Wrestling fans are closely watching the unfolding situation surrounding Chris Jericho as speculation intensifies about a likely Chris Jericho WWE return, potentially as soon as early next year. With Jericho’s contract with Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) possibly ending in 2025, there is a strong expectation that the multi-time champion could rejoin WWE, either after his AEW departure or even as a surprise entrant in a future Royal Rumble event.
Reports indicate that WWE may be planning to offer Jericho a high-profile send-off run, signaling a significant chapter in his legendary career. Fans and industry insiders have noted that Jericho himself hinted at a return during a recent public appearance, further fueling speculation that he may be preparing to come back to his former company. With his return seemingly on the horizon, it is crucial that WWE carefully plans his final run and avoids common pitfalls that could diminish his legacy. Here are three critical booking mistakes WWE must steer clear of if Jericho rejoins in 2026.
Resisting the Urge to Immediately Push Jericho into World Title Contention
At present, both of WWE’s major men’s championships are already at the heart of intense storylines. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is locked in a feud with Drew McIntyre, with their rivalry set to culminate soon in an anticipated event in Berlin, Germany. Meanwhile, CM Punk, who holds the World Heavyweight title, is deeply embroiled in ongoing battles with Bron Breakker and The Vision, with important matches lined up at the start of 2026.
While Chris Jericho shares considerable history with both Cody Rhodes and CM Punk through their shared experiences in WWE and AEW, existing programs have established a deep narrative involving other key players, such as Drew McIntyre and Bron Breakker. Inserting Jericho directly into a World Title program without proper buildup would risk undermining months of carefully constructed story arcs and could lead to fan discontent.
If WWE envisions Jericho in the main event scene, the more strategic approach would be to allow him to acclimate through compelling rivalries and gradual integration into existing narratives rather than immediately placing him in title contention. The only exception to this might be if WWE were to set up a massive surprise—such as Jericho winning the Royal Rumble—an approach that would acknowledge his stature while not disrupting current storylines.
Creating a Fresh Faction Instead of Assigning Jericho to Lead an Existing Group
Jericho’s reputation as a faction leader has become especially prominent during his time in AEW, where he guided The Inner Circle and later the Jericho Appreciation Society, playing the role of mentor to names like Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, and Bryan Keith. Through these alliances, he has showcased his talent for elevating other talents alongside him.
Recently, Jericho adopted a ‘Learning Tree’ persona, working closely with newer wrestlers like Big Bill and Bryan Keith; however, on his last AEW television appearance, tensions boiled over, culminating in his dramatic exit in April after clashing with members of his group. His enduring presence as a mentor, leader, and character innovator has remained a highlight throughout his career.
If Jericho returns to WWE, revisiting this dynamic could be beneficial—not only for his own character development but also for introducing a group of promising new faces to WWE’s roster. However, instead of taking the easy route by installing him at the helm of an existing faction like The Vision or The Judgment Day, WWE should give Jericho the opportunity to build a brand-new stable from the ground up. This approach maximizes creative possibilities, freshens the programming, and avoids disrupting the dynamics of existing teams.
Carefully Managing Jericho’s Active Wrestling Tenure
Veterans like Chris Jericho—who has helped elevate talents such as Bandido., Ricky Saints, Powerhouse Hobbs, and MJF—are assets to any wrestling promotion, valued for both their experience and drawing power. Jericho’s longevity and adaptability have contributed significantly to his status, earning the admiration of both fans and peers in the industry.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing sentiment among audiences that Jericho’s physical capabilities are no longer at their peak, with some fans noting he has slowed down since the early days of his AEW tenure. By 2026, Jericho is expected to follow a reduced wrestling schedule, performing at special events and premium live events (PLEs) rather than week-to-week competition.
Given these realities, WWE should avoid prolonging Jericho’s active in-ring career for more than a couple of years upon his return. Instead, the company would be wise to celebrate his remarkable run with a thoughtfully planned retirement storyline, ensuring he leaves on a high note. Even after stepping away from regular competition, Jericho’s value as a mentor and character presence would still benefit WWE and the broader wrestling world.
Ultimately, the way WWE manages Chris Jericho’s return will have a significant impact not only on his lasting legacy but also on the creative trajectories of current and future stars. By carefully avoiding these three common pitfalls—rushing him into title contention, shoehorning him into established factions, and overextending his in-ring tenure—WWE can create a memorable, productive, and respectful final chapter for one of wrestling’s enduring icons.
#WhatIf: The Countdown to Millennium stops at the 1 year anniversary of RAW on Netflix.
A seismic shift and chatter across the industry is guaranteed if Chris Jericho returns to WWE!#SKWAI pic.twitter.com/GU0vpHMyuk— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) December 29, 2025
