Recent developments in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have intensified speculation about Chris Jericho’s future, as updates emerged during early 2026. The focus has shifted to how Jericho’s uncertain contract status impacts the promotion amid notable roster movements, including high-profile signings and surprise returns. These events unfolded alongside AEW’s Grand Slam shows in Australia, where the wrestling world has a renewed spotlight on Jericho AEW update prospects.
Former WWE Tag Team Debuts in AEW’s Women’s Division
AEW strengthened its women’s tag team lineup by officially signing The IInspiration, previously known as The IIconics during their WWE tenure. This Australian duo, who exited WWE in 2021 and competed in TNA Wrestling thereafter, made a striking impression at AEW’s House Rules event in Brisbane following the Grand Slam in Sydney. Their arrival was confirmed through a video post on social media, where they declared their readiness to challenge the current tag team scene and asserted their presence as former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Lena Kross Makes Unexpected Comeback to AEW
After nearly 200 days away from AEW programming, Lena Kross reemerged dramatically at the Grand Slam event in Australia. Previously last seen in July 2025 during a Collision episode facing Kris Statlander, her absence had fueled speculation since December 2025. Kross interrupted a post-match celebration as the team of Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron, known collectively as Babes of Wrath, defeated Penelope Ford and Megan Bayne from the Megabad faction. Kross attacked the victors, signaling a new alliance between herself, Ford, and Bayne, forming a dominant trio within AEW’s women’s division.
Chris Jericho Confirmed to be in Scotland, Not AEW Grand Slam
Rumors of Chris Jericho making a surprise return at AEW’s Grand Slam in Australia intensified as his contract reportedly expired at the end of 2025. Contrary to expectations, it was confirmed hours before the event that Jericho was in Glasgow, Scotland, performing with his band Fozzy for a Valentine’s Day concert. He documented the occasion on Instagram, sharing details from the SWG3 studio venue.
“Hello everybody, here we are. It’s Valentine’s Day. Glasgow, one of the craziest cities that Fozzy ever plays. We’re at SWG3, at the Studio tonight… so come rock with us,” said Jericho in an Instagram post.
The confirmation of Jericho’s location indicates no immediate return to AEW is planned, leaving fans uncertain about his wrestling future and contractual status with the organization.
Wheeler Yuta Faces Consequences After Hair vs. Hair Match Loss
At the Grand Slam event, Wheeler Yuta, a member of the Death Riders, experienced a humiliating climax to a high-stakes Hair vs. Hair match. Partnered with stablemate Marina Shafir, Yuta faced off against Orange Cassidy and Toni Storm. The intense, chaotic match spilled throughout the arena before Storm secured the pin that sealed their team’s victory. After the match, Yuta attempted to avoid the consequence of losing by fleeing, but Jon Moxley, the faction leader and AEW Continental Champion, intervened decisively.
Moxley compelled Yuta to accept his punishment, commanding him to return to the ring. Under the direction of One True King, Yuta was shaved bald in the center of the arena by Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy, and aided by Mina Shirakawa and Luther, marking a significant moment of public humiliation and shifting faction dynamics within AEW.
Implications for AEW and Chris Jericho’s Career Trajectory
The recent events emphasize AEW’s evolving landscape, with fresh signings, signature returns, and dramatic faction developments reshaping the promotion’s storylines. Chris Jericho’s absence from the high-profile Grand Slam event, confirmed by his presence in Scotland, underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract and wrestling commitments.
This period could signal a turning point for Jericho and AEW, with fans and analysts alike watching closely to see if he will return to in-ring competition or pivot further toward his music career. Meanwhile, the integration of experienced tag teams like The IInspiration and the resurgence of talents such as Lena Kross ensure that AEW remains dynamic as it heads into the remainder of 2026.
What are The IInspiration doing in AEW?!#AEWHouseRules pic.twitter.com/zKTGFvE7LY
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 15, 2026
Australia’s own @Lena_Kross has aligned herself with MegaBad in a post match attack against the Babes of Wrath!
Watch #AEWGrandSlam Australia on TNT & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/5dn4VRu2sE
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 15, 2026
