Chris Jericho Returns to WWE: Is Now the Wrong Time Given WWE's Youth Movement?

The biggest story from the WWE this week is Chris Jericho’s interesting return.

The return itself, especially its interesting nature, has spurred much discussion among WWE fans. One thing that’s been brought up is whether Jericho’s return will affect the current youth movement in the WWE.

Since Jericho’s departure, people like Zack Ryder, Alberto del Rio, CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler have stepped up and proven themselves to be the future of the WWE. Will Chris Jericho being back in the WWE have an impact on the rise of these stars?

If anything, Chris Jericho’s return is most welcome in this youth movement. Yes, Jericho has more than established himself as a wrestling legend. However, Jericho has never been one to steal the spotlight or put himself over at the expense of others.

If anything, Jericho goes out of his way to put over other wrestlers. Take, for example, Jericho’s summer 2010 feud with Evan Bourne. Bourne, who was in the midst of a small push, got a handful of wins over Jericho. Most notably, Bourne pinned Jericho clean in a match at the 2010 Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view.

It’s apparent that Jericho has a lot to offer as it pertains to putting over the next generation of wrestlers. If the rumored WrestleMania match between Jericho and CM Punk is indeed true, I believe that feud and match could be what proves, beyond any doubt, that Punk is capable of being a major main event player in the WWE.

What’s more is that Chris Jericho is both one of the best heels and babyfaces in the history of pro wrestling. In a time when the WWE’s main event scene lacks babyface talent, Jericho is someone who could really put some of the younger babyfaces on the map.

Chris Jericho’s work as a babyface is spectacular, as well. If the WWE were to go down the babyface route with Jericho, there’s no doubt that he could make stars out of some younger heels. Imagine if they were to have Jericho feud with Tyson Kidd. They would have five-star matches that would make Tyson Kidd a bona fide star.

Not only is this not the wrong time for the return of Chris Jericho, but it's welcomed.

If the WWE had to bring back any veteran to help the younger stars make it to the top, Jericho is the perfect selection.

Thanks for reading. As always, I appreciate any feedback on my writing. Feel free to spark a conversation with me regarding what was discussed in this column by commenting or reaching out to me on Twitter @MikePW247. Also be sure to tune in to This Very Ring every Sunday night at 11 p.m. ET to listen to myself and Stan Grubb discuss all things pro wrestling.