Chris Jericho, a name synonymous with reinvention and longevity in professional wrestling, is once again at the center of the industry’s spotlight. As of January 1, 2026, Jericho is officially a free agent, his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) having expired at midnight on December 31, 2025. This pivotal moment has triggered a wave of speculation, excitement, and anticipation among fans and insiders alike, as the wrestling legend appears poised for a dramatic return to WWE.
The rumor mill has been churning at full speed since Jericho’s last televised appearance back in April 2025, when he dramatically exited AEW’s Dynamite following the Dynasty pay-per-view. That night, in a segment that doubled as a symbolic curtain call, Jericho lashed out at his Learning Tree stablemates, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, smashing equipment and storming off—a fittingly theatrical farewell for a superstar of his stature. The move was widely seen as a write-off, ending a seven-year run in AEW that included his tenure as the inaugural AEW World Champion.
Since then, Jericho has kept fans guessing. He’s been largely absent from wrestling television, save for the occasional social media post. But in late December 2025, he reignited speculation by sharing a photo with American TV host Matthew Pinfield, following Pinfield’s appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast. The image, which quickly went viral, showed Jericho in phenomenal physical condition—lean, muscular, and looking every bit the part of an athlete preparing for a major in-ring return. The timing was no coincidence; as his AEW contract expired, Jericho’s public persona seemed to shift into high gear.
Fueling the anticipation, Jericho has been more candid in recent interviews and livestreams about his future. When asked about a WWE return during a late December 2025 stream, he coyly responded, "You never know. You never know." In a separate radio interview, he offered a bit more, saying, "I’m pretty sure you’ll see me in a wrestling ring in 2026." These remarks, combined with his recent physical transformation, have only intensified the belief that Jericho is WWE-bound for what many expect to be his retirement run.
Industry insiders and wrestling journalists have reported that WWE is planning a high-profile storyline for Jericho’s return, one that echoes the retirement tour recently enjoyed by John Cena. The expectation is that Jericho’s final run will culminate in a well-deserved induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, possibly as soon as 2027 or 2028. While WWE has yet to make any official announcement, the prevailing sentiment is that Jericho’s return is all but inevitable.
As for when the iconic Y2J might reappear on WWE programming, all eyes are on two dates: Monday, January 5, 2026, and Saturday, January 31, 2026. The former marks the one-year anniversary of Monday Night Raw’s move to Netflix—a milestone WWE is celebrating with a stacked card in Brooklyn, featuring CM Punk’s first World Heavyweight Championship defense against Bron Breakker. Some believe Jericho could make a surprise appearance on this historic episode, creating a headline-grabbing moment for both WWE and Netflix. Others point to the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia at the end of the month, a classic stage for legendary returns and dramatic debuts.
Jericho’s potential return also sets the stage for several dream feuds that could define his final chapter in the ring. Among the most talked-about possibilities is a renewed rivalry with CM Punk. The two share a storied history in WWE, and while they never clashed in AEW, the prospect of one last feud—especially with WWE’s willingness to reference Punk’s polarizing AEW exit—has fans buzzing. According to industry reports, "one last feud with Jericho would certainly create the type of headlines that TKO is looking for."
Another tantalizing matchup involves Seth Rollins, WWE’s outspoken standard-bearer during AEW’s rise. Rollins, who is expected to be cleared for action after WrestleMania 2026, seems a likely candidate for a marquee program with Jericho. As the face of WWE’s resistance to AEW, Rollins represents the kind of generational clash that could electrify audiences and provide a fitting test for Jericho’s swan song.
Cody Rhodes, another key figure in both AEW’s birth and WWE’s resurgence, is also in the mix. Now that both Rhodes and Jericho are back under the WWE banner, their paths appear destined to cross once more. "Honestly, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rhodes is the first to welcome Jericho back to WWE," one report speculated, hinting at the creative possibilities their shared history provides.
And then there’s Gunther, the so-called "new Legend Killer." WWE has been positioning Gunther as the man to retire icons—having already sent Goldberg and John Cena into the sunset. Many believe that Jericho’s final match could come against Gunther, cementing the Austrian powerhouse’s legacy while giving Jericho an epic send-off.
Jericho’s path to this moment has not been without controversy. In November 2025, he made headlines on his Talk Is Jericho podcast by praising TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view, saying its presentation made TNA feel like the “second biggest company in the world.” He then drew an unflattering comparison to AEW Dynamite, likening its production to a "Tony Condello taping"—a nod to the small-scale independent shows of his early career in Winnipeg. These remarks were interpreted by many as a veiled critique of AEW’s direction and a hint that he was ready to move on.
Yet, throughout his AEW tenure, Jericho maintained a cordial relationship with WWE. In June 2022, while still under AEW contract, he appeared via pre-recorded video on WWE Raw to congratulate John Cena on his 20th anniversary—an unprecedented crossover at the time. This ongoing connection has only strengthened the belief that WWE is his next and final destination.
Despite all the speculation, Jericho has remained characteristically enigmatic. His recent comments, social media activity, and physical transformation suggest a man ready for one last run at the top. But until he steps through the curtain—whether in Brooklyn on January 5 or at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia—fans and pundits will continue to debate, dissect, and dream about what’s next for the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla.
One thing is certain: Chris Jericho’s return, whenever it happens, promises to be a momentous event in professional wrestling. With dream matches on the horizon and a Hall of Fame induction seemingly inevitable, the stage is set for a legendary farewell tour. For now, the countdown is on, and the world of wrestling waits with bated breath to see how the next chapter of Jericho’s storied career unfolds.
