Chris Jericho WWE return date rumors have intensified as fresh reports suggest his debut could arrive as early as the start of the new year, with mounting evidence pointing to a WWE Raw appearance soon after his current AEW contract concludes. Questions about his future escalated following months of speculation about his intentions and contract situation, especially given his high-profile departure from AEW in April 2025.
Jericho’s Status in AEW and Hint Toward WWE
Following his last appearance in a wrestling ring on April 6, 2025—where he fell to Bandido in a Title vs. Mask contest at AEW Dynasty—Jericho openly confronted his The Learning Tree stablemates, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, on Dynamite. During that episode, he announced a departure, providing no timeline for a return. Since that time, the lack of on-screen involvement and uncertainty over his direction in All Elite Wrestling fueled rumors, especially as some reports claimed AEW’s creative team had nothing planned for the veteran performer.
The intrigue deepened when Jericho interacted with an Instagram post expressing that he had no objection to a WWE return, keeping fans and wrestling analysts abuzz with speculation. This simple online action sent a ripple across the wrestling community, prompting ongoing discussions about his next move.
Contract Expiry and WWE Debut Speculation
As rumors circulated, Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated added fuel to the fire with a detailed update regarding Jericho’s contractual situation. Alba pointed out that Jericho’s AEW contract is scheduled to expire at midnight on December 31, indicating that a WWE move could be imminent. Referencing a report from Alex McCarthy, Alba relayed that Jericho is widely expected to debut on WWE television as early as the January 5 edition of Raw.
“Last night, @AlexMcCarthy88 reported that Chris Jericho’s #AEW contract expires at midnight on Dec. 31, he’s WWE-bound, and that he may debut as early as Jan. 5 on Raw. My sources also believe he’s going to show up on #WWE TV very soon. ⬇️https://t.co/NNkcFN2qQf”— Jon Alba, Sports Illustrated
This pointed to a strategic return window for Jericho, aligning WWE’s plans with the expiration of his existing commitments. Alba’s sources further reinforced the belief that the Canadian wrestler is poised to make a quick transition back to WWE, a place where he achieved many of his most iconic moments.
Creative Control: A Sticking Point for Jericho?
Amid all of the return talk, long-standing questions about Jericho’s creative freedom have emerged. On a recent episode of The Coach & Bro podcast, former WWE writer Vince Russo suggested that Jericho’s decision to return could hinge on whether WWE offers him authority over his on-screen persona and storylines. Russo, referencing Jericho’s storied legacy and financial independence, cast doubt on the idea that money alone could entice him if it involved sacrificing input into his character direction. He pointed to the example of John Cena, questioning whether Jericho would risk ending his own career under WWE’s current creative leadership, specifically referencing Triple H’s role.
“If Jericho is watching like us Coach, it’s gotta be that creative control. He can’t let Triple H do that to him on his way out. I don’t think all the money in the world be worth it to Chris (Jericho). Chris doesn’t need the money. He has a legacy. Anybody that sees what just happened (with John Cena), man, if you’re gonna put your last couple of years in Triple H’s hands? I don’t see Jericho doing it. I just don’t.”— Vince Russo, former WWE writer
These remarks highlight concerns within the industry about how established stars, like Jericho, balance legacy, financial negotiations, and creative fulfillment, especially after observing other icons’ career trajectories.
What Jericho’s Return Could Mean
If the reports are accurate, the Chris Jericho WWE return date is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in recent wrestling memory. His anticipated arrival on Raw in early January could have ripple effects across both major promotions. Jericho’s experience, wide fan following, and reputation for evolving his character may shake up current storylines and bring new energy to WWE’s programming.
This potential move also raises broader questions about the creative landscape at WWE, especially with influential figures like Triple H overseeing talent integration and storyline development. For both longtime fans and new viewers, Jericho’s next chapter promises renewed excitement—and perhaps, a redefining moment in the ongoing competition between wrestling’s biggest organizations.
Last night, @AlexMcCarthy88 reported that Chris Jericho's #AEW contract expires at midnight on Dec. 31, he's WWE-bound, and that he may debut as early as Jan. 5 on Raw.
My sources also believe he's going to show up on #WWE TV very soon. ⬇️https://t.co/NNkcFN2qQf
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) December 28, 2025
