Rumors have persisted for several months about Chris Jericho’s possible WWE return after his AEW contract expires, but as WrestleMania 42 approaches, there has been no official appearance from Jericho on any wrestling program. This silence may be intentional, as a major comeback is likely being reserved for the biggest stage of them all—WrestleMania 42. The perfect antagonist for Jericho’s return could be Gunther, a dominant career-ending figure who has never faced Jericho before in any promotion.
Why Chris Jericho Must Make His Return to WWE Now
Chris Jericho’s time in AEW has reached a plateau where further accomplishments seem unlikely. Since joining AEW in 2019 under Tony Khan’s leadership, Jericho elevated the company’s profile as the inaugural AEW World Champion, leveraging his strong reputation from New Japan. However, in recent years, his storylines have lost momentum, including underwhelming factions and two separate ROH World Championship runs that failed to excite fans. This decline has led to a notable shift in audience reaction, with Jericho being booed during his latest appearances.
At 55 years old, Jericho’s in-ring future is limited, making any return to WWE a crucial opportunity to reignite his passion and impact. His WWE comeback could breathe new life into his wrestling career while also addressing WWE’s recent creative struggles by injecting fresh energy and star power into their programming. Many anticipated his re-emergence on WWE RAW earlier this year, though it has yet to materialize.
Gunther: The Relentless Heel Who Ends Wrestling Legends’ Careers
Currently, Gunther stands tall as WWE’s top heel, transcending outdated stereotypes of foreign villains by relying on sheer dominance and arrogance rather than underhanded tactics. He methodically dismantles opponents and taunts the audience, crafting a character that fans love to despise. Gunther holds the record for the longest Intercontinental Championship reign ever and is a multiple-time World Heavyweight Champion who commands attention regardless of whether he holds the top title.
Within the past year alone, Gunther has been instrumental in concluding the careers of three legendary wrestlers. He defeated Goldberg in Goldberg’s final bout, made John Cena submit in Cena’s own last match, and at the most recent Royal Rumble, he overcame AJ Styles with Styles’ career on the line. Gunther leverages these victories, frequently returning to the ring to boast with impunity, fueling the crowd’s animosity and solidifying his reputation as the career killer. His hunger to end more legends’ careers positions him as the ideal foil to welcome back a veteran star like Jericho.
A Compelling WrestleMania 42 Rivalry is Primed to Unfold
For years, fans dreamed of a WrestleMania clash between Gunther and Brock Lesnar. Although this match was reportedly near confirmation, Lesnar’s forced departure amid controversy and a surprising Royal Rumble elimination by Oba Femi have cast doubt on the bout’s realization. Lesnar’s early exit opens the door for WWE to pivot towards elevating other talent and reimagine WrestleMania’s marquee matchups.
Gunther’s career killer persona now demands a high-profile opponent. Imagine Gunther confronting any returning legend on WWE Raw, daring them to step up as he boasts about dismantling past icons. While Randy Orton remains an option, the crowd’s reaction would skyrocket if Chris Jericho were to make his comeback music hit, appearing to answer Gunther’s challenge. Their promos would be electric, igniting anticipation across the fanbase.
The WrestleMania storyline could deviate from expectations. Though Gunther is the superior wrestler, Jericho’s realistic comeback arc would be to claim an initial victory, shocking fans and leaving Gunther questioning his invincibility. This would allow Jericho a sustained storyline over the following year rather than a brief final match before retirement. With WrestleMania 42 currently lacking excitement, a Jericho vs. Gunther showdown could generate the much-needed momentum and buzz for the event.
“There is nothing left for Jericho to do in AEW.” ?Unnamed Analyst
“Gunther is the undisputed top heel in WWE at the moment.” ?Wrestling Commentator
“The promo in the ring is easy to write, with Jericho daring Gunther to end his career, and Gunther gladly ready to do it.” ?Industry Insider
Chris Jericho and Gunther represent contrasting forces at pivotal points in their careers. Jericho’s potential WWE comeback isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s an urgent opportunity for both men to create one of the most compelling narratives heading into WrestleMania 42. Jericho’s return would provide WWE a significant boost as it looks to regain creative momentum, while Gunther’s relentless pursuit of legendary victims ensures ongoing intrigue. The combination promises a captivating rivalry that could define the next chapter of WWE storytelling.
