WWE: Breaking the Code: Will Chris Jericho Be the Raw GM?

Jericho? GM?

On its face, it could seem like an odd choice.  But it makes sense given the recent history of Raw and the rumored return of Jericho to the WWE.  Ultimately, it makes more sense than a laptop.

Of Power Plays and Laptops

Recall that a few months ago, Triple H informed Vince that "The Board of Directors," the Deus Ex Machina equivalent of TNA's "The Network," relieved the Genetic Jackhammer of his day-to-day duties, and that they appointed him to replace Vince. 

At the time, it seemed this was a little odd, but it was gradually clarified with some subtle storytelling and a little help from Stephanie McMahon that Vince was still the Chairman and Triple H was the Chief Operating Officer of the whole company.

During all this time, the anonymous Raw general manager, a.k.a "The Laptop," fell by the wayside and seems to have gone the way of Nexus. Basically, it was taken out back and buried in an unmarked grave alongside many other annoying angles that had no resolution.

Fast forward to two weeks ago and Triple H was relieved of his "day-to-day" duties of running the WWE's flagship show, Raw.  In that same sentence, recall that Vince McMahon said that the "The Board of Directors" was looking for a replacement GM. 

Until they actually find a full-time replacement, John Laurinaitis would be running things on an interim basis. My consternation aside, they wrote Jim Ross off TV again and advanced the Laurinaitis' conspiracy against The Game.

That takes us to now.  There is always some speculation about who will be "The Man" on Raw when these things come up.  William Regal or Mick Foley seem the odds on choices, but why not Jericho?

The Jericho Cometh!

The Wrestling Observer, via WrestlingINC.com, noted very recently: 

"

Colleagues of Chris Jericho say he is in talks with WWE officials to return to the organization for a match leading to WrestleMania XXVIII. We'll keep you posted as we hear more.

"

It's been rumored a while now that Jericho would be returning to the WWE after his stint on Dancing With The Stars and touring with his band Fozzy.  He's also taken some very odd potshots on Twiiter after various stars, but mainly at CM Punk.  Recall that in August (courtesy of WrestleNewz), he had a number of tirades on the Second City Saint via Twitter, including: “Everyone is so excited that @CMPunk mentioned me on Raw. Newsflash…I don’t give a s***. Mind ur own business and stop rippin me off Punk.”

While it seemed odd, the speculation at that time was that he was working towards an angle with the fast-rising Punk, perhaps one that would culminate at WrestleMania 28.  Ultimately, Jericho's stints with the WWE tend to be limited in duration, more due to his need for other creative outlets then anything else. 

Raw GMs tend to have a short time span anyway, so an angle leading to a match at WrestleMania 28 would be appropriate for the usual length of time.

Jericho, otherwise, possesses all the qualities one could want in a GM of a wrestling show.  He can cut a promo, work the stick, has longevity and name value with casual fans, is equally adept as a heel or a face and looks damn good in a suit.

A Feud with Punk?

Another thing to recall is that Punk, for a long time, had been the focal point of the "conspiracy" on Raw, with Nash derailing Punk any chance he got, the microphones cutting out and various other minutiae that added spice to Punk's rise.  This could fall in perfectly given Jericho's previous fascination with Punk.

If Jericho were wanting to pursue other projects or ultimately retire from professional wrestling, this could be a wonderful blow off to his career in the ring, and it would give Punk a signature feud.

Ultimately, Jericho's feuds have been some of the best that we can recall as fans, including his legendary feud with Shawn Michaels in 2008 where he went heel, put Michael's head through the Jeri-tron 2000 and accidentally punched-out Michaels' wife. 

There is little doubting Jericho in any aspect of the business.  One of the best workers in the ring and on the microphone, he was always one the most reliable guys in any capacity.  One could imagine the promo work between Jericho and Punk and how the resulting match at WrestleMania 28 could steal the show.

A feud between Jericho, as Raw GM, and CM Punk, the ultimate anti-authority figure, wouldn't be hard to ignite or execute, and such a thing could carry the WWE through to WrestleMania 28.