Chris Jericho is expected to make a highly anticipated return to WWE at this year’s Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, sparking speculation about his potential final run in the company. After departing WWE in 2018 and spending six successful years with Tony Khan‘s All Elite Wrestling in Jacksonville, Jericho’s contract reportedly expired last December. His return to WWE appears likely before a planned Hall of Fame induction, with the Royal Rumble possibly setting the stage for a new rivalry unfolding toward WrestleMania 42.
LA Knight as a Possible Challenger to Jericho
LA Knight is rumored to participate in the upcoming Royal Rumble and may be positioned as the wrestler to eliminate Chris Jericho during the match. Having been sidelined since October due to an injury inflicted by The Vision on Monday Night RAW, Knight is not expected to win the Rumble but could be involved in a storyline leading to a WrestleMania 42 confrontation. This potential match could mark the retiring moment of the 55-year-old Jericho, with Knight as the one closing his legendary career.
Logan Paul’s Role in the Royal Rumble
Logan Paul has publicly expressed his intentions regarding the Royal Rumble, making him another contender capable of ousting Jericho. During a recent RAW episode, Paul stated that his focus, along with The Vision, will be on ensuring Bron Breakker’s victory. Consequently, Logan Paul might join forces with Bronson Reed and Austin Theory to eliminate Jericho, creating a narrative that boosts younger competitors while preparing for future rivalries.
The Impact of Brock Lesnar’s Potential Return
Brock Lesnar is also rumored to reappear at the Royal Rumble after last competing at Survivor Series, where he won the WarGames match. His return is expected to generate excitement with multiple eliminations, possibly including Chris Jericho. A Jericho versus Lesnar clash at WrestleMania 42 could happen for the first time ever inside the ring, offering fans a historic showdown. This rivalry would not only be a marquee event but could also symbolize Jericho’s final chapter within WWE.
Oba Femi’s Anticipated Debut and Its Implications
Oba Femi, the former NXT Champion, recently vacated his title and is expected to debut on WWE’s main roster at the Royal Rumble. While he is unlikely to win the event outright, WWE could use Jericho to elevate Femi’s status by having the Nigerian Giant eliminate the veteran icon during the match. This booking would create an impactful storyline, culminating in a WrestleMania clash where Jericho might pass the torch, allowing Femi to solidify his position as a future star.
Bron Breakker’s Quest for the Championship
Bron Breakker enters the Royal Rumble with strong backing from The Vision faction and appears poised to eliminate Jericho as part of his larger goal. Aiming to secure the Rumble win, Breakker plans to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42. Eliminating Jericho during the match would serve as a formidable statement, asserting Breakker’s dominance and ambition as he heads toward a major title opportunity.
The manner in which WWE books Chris Jericho’s return and eventual elimination at the Royal Rumble will heavily influence the event’s narrative trajectory. Whether Jericho engages in a farewell feud at WrestleMania 42, or serves as a transitional figure to elevate emerging stars like LA Knight, Oba Femi, and Bron Breakker, his involvement promises to impact WWE’s landscape significantly in the coming months.
THE VISION ALL AGREE THAT THEY WILL HELP BRON BREAKKER WIN THE 2026 ROYAL RUMBLE 👀#WWERAW
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) January 27, 2026
