Full Breakdown
Chris Jericho's Potential Return to WWE: Current Status and Speculation
1/6/2026, 11:35:07 PM
Overview of the Situation
Chris Jericho, a prominent figure in professional wrestling and a nine-time world champion, is at the center of speculation regarding his potential return to WWE following the expiration of his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on December 31, 2025. Despite rampant rumors and teases from WWE management, Jericho did not appear on the January 5, 2026, episode of "Monday Night Raw," leading to questions about his future in wrestling.
Current Status and Speculation
Reports indicate that Jericho remains listed on AEW's official roster, which is unusual given the company's practice of promptly updating their roster page. Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful Select noted that there has been no internal communication regarding Jericho's departure from AEW, and his name has not been mentioned in WWE creative discussions. This ambiguity has left fans and insiders speculating about whether Jericho is indeed a free agent or if there are unresolved contractual matters with AEW.
During the January 5 episode of Raw, WWE General Manager Adam Pearce hinted at Jericho's possible return by referencing his iconic entrance theme, stating, "Who can break down the walls?" This line fueled speculation among fans, who chanted "Y2J" throughout the event. However, reports confirmed that Jericho was not scheduled to appear, as he was reportedly in Los Angeles at the time.
Background and Context
Jericho's last appearance in WWE was at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018. He subsequently signed with AEW in January 2019, becoming the inaugural AEW World Champion and a key figure in establishing the promotion's identity. His absence from AEW programming since April 2025 has led to discussions about his future, with many believing he might be preparing for a retirement run in WWE.
Eric Bischoff, a veteran wrestling executive, has publicly predicted Jericho's return to WWE, suggesting that his recent physical transformation indicates a significant commitment to wrestling. Bischoff speculated that Jericho's return could coincide with major WWE events, such as the Royal Rumble scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Criticism & Opposition
While many fans are excited about the possibility of Jericho's return, there are concerns regarding how WWE will handle his re-debut. Some critics argue that Jericho deserves a more dignified farewell than the circumstances surrounding his last WWE match, which was viewed as underwhelming. Additionally, there are worries that WWE may not utilize him effectively, given past experiences where veteran talent was not prioritized.
What's Next?
As the wrestling community anticipates Jericho's next move, all eyes are on the upcoming Royal Rumble event. Should he make a surprise appearance, it would mark a significant moment in his storied career. However, with his band Fozzy scheduled for a UK tour in February, Jericho's availability for WWE events during that time remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Chris Jericho's potential return to WWE is one of the most discussed topics in professional wrestling as 2026 unfolds. With his contract status in limbo and no official announcements from either AEW or WWE, fans are left to speculate about his future. Whether he will make a triumphant return at the Royal Rumble or remain with AEW is yet to be determined, but the anticipation surrounding his next steps continues to grow.
