Chris Jericho Returns to the WWE: Watch the 5 Greatest WWE Matches of Jericho

After weeks of the eerie "It Begins" promos claiming that someone was returning on January 2nd, the mystery man in the videos was revealed to be the returning Chris Jericho as the crowd in Memphis erupted as his music hit in the arena Monday night.

Jericho will mark his 12th year with the company following last night's second return to the WWE as the former, undisputed WWE champion has had some of his best matches during his career since debuting in June of 1999 making the jump from WCW.

While the current WWE champion might have a objection, Chris Jericho has been one of the best in the world during his career as you can see in these following five fantastic matches throughout his WWE career.

Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit, Royal Rumble 2001

After sending Benoit falling from the top of the ladder to the floor, Jericho was able to seize the opportunity and win the Intercontinental Title for a fourth time in this brutal ladder match that stole the show at the 14th Royal Rumble in 2001. 

Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels, Wrestlemania XIX

As Jericho and Michaels battled at the 19th Wrestlemania from Safeco Field in 2003, "Mr. Wrestlemania" was able to counter a suplex attempt by Jericho into a roll up for the win in a great back-and-forth match between two of the best in their generations.

Chris Jericho vs. The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Vengeance 2000

If someone were to put money on who would walk out of Vengeance with the title in 2000, Chris Jericho would have to have been the last person picked among Kurt Angle, Steve Austin and The Rock as the underdog Jericho became the first undisputed WWE champion in history as he beat Rock and Austin in back-to-back matches.

Chris Jericho vs. Triple H, Fully Loaded 2000

After kissing Stephanie McMahon at the King of the Ring pay-per-view earlier in the year, Chris Jericho and Triple H battled in a Last Man Standing match to settle their rivalry that ended after The Game delivered a backdrop to Jericho through the announcers' table for the win. 

Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels, No Mercy 2008

In a match the "Heartbreak Kid" made famous through his career, Chris Jericho finally was able to retrieve his World Heavyweight Championship after a bout of tug-of-war at the top of the ladder with Shawn Michaels in one of the best ladder matches in the history of the WWE.

What Do You Think?

With everyone having a opinion here on Bleacher Report, was there a match of Chris Jericho that was missing from this top five list of matches for the returning superstar?

Drop down to the comments section and let me know what you thought of any matches that should have been included in this slide show. 

Chris Humphrey is a featured columnist for BleacherReport.com. He has covered everything from college football, college basketball, UFC, NFL, NBA and the WWE in his short time writing for the website. You can become a fan of him on B/R and follow him on Twitter @_CBH_.