Chris Jericho Returns: The Connection to John Cena

On this past Monday Night Raw, the WWE universe witnessed one of the most head-scratching returns in recent memory.

Chris Jericho returned in a sparkling jacket that sported its very own light show.

He sauntered to the ring, bearing that familiar grin, did his patented pose and proceeded to ingratiate himself to the crowd for an interminable length of time.

Worst of all—or best of all depending on how one perceives it—Y2J didn't utter a single word on the microphone!

It was, in many ways, a parody of his "second-coming" in November 2007, but this time Jericho took the attention-seeking mannerisms to a level on par with the wiliest of politicians.

It was pandering like one has never, "everrrrrr" seen before.

And quite frankly, it was the mute version of John Cena's act in the opening segment.

While John Cena used words to curry favor from the smartened up Memphis audience, the "Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla" communicated the same message but with gestures.

It was one of outdatedness, staleness, and most of all, obliviousness.

Both Cena and Jericho seemed out of touch to a satirical and saccharine degree, ostensibly unaware of the disconnect between themselves and the live viewers.

Watching both, one couldn't help but notice the parallels of two performers both exaggerating their way into the land of embarrassment.

On the other hand, perhaps it is the piece of a larger puzzle to be revealed down the line.

For instance, perhaps Chris Jericho will acknowledge the boos that came raining down on his exit next week on Raw, accusing the fans of turning on "their" beloved hero's homecoming.

Jericho could note that he sacrificed precious time with his family—in addition to outside endeavors—to return and entertain the WWE audience.

However, instead of embracing him with open arms, they jeered him within the span of a mere 10 minutes.

His ire and rebellion against the fans for only doing what he thought to be right can be the fuel that turns John Cena heel—who has miraculously tolerated similar treatment over six years—once and for all.

Scorned and "betrayed," Chris Jericho and John Cena would wreak havoc on Raw and SmackDown, taking out their disappointment in the fans on other WWE superstars.

It should be noted that if such a storyline were to unfold, Kane's current motivations would serve as only a red herring, no pun intended.