Chris Jericho’s WWE retirement plan appears to be taking shape as speculation grows around his potential return to WWE in 2025. With his AEW contract ending in December 2025 and his current tenure showing signs of stagnation, an end-of-career comeback to WWE, culminating in a final WrestleMania match against Ricky Starks, seems increasingly plausible.
Chris Jericho Signals Interest in Returning to WWE
Chris Jericho has not wrestled in AEW since April, following his defeat to Bandido at the Dynasty event, where he lost the Ring of Honor World Championship. Shortly after, he disbanded his Learning Tree faction alongside Big Bill and Bryan Keith, announcing a temporary hiatus to focus on other pursuits, notably touring with his band Fozzy. Although fans expected his eventual return to AEW, recent events hint that Jericho might be preparing for a departure or at least a very brief comeback in AEW before moving on.
Over the weekend, Jericho liked an Instagram post speculating about his return to WWE when his AEW contract expires. This gesture was notable because it referenced Jericho’s openness to a WWE comeback. Unlike many fan theories that circulate online, this one carried weight given Jericho’s previous comments on the subject, suggesting he is genuinely considering the possibility.
Earlier this year, during a panel at Horror Rock and Wrestle Fest, Jericho addressed the prospect of returning to WWE, stating,
“I would have considered a return to WWE before things changed. Once again, there are two teams you can play on, which is amazing, and it’s one of the reasons why I wanted to take a chance and go to AEW in the first place. It was a real gamble… Of course, I would consider going back there [WWE]. I would also consider not going back there too. It just depends on what the situation is and what’s going on with me at the time.” —Chris Jericho
Jericho’s Impact and Challenges in AEW
Chris Jericho played a vital role in legitimizing AEW as a major wrestling promotion when it launched. While AEW featured popular indie stars such as the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and an evolving Cody Rhodes, it lacked a widely recognized marquee name. Jericho filled that gap perfectly, arriving with momentum from New Japan and providing AEW with instant credibility by becoming its first World Champion.
Despite a strong start, Jericho’s recent years in AEW have been less impactful. His storylines and factions, particularly the Learning Tree, failed to captivate audiences as before. Additionally, controversy surrounding Kylie Rae damaged his standing with some fans. His runs with the ROH World Championship, although notable, did not elevate his character in a satisfying way, contributing to the sense that he has exhausted his creative potential in AEW.
While a short return to AEW to give Jericho a proper sendoff is warranted, many agree that his ultimate legacy requires stepping away in a manner befitting his status — likely involving a return to WWE for a grand farewell.
WWE Presents the Perfect Stage for Jericho’s Farewell
Jericho is famous for his memorable WWE debut and multiple significant comebacks. His 1999 introduction as Y2J remains one of the most celebrated debuts in wrestling history, and his reappearances, such as his 2007 return or surprise arrival at the 2013 Royal Rumble, consistently drew huge crowd reactions. These moments highlight why a final WWE return would resonate deeply with fans.
Given that Jericho’s AEW contract ends in December 2025, a return at the Royal Rumble would be ideal, sparking massive excitement regardless of whether he enters with his current theme or classic WWE entrance music. This comeback could be executed as a surprise or built over weeks with clues teasing the audience, replicating the anticipation he has generated in the past.
With WWE’s current creative approach rarely involving extended runs for veteran stars — evidenced by brief returns of Edge and Goldberg — Jericho’s homecoming should focus on a succinct, impactful storyline culminating in a final WrestleMania showdown. A potential angle could see him working with NXT, reviving the Learning Tree faction concept to mentor rising talents.
Facing Ricky Starks at WrestleMania would provide a perfect narrative endpoint. Starks, who had a memorable AEW mic segment with Jericho, represents the new generation Jericho could pass the torch to, blending legacy and fresh talent in a meaningful way that respects both men’s careers.
What Lies Ahead for Chris Jericho and WWE
If Chris Jericho does return to WWE for a final chapter, it will mark the culmination of an extraordinary career that spans multiple promotions and decades. His ability to reinvent himself and create excitement has been a hallmark of his professional life, and a carefully crafted WrestleMania sendoff against Ricky Starks would be a fitting tribute to his enduring influence in wrestling.
Such a return would not only celebrate Jericho’s past achievements but also provide WWE with a significant moment to connect with loyal fans and build anticipation around emerging stars like Starks. Jericho’s WWE retirement plan, therefore, could prove to be one of the most memorable farewell stories in modern wrestling history, closing the book on a legend while ushering in a new era.
