WWE Raw Analysis: Chris Jericho Returns to Mixed Reaction and Kane Strikes Again

Last night proved to be an exciting start to 2012.

We witnessed the return of Y2J, and if you were watching, you would have experienced one of two reactions: pure excitement and glee at a well-worked return, the likes of which we have never seen before, or anger and hate at the man you had waited up all night to see (especially in England) because he didn’t say anything and left the arena to a chorus of boos after trolling everyone in attendance and everyone at home.

As a huge Jericho fan, I have to look at this from a distance, as when emotions were running high last night, I ended up feeling the latter point.

However, upon reflection this morning, I have come to realise what a brilliant return it was, mainly because it made me experience these emotions.

Jericho stated that he wouldn’t return to the WWE unless he could think of something new and different to do, and that is exactly what we saw last night.

Had he just come back and done what every other legend does—returned as a babyface to huge cheers and done a promo about how he was going to kick Punk’s behind—we would have liked it, but I personally would have felt cheated, as Jericho is capable of producing much better television than that, and last night proved it.

I don’t know what the first Undisputed Champion was trying to do yet, but he certainly got a reaction out of the fans.

Let’s face it, if you’re a Jericho fan, as I am, then it would not be right to see Jericho return and do something he has done before because his character evolves every time he makes a return.

This evolution is what keeps Jericho fresh and is what will keep me from thinking about the fact that the WWE has only got him back because of floundering ratings.

It doesn’t seem forced; it seems like a breath of fresh air from someone we know can deliver.

Nevertheless, it caused quite a stir in the WWE Universe and the IWC alike, as the Internet went mental debating whether or not the promo was the work of a genius or a no-good dirty troll. I can understand both arguments because I felt really cheated that we didn’t really see anything awesome from Y2J—but then I realised we had...

His light-up jacket was cool; I want one.

But on a serious note, to all who still feeling angry and annoyed about being played by Y2J, just  remember it’s what he does—he is the best in the world at what he does.

The other exciting bit of the night was learning that there aren’t just tables, ladders, chairs and trash cans underneath the ring, but a never-ending abyss where Kane resides.

It seems he was looking for a new lodger last night, as Zack Ryder was dragged by one foot towards the black bottomless pit. Cena made the save however, despite being suffocated by the gloved hand of the Big Red Machine moments earlier.

Kane, annoyed that his lodger had decided to opt out with a little help from Cena, made a huge fireball erupt from the pit of doom, signalling that he will be back.

It’s lonely at the bottom...

This segment was spectacular, and it is good to see the supernatural being used in a successful way once again in the WWE.

Raw was one hell of a show, and if you didn’t catch it, I suggest you try and catch it on a repeat; you won’t be disappointed.