Chris Jericho’s AEW contract is reportedly frozen, which is preventing any immediate move back to WWE, despite ongoing speculation. As of mid-February 2026, the 55-year-old wrestler is completing his UK tour with his band Fozzy, ending around February 21, but legal constraints related to his contract status limit his wrestling options for now. The term “frozen” suggests his deal with AEW might have been paused since mid-2025, possibly due to injury time or a quiet contract renewal, according to sources close to Jericho.
Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp shared that insiders believe Jericho’s AEW contract remains on hold, though the exact terms have not been publicly disclosed, and no contract copy has been viewed. Jericho had previously expressed to people close to him that he remains open to returning to WWE, but he is also cautious about how such a move might affect his music career and other non-wrestling ventures.
Despite WWE’s sustained interest in Jericho, as reflected in ongoing rumors, he remains officially listed on AEW’s roster, which suggests no new deal with WWE has been finalized. This ongoing uncertainty leaves fans questioning if or when the wrestling veteran might switch promotions.
Speculation Surrounding the Mystery Crate at Elimination Chamber
During a recent episode of WWE Raw, a large mysterious crate appeared with the date of the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event displayed on it. Adam Pearce, unable to determine how to handle the crate, decided to send it to SmackDown for Nick Aldis to inspect. Fans quickly speculated that Chris Jericho might be the surprise reveal inside the crate, fueling excitement due to the symbolic connection between Jericho’s WWE debut in Chicago in 1999 and the location of the Elimination Chamber event.
However, recent reports about Jericho’s contract being frozen have diminished the likelihood of him being the crate surprise. Meanwhile, other wrestlers are now being considered as possible candidates. One prominent prediction highlighted by wrestling analyst Andrew Baydala suggests that Danhausen could be behind the crate reveal. Baydala characterized the potential candidate as “very nice, very evil,” a phrase that characterizes Danhausen’s wrestling persona.
Danhausen’s Wrestling Future and WWE Opportunities
Danhausen, who debuted in AEW in January 2022, has reportedly been eager to leave the promotion after not appearing on television since 2024. The Michigan native requested his release in August 2025 but was denied, and his contract was extended to account for injury time. Fightful reported that Danhausen’s contract with AEW was set to expire in February 2026, which coincides with the timing of the Elimination Chamber event.
Sources indicate that WWE has shown interest in acquiring Danhausen once he became a free agent. Speculation now suggests that an agreement between Danhausen and WWE may be in place, positioning him as a likely candidate for the surprise insider in the crate at Elimination Chamber, especially if he debuts in the upcoming show.
Chris Jericho is believed to have had his AEW contract frozen, @FightfulSelect has learned pic.twitter.com/wCSkwg5HOW
?Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com
For those asking, IN MY OPINION, I do not believe that Chris Jericho is the person behind or will be the one in the crate/box that is set to be opened at Elimination Chamber. I could see it being someone who is very nice, very evil. #WWERAW #WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/On4h0Ar3Py
?Andrew Baydala, Wrestling Analyst
Danhausen is expected to have interest from WWE when his AEW deal is up, sources told @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect. We have the full details for Select subscribers. pic.twitter.com/j4MyQQdSQT
?Fightful Wrestling
Implications for Chris Jericho and the Wrestling Landscape
The freezing of Chris Jericho’s AEW contract adds a complex layer to his future in professional wrestling, especially as WWE remains keen to sign him. Jericho’s hesitation and contractual limitations indicate a cautious approach to any new deals, with his focus split between wrestling and musical pursuits with Fozzy. This uncertainty leaves fans and industry insiders questioning whether he will eventually return to WWE or continue his commitments with AEW once the contractual freeze is lifted.
Meanwhile, the Elimination Chamber’s mystery crate serves as a focal point for new excitement within WWE, with Danhausen emerging as a strong candidate for a surprise debut. If Danhausen does appear, it could signal WWE’s intention to capitalize on talent transitioning from AEW to boost their roster.
The ongoing rumblings about contract statuses and surprise appearances at marquee events like the Elimination Chamber underscore the fluid and competitive nature of the wrestling industry, where contract negotiations and fan anticipation play heavy roles.
Chris Jericho is believed to have had his AEW contract frozen, @FightfulSelect has learned pic.twitter.com/wCSkwg5HOW
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 18, 2026
For those asking, IN MY OPINION, I do not believe that Chris Jericho is the person behind or will be the one in the crate/box that is set to be opened at Elimination Chamber.
I could see it being someone who is very nice, very evil.#WWERAW #WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/On4h0Ar3Py
— Andrew Baydala (@AndrewBaydala) February 17, 2026
Danhausen is expected to have interest from WWE when his AEW deal is up, sources told @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect.
We have the full details for Select subscribers. pic.twitter.com/j4MyQQdSQT
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) December 26, 2025
