like it was ten years ago when there were guys working in Japan or over here or in ECW or whatever that you could bring it. Pretty much everyone that’s any good that’s worthy of drawing money works for Vince now,” Jericho says.

“So, if you were going to go and open up another company, you almost have to have so much money that guys can’t turn you down, kinda like it was with WCW back in ’96 or so. But, it’s not going to happen. I really don’t think. I think Vince is the monopoly for the business and there will always be second-rate or third-rate, but let’s face it, everyone wants to work for Vince McMahon, I don’t care who you are. Hulk Hogan wants to work for Vince McMahon. Dixie Carter would probably work for Vince if he offered her a job. TNA could be a good second, but they’ll never be first. And anyone who actually says it with a straight face is probably just saying it as bravado.”

Jericho also discusses connecting with the audience, being a front man compared to competing in the ring, his favourite music growing up, online wrestling news sites, wrestlers stealing movie, wrestlers of large stature and more. The interview is available here.

– CM Punk will be on the Opie & Anthony Show this Friday morning to promote Survivor Series. O&A airs on Sirius channel 206 and XM channel 105.

Speaking of Punk, he was backstage at Tuesday’s Guns ‘N Roses concert in Chicago.

– Diana Hart Smith, widow of the late British Bulldog and mother of former WWE Superstar David Hart Smith, revealed on Twitter that Dave Batista recently earned his blue belt in Jiu Jitsu.

• VIDEO of BATISTA’s MMA Training (Holy Hell…)

– Chris Jericho recently got some attention by announcing on Twitter that he’ll never wrestle for WWE again. While this might alarm some WWE fans expecting to see Jericho return at some point – it appears to be a joke about WWE’s policy of their talent being “entertainers” and not “wrestlers.”

Most people within WWE expect Jericho to return soon and get back to “sports entertaining” the WWE Universe.

(Partial source: pwinsider.com)

— Chris Jericho stated Saturday night on Twitter that he will never wrestle for WWE again. He wrote:

“Let me get something straight…I will never wrestle for the WWE again. But there is some big news coming up in the world of dance…”

— Triple H’s extravagant WrestleMania 22 ring entrance was highlighted this past week on A League of Their Own, a comedy panel game show airing in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

— Shawn Michaels’ team are serious about getting Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures to their non-USA fans. If you want HBK’s new TV show call (780) 444-1512 and tell them you want Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures (Courtesy of Carl Dantes).