Ongoing discussions are taking place behind closed doors within WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) concerning the future of veteran wrestler Chris Jericho. The 54-year-old former world champion has been absent from AEW programming since April and is expected to become a free agent by the end of this year. Recent developments suggest a growing interest in a possible Jericho return to WWE, stirring speculation about his next career move.
Recent Reports Suggest Potential Royal Rumble Appearance
Journalist Dave Meltzer, writing for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, indicated that some AEW insiders believe Jericho will not re-sign with the company once his contract lapses. Meanwhile, certain figures within WWE anticipate his return, possibly marked by a surprise appearance at the WWE Royal Rumble event scheduled for January 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, Jericho’s creative direction has been tightly managed by AEW President Tony Khan, which has limited broader insight into his contract decisions.
WWE Creatives Uncertain About Jericho’s Contractual Status
WWE sources have noted that discussions around Jericho had not been active in creative meetings as of early last week, and there remains ambiguity about whether his AEW contract is paused or still in effect. This uncertainty reflects the complex nature of Jericho’s current status, as he continues to be one of AEW’s most prominent names despite his prolonged absence from television.
Reasons Behind Jericho’s AEW Absence
Chris Jericho previously shared that his break in April was a personal choice, stemming from his desire for rest amid negative crowd reactions. His recent engagement on social media, where he liked a post hinting at a WWE comeback, has further fueled speculation about his future, amplifying the buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.
WWE’s Subtle Moves Fuel Return Speculation
WWE has contributed to the mounting rumors by uploading complete matches and archival content featuring Jericho on their official WWE Vault YouTube channel. This digital presence has been interpreted by many as a quiet nod toward a potential reunion. Additionally, a source reported recent conversations within WWE regarding Jericho’s return possibilities, signaling active interest from the company’s side.
Jericho’s Recent Outreach to WWE
Several WWE talents believe that Jericho, either directly or through his representatives, has initiated contact to explore whether WWE holds any interest in signing him once his AEW obligations conclude. This move indicates Jericho’s intention to keep his options open and engage in dialogue about his next steps in professional wrestling.
Ongoing Developments and Fan Engagement
As discussions about Jericho’s AEW contract and potential WWE comeback continue to evolve, wrestling observers remain attentive to further updates. Fans are encouraged to share their opinions and predictions about where Jericho’s career might head next, reflecting the significant impact his decisions will have on the pro wrestling landscape.
