On January 1, 2026, Chris Jericho’s free agency became official following the end of his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), sparking widespread rumors of a WWE comeback. With Chris Jericho free agency WWE speculation building, fans and industry insiders are closely watching for signs about his next move and possible return date.
Jericho’s AEW Contract Ends and Speculation Grows
Jericho’s tenure with AEW concluded at midnight on December 31, freeing the veteran performer to negotiate and potentially sign with any wrestling promotion of his choosing. While there has not been an official declaration about his future plans, prevailing views among sources suggest that a return to WWE is strongly considered within the wrestling community.
The question now is not whether Jericho will reappear in WWE, but when. With WWE Raw’s one-year anniversary of airing on Netflix approaching this Monday, the opportunity for Jericho to make a surprise appearance is well-timed. However, sources note that WWE could just as plausibly wait for a larger stage, such as the Royal Rumble later in January, for Jericho’s return to generate maximum buzz.
Podcast Remarks Fuel Theories on Departure
Rumors intensified following statements Jericho made in November 2025 on his Talk Is Jericho podcast. While commenting on TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory event and assessing their production values, Jericho remarked that TNA felt like the
Image of: Chris Jericho
“second biggest company in the world.”
—Chris Jericho, Talk Is Jericho podcast
During the discussion, Jericho contrasted TNA’s presentation with AEW Dynamite’s show filmed at the 2300 Arena. He likened the AEW broadcast to a Tony Condello taping, referencing the small-scale independent shows from his early wrestling days in Winnipeg. Many industry analysts interpreted Jericho’s commentary as a subtle criticism of AEW’s production and a possible indicator that his time with the company was winding down.
Ongoing Connection with WWE and Hints at Future
Despite his commitments to AEW in recent years, Jericho remained in occasional contact with WWE. Notably, on June 27, 2022, he participated in WWE Raw via a pre-recorded message, congratulating John Cena on his twentieth anniversary in professional wrestling. This appearance stood out as a rare case of crossover acknowledgment between companies at the time.
Jericho has largely avoided giving direct answers about his future. During a livestream in late December, fans inquired about the possibility of a WWE return, to which Jericho simply replied, “You never know.” In a separate radio interview, he provided a slightly firmer hint, saying,
“I’m pretty sure you’ll see me in a wrestling ring in 2026.”
—Chris Jericho, radio interview
What Lies Ahead for Chris Jericho?
With Chris Jericho’s free agency status now confirmed, attention centers on WWE’s busy January calendar and the potential for his re-emergence during major events. Whether Jericho appears soon on WWE Raw, possibly creating headlines with an unexpected return on the Netflix anniversary show, or holds out for the spectacle of Royal Rumble, the coming weeks will likely reveal the path for this legendary wrestler and shape discussions across the wrestling landscape.
Thomas Schultz is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the AEW Men’s Division.
With one year of experience, he reports on match results, storyline developments, and the rising stars shaping All Elite Wrestling.
Thomas brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to accurate, engaging coverage of AEW’s top talent and weekly action.
His writing captures the energy, rivalries, and momentum behind one of wrestling’s fastest-growing promotions.
From major title bouts to emerging contenders, Thomas keeps fans up to date on everything happening in the AEW men’s roster.
