The February 16 episode of “WWE Raw” sparked conversation among wrestling fans with a segment featuring a mysterious crate delivered to Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, with instructions not to open it until February 28 – the date of the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event in Chicago, Illinois. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray weighed in on the segment, expressing his dislike for the gimmick and suggesting it bore the unmistakable hallmarks of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s creative style.
Speaking on “Busted Open Radio,” Bully Ray stated, “That segment last [week] had written, produced, and directed by Vincent Kennedy McMahon written all over it.” He elaborated, noting a pattern of similar crate-based reveals in WWE history. “That’s what I thought, and hey, to me that’s funny due to the fact that that’s something so typically Vince. I mean The Undertaker was standing in front of a crate and a puppy came out. Seth Rollins was standing in front of a crate and Sting popped out. The Gobbledy Gooker, they’re like 0-3 for crates and things popping out of things.”
While acknowledging the ambiguity, Bully Ray speculated about the crate’s contents, suggesting a possible connection to Chris Jericho, who has been the subject of rumors regarding a potential return to WWE. However, he quickly dismissed the idea of Jericho emerging from a crate as being out of character for the veteran performer. “Chris Jericho arrived in the WWE in Chicago. Could the crate have anything to do with a returning Chris Jericho? And I don’t mean like Chris Jericho’s in the crate because I just texted with him this morning and he’s on tour in Europe…so he’s not in the crate. Nobody is waiting in the crate because, not for nothing, Chris Jericho popping out of a crate, I could never witness Chris Jericho doing that.”
Further diminishing the possibility of Jericho’s involvement, a report from Fightful Select indicated that Jericho is currently under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and that his contract status may be further complicated by a period of time he is taking away from the ring for other endeavors. This report suggests Jericho’s immediate availability for a WWE return is unlikely.
The History of WWE’s Crate Gimmick
Bully Ray’s critique highlights a recurring theme in WWE storytelling under Vince McMahon’s leadership: the use of dramatic reveals and surprise appearances. The references to The Undertaker, Sting, and the Gobbledy Gooker illustrate a history of mixed results with this approach. The Gobbledy Gooker, in particular, is often cited as a prime example of a gimmick that failed to resonate with audiences. The Elimination Chamber event, scheduled for February 28 in Chicago, Illinois, will ultimately reveal the contents of the crate and whether Bully Ray’s assessment proves accurate.
Jericho’s Current Status with AEW
The Fightful Select report adds another layer to the speculation surrounding the crate. Jericho’s contract with AEW, a rival promotion to WWE, presents a significant obstacle to any potential immediate return. While the details of his contract and the nature of his current time away are not fully public, the report suggests he is not currently positioned to appear in the crate. Jericho has been a key figure in AEW since its inception in 2019, and his continued commitment to the promotion remains a central storyline in the professional wrestling landscape.
The crate segment on “Raw” has successfully generated buzz and speculation among wrestling fans. Whether the reveal lives up to the anticipation, or whether it will be another instance of a surprise that falls flat, remains to be seen. The Elimination Chamber event promises to provide answers, and Bully Ray’s commentary offers a unique perspective on the creative forces that may be at play behind the scenes.
As the Elimination Chamber event approaches, fans will be closely watching to see if the crate reveal aligns with Bully Ray’s prediction of a “Vince McMahon-esque” moment. The event is scheduled to take place on February 28 in Chicago, Illinois, and will be available to stream on Peacock. The outcome will undoubtedly be a talking point in the wrestling world for weeks to reach.
Please credit “Busted Open Radio” when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. For the transcription.
