Chris Jericho has sparked renewed speculation regarding a possible Chris Jericho WWE return after a significant period of absence from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) programming. Following his last AEW appearance in April and a cryptic social media interaction, Jericho is scheduled for a non-wrestling role at a high-profile Hollywood film festival next month, keeping fans and the wrestling industry watching closely.
Jericho’s Recent Absence from AEW and Emerging Rumors
Chris Jericho’s last in-ring performance with AEW was at the AEW Dynasty event in April, where he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido in a highly dramatic Title vs Mask match. In the following episode of Wednesday Night Dynamite, Jericho, also known as The Nueve, expressed severe frustration toward his stable-mates Big Bill and Bryan Keith for failing to win the World Tag Team Titles from The Hurt Syndicate. This intense outburst culminated in Jericho walking out on the group, marking the start of his prolonged disappearance from AEW shows.
Since that moment, Jericho has remained absent from AEW’s TV programming. His mysterious social media activity fueled rumors about his contract nearing expiration and a potential return to WWE, the wrestling promotion where Jericho built much of his legendary career. This speculation intensified when Jericho liked a hint-filled social media post suggesting imminent developments in his professional wrestling future.
Jericho’s Upcoming Role at Hollywood’s Screamfest Horror Film Festival
Beyond wrestling, Chris Jericho is preparing for a new challenge outside the ring. He will serve as the host for the question-and-answer session following the world premiere of the horror film Big Baby at the upcoming Screamfest Horror Film Festival. The event will take place on October 9 at the renowned TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. This festival appearance positions Jericho in front of an entirely different audience while maintaining visibility amid his AEW hiatus.
“So excited to announce @chrisjerichofozzy will be hosting the Q&A for the World Premiere of BIG BABY at @screamfestla October 9th at 7:30pm. The screening is at the @chinesetheatres in Hollywood CA! Join @spiderone @krsyfox @brandonoscott @therealchazbono #adammarcinowski and the rest of the cast and crew for this epic night of horror and blood!🩸 🪓🍼 ” – Official Instagram announcement
Jericho has prior experience with the horror genre, having appeared in the film Dark Match, directed by Lowell Dean last year. This involvement further diversifies his portfolio, linking his sports entertainment stardom to the film industry.
Jericho Openly Discusses Possibility of Returning to WWE
In a recent interview with The Daily Mail, Chris Jericho addressed questions about his current AEW status and his future prospects, including the long-debated possibility of a Chris Jericho WWE return. While affirming that he remains under contract with AEW, Jericho did not close the door on returning to WWE, signaling a willingness to consider such a move depending on circumstances.
“The best thing that can happen to wrestling is AEW and the fact that there are two huge promotions that you can choose from just makes it better for the guys, makes it better for the fans, and everybody in between. I’m not going anywhere for a long while. I’m still with AEW for right now. Would I go back to WWE? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. We just have to see what happens. The best thing that can happen is to have two great teams that you can play for, and that just makes everything bigger and more exciting,” Jericho said. [H/T Fightful]
This candid statement highlights Jericho’s recognition of the benefits that competition between major wrestling organizations offers both performers and fans. It also feeds the speculation surrounding his future moves with strong implications that a WWE return remains a viable option.
Absence from Recent AEW Events Raises Questions
Many anticipated that Jericho would make a high-profile comeback at AEW’s All Out: Toronto event, held recently. However, contrary to fan expectations, he did not appear on any of the pay-per-view cards or related programming. This notable omission has only added to the uncertainty and buzz about Jericho’s professional trajectory, leaving observers to wonder if his next major wrestling chapter will indeed unfold back in WWE’s spotlight.
What Lies Ahead for The Lionheart and Professional Wrestling
The current developments surrounding Chris Jericho—his AEW silence, his engagements outside wrestling, and his open-mindedness about returning to WWE—illustrate a critical juncture in his career. His participation at a prestigious Hollywood event keeps his public engagement alive, while his statements reveal a thoughtful balancing of opportunities.
As one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, Jericho’s decisions will continue to influence the broader wrestling landscape. Should he return to WWE, it would revive a major storyline for fans and potentially shift narratives in both promotions. Until then, his movements remain under intense scrutiny, with every public appearance and comment signaling potential shifts in the wrestling world.
