If you’ve been keeping an eye on wrestling news lately, one name keeps coming up: Chris Jericho. With his contract reportedly ending soon at All Elite Wrestling (AEW), fans and insiders alike are buzzing with speculation is Jericho heading back to WWE, and if so, when? Let’s walk through what we know, what’s being rumored, and what this could mean for wrestling’s future.
Why the Buzz? What’s Bringing Jericho into the Spotlight
Jericho hasn’t been seen on AEW television since April 2025 his longest absence since joining the promotion in 2019. Reports say that his AEW contract is set to expire at the end of the year. That window has sparked speculation among wrestling media and fans. Some insiders have even suggested that AEW isn’t currently working on any new storylines involving him.
From Jericho’s own lips, he hasn’t ruled anything out. In a recent interview, he said he’s “not going anywhere for a while,” but added that if WWE comes calling, he might listen depending on circumstances. So yeah, the door isn’t closed.
But it isn’t just idle chatter. Some reports claim WWE has big plans if Jericho does return possibly a final run that could include a high-profile comeback, a retirement tour, and even induction into their Hall of Fame.
Possible 2026 WWE Return: What Could It Look Like?
Here’s a quick snapshot of possible routes Jericho’s return could take lots of them.
| Scenario | Why It’s Possible / What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Surprise return at a major pay-per-view (like the Royal Rumble) | His contract ends at the close of 2025 Royal Rumble 2026 could serve as a dramatic comeback. |
| Short “legend” run culminating in Hall of Fame induction | WWE reportedly has discussed a retirement storyline with Jericho in mind. |
| One-off matches or guest appearances rather than a full-time commitment | Jericho’s hesitation to fully commit until he sees what WWE offers suggests flexibility. |
| Behind-the-scenes role (manager, mentor, commentator) | With his experience and star power, such a role could add value without requiring full-time in-ring presence. |
What Jericho Says And What He Means
Jericho has always been real with fans. When asked directly about returning to WWE, he admitted: “I wouldn’t be opposed to it… we just have to see what happens.” That’s about as open as you get without signing a contract.
At the same time, he made it clear that AEW remains his workplace for now. But absence speaks volumes being off TV, not involved in storylines, and focusing on other projects (like his band) suggests he’s staying flexible.
If I were betting (just a friendly wager), I’d say chances are high we see Jericho make a surprise return but maybe with an eye on legacy more than full-time competition.
Conclusion
So where does this leave us? Right on the edge of what could be one of wrestling’s biggest surprises in 2026. Chris Jericho’s possible return to WWE isn’t a guarantee but nothing has shut the door either. Between contract timelines, his own comments, and whispers of a Hall of Fame send-off, the stage might be set for a dramatic comeback. For fans, that means one thing: stay tuned. The walls might break down again.