Chris Jericho Returns to Monday Night Raw

Over the course of the past few months, a strange video containing what looked like binary code began popping up on WWE broadcasts. The phrases "Save_Us.222" and "Save_Us.X29" appeared in these videos. Later, WWE encouraged fans to "break the code" and guess whom might be coming to Raw.

Wait no more. Chris Jericho is back and WWE immediately had him issue a challenge to WWE Champion Randy Orton. Jericho is certainly needed. In light of injuries to top stars such as John Cena and Bobby Lashley, the suspensions of several wrestlers due to a steroid scandal aka The Signature Pharmacy Scandal, and an industry still reeling from the shocking Benoit suicide/double homicide, Jericho is a shot in the arm for wrestling fans. Suddenly Jericho's return and his five minute verbal exchange with Orton is the talk of the wrestling industry.

First off, I have to give kudos to WWE. By not rushing Jericho back they gave plenty of time for the anticipation to build and the payoff so far has not disappointed.

The question is can the much maligned and criticized WWE creative team utilize Jericho to its full advantage or will he become another sports entertainer just lost in the shuffle?

The wisest course of action is to build toward the inevitable big payday. But is WWE so desperate for ratings and possible pay-per-views buys that it will hotshot Jericho into the main event scene?

Jericho will need some obstacles in his path to Orton. Wrestling websites are already speculating that Jericho will face Orton at Royal Rumble 2008 for the title and win it. That would be the single biggest mistake that WWE could make. They've been down this road before. In 2002 and part of 2003 it seemed like WWE brought back every major wrestling superstar, most from the old WCW, into the company to try to boost ratings. It didn't work. Scott Steiner was pushed into main events before he was ready. The nWo appeared and then disappeared months later. Hulk Hogan became champion again for about a month. Goldberg returned and flamed out within a year.

The big payday is Wrestlemania 24, not Royal Rumble. Jericho should win the Rumble and "earn" his status as Orton's number one challenger. The trick for WWE will be to find viable opponents to fill both Orton and Jericho's time before the big face-off. Two men that come to mind for opponents to get Jericho "ready" for Orton are Shelton Benjamin and Kennedy. Kennedy appears headed for a feud with Shawn Michaels but he is arguably the hottest heel on Raw. Benjamin is a fantastic talent that is underutilized. A series with Jericho could elevate both men.

The opportunity for big business with Y2J Chris Jericho is there, here's hoping WWE doesn't drop the ball.