Chris Jericho WWE return rumors are intensifying as the veteran wrestler continues his absence from AEW programming, raising questions about his future after Worlds End 2025. Jericho recently added to the intrigue by making a suggestive comment about potentially rejoining WWE, leaving fans and insiders speculating about his next move.
Jericho’s Silence Fuels Speculation Over AEW Departure
Chris Jericho’s status with All Elite Wrestling has become a focal point for speculation in recent months. The former World Champion, also known as The Learning Tree, was notably missing from AEW shows since April and did not appear at the company’s year-end event, Worlds End 2025. Reports indicate that Jericho could be in line for a retirement run in WWE if he chooses to part ways with AEW when his contract concludes at the end of the year. Adding to the rumors, Jericho has been sharing fond memories from his prior tenure with WWE, further feeding talk of a possible return to his old stomping grounds.
Jericho Responds Directly to Fans’ Questions
While AEW held its final pay-per-view event of 2025, Jericho instead participated in an online special, “Christmas Dinner With The Winnipeggers.” During the broadcast, a fan expressed hope for his WWE return. Jericho’s reply was subtle but telling:
“You never know. You never know.” [H/T – Fightful]
Recent updates confirm that Jericho has not been included in Tony Khan’s current creative plans for AEW, suggesting his role in the company may already be diminished.
The Perspective of AEW and WWE Veterans
Wrestling legends have also weighed in on Jericho’s future. On his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt Hardy analyzed Jericho’s position within AEW and speculated about his next steps. Hardy offered an honest perspective:
“I almost think it’s one of those things where I just think the AEW fanbase has had their share of Chris Jericho in many ways, and I think creatively he’s done pretty much everything he can do there. I mean, unless they want to put him back into the main event mix, but I don’t think the fanbase would be up for that, even though they could probably make that work in some capacity,” he said. [H/T – Wrestling INC]
This sentiment echoes the belief that Jericho’s contributions to AEW have reached a natural conclusion, unless there is a dramatic shift in how he is utilized by the company.
What Could Happen Next for Chris Jericho?
With his AEW contract set to expire at the end of the year and his recent comments leaving the door open, speculation about Chris Jericho WWE return will likely grow. There is also interest in whether Jericho might make a high-profile appearance during the Men’s Royal Rumble match next year, marking a dramatic comeback to WWE. Fans of both AEW and WWE and figures such as Matt Hardy and Tony Khan are watching closely, as Jericho’s next career decision could have significant repercussions across the wrestling landscape. As 2025 unfolds, his legacy and the direction of his remarkable career remain uncertain, commanding attention from the entire sports entertainment community.
