Chris Jericho: Why Strange Return Was Brilliant Move by WWE Writers

For the past two months, speculation has run rampant that Chris Jericho was the person behind the WWE's cryptic "It Begins" videos. That turned out to be the case, and while many are already chalking up the angle as a failure, they couldn't be more wrong.

When Y2J came down the ramp in what looked to be a chain mail jacket with Christmas lights attached, the crowd went wild, and for good reason. Last night marked the first time Jericho has been seen in a WWE ring since being punted by Randy Orton more than 15 months ago.

Despite that, all most people can do is complain, including WWE fans on Twitter, many of whom reacted negatively toward his return.  

Make no mistake, the return was certainly very strange as Jericho played to the crowd for 10 minutes, dropped the microphone and left without saying a word. There is no question that this is part of the bigger picture, though.

It is well documented that Jericho is far more comfortable playing a heel, and he has said so himself on multiple occasions. The issue with that, however, is that he is such an iconic performer that he was going to be cheered upon his return no matter what.

Perhaps the only way to flip the script was to make his re-debut seem like a disappointment, and that is exactly what happened. Jericho is one of the best the business has ever seen on the mic, so when he neglected to speak it caused some boos to be thrown his way from the crowd before he left.

The expression on his face changed noticeably while he was on the ramp, from joy and excitement to what looked like disgust. This was obviously a way to get the fans to turn on Jericho, and to have Jericho to turn on them as well.

Not only did the silent comeback succeed in turning the live crowd against Jericho, but this WWE fan suggested on Twitter that Jericho should never be heard from again.

It would seem that the most obvious feud that Jericho could engage in is with WWE Champion CM Punk. Y2J wouldn't have returned unless there were major plans for him, so a clash with Punk at WrestleMania would seem to fit the bill in that regard.

Also, Punk has been calling himself the best in the world since the summer, while Jericho always has considered himself the best in the world at what he does. The tools are already there for Jericho and Punk to have an epic feud, but turning Jericho heel was a necessity due to Punk's popularity with the fans.

You also have to take into account the darkness of the promos that touted Jericho's return. It would have been very strange for Jericho to return in full face mode when the promos claimed that it was the end of the world as we know it and that he was returning to reclaim what is rightfully his.

In all likelihood, Jericho will address the WWE Universe about last week, say that he wasn't going to pander to the fans like Punk and officially turn heel in the process. Once that happens, the odd nature of his return will be forgotten and everyone will wonder what they were so worked up about.

I'm not so naive that I can't admit that the WWE creative team has ruined promising angles in the past, but this isn't one of those times. Jericho has continually said that he wouldn't return unless there was a fresh and enticing angle for him. Because of that I have to believe that his initial return was simply a means of garnering heat.