Fans and analysts are buzzing with speculation about Chris Jericho’s potential return to WWE, though no official announcements have been made. Jericho, who remains under contract with AEW until December 2025, has not appeared on AEW programming since April 2025. His last match took place at AEW Dynasty on April 6, where he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido.
Shortly after that, Jericho parted ways with his Learning Tree faction on April 9, deepening curiosity regarding his professional plans. Rumors of a WWE comeback surfaced after Jericho hinted at a possible return, but both WWE and Jericho have remained silent, preserving the air of mystery around his next move as the year comes to an end.
Expert Suggests Jericho Delay Return Until January for Maximum Impact
Sam Roberts, discussing on Notsam Wrestling, recommended that Jericho refrain from appearing on television until January. Roberts suggested Jericho’s comeback should be a secret and particularly impactful if timed with the New Year.
This advice aligns with Jericho’s famous WWE debut in 1999 when he used a countdown timer concept inspired by a “Countdown to the New Millennium” sign he spotted at a post office. The timing helped create a memorable entrance that propelled his career.
“I think either way, Chris Jericho should stay off television until January. I think, whether he re-signs with AEW, whether he signs with WWE, I think he should do whatever he’s going to do in absolute secret and just show up somewhere in January. And if he can, January 1st would be amazing because you could count down to the new year. And we know that Jericho loves a New Year’s countdown. If he can be free to go by January 1st, I think showing up to AEW or WWE would be great.” —Sam Roberts, Wrestling Analyst
WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley Calls for Jericho to Return to Feud with LA Knight
On the Busted Open After Dark podcast, Bubba Ray Dudley expressed enthusiasm for Jericho’s return to WWE, specifically suggesting a high-profile rivalry with LA Knight. Dudley emphasized that even a brief, one-year run focused on this feud would be worthwhile.
“You just want Chris Jericho to retire because he’s going to be 55 and work behind the scenes. I’m sorry. I just don’t. I would bring Chris Jericho back to the WWE just to work with LA Knight. If you told me that that was the only thing he was going to do for one year, that’s good enough a reason alone.” —Bubba Ray Dudley, WWE Hall of Famer
Dudley also highlighted Jericho’s unique ability to generate excitement through nostalgia, noting that a Royal Rumble appearance echoing Jericho’s original WWE debut could electrify fans. While Jericho approaches his mid-50s, Dudley prefers to see him leave the ring with meaningful, memorable storylines rather than fading quietly into retirement.
Other Recent Wrestling News Headlines
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the wrestling world, a female WWE star shocked the audience by attacking CM Punk and taunting AJ Lee, fueling ongoing tensions in WWE storylines. On a competitive note, the current WWE Champion has publicly issued a challenge to John Cena, setting up a high-stakes confrontation.
In AEW, Konosuke Takeshita’s noteworthy victory at the NJPW G1 tournament did not result in a title match at the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom event, much to the surprise of fans. On a somber note, JoJo Offerman shared an emotional message marking the second anniversary of Bray Wyatt’s death, highlighting the lasting impact of the late wrestler.
On a lighter front, Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, was mentioned in a conversation with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes about an unusual prediction from Lynch’s mother regarding a future U.S. presidency. Additionally, Rob Van Dam recently revisited his controversial comments about the Raja Jackson incident, which involved a severe injury to a fellow wrestler.
Further intrigue surrounds AEW star Jack Perry, whose return has been heavily teased after a lengthy absence, raising speculation about his potential comeback timing.
What Chris Jericho’s Delayed Return Could Mean for Wrestling
Chris Jericho’s extended break and mysterious future have captured the wrestling community’s attention, with many hoping for a spectacular return that matches his legendary status. Delaying his reappearance until January could build anticipation and allow for a surprise entrance that sparks widespread buzz across both AEW and WWE fanbases.
If Jericho opts to return to WWE, a feud with LA Knight might rejuvenate his presence, while a surprise AEW appearance could also deliver significant excitement. Regardless of where he lands, Jericho’s return promises to impact the wrestling landscape in early 2026, potentially setting the tone for new storylines and rivalries.
