After an extended break from All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Chris Jericho‘s possible WWE return has fueled speculation among wrestling fans. Although expected to appear at this year’s Royal Rumble, Jericho remained absent, leaving questions about his next move in the industry ahead of WrestleMania 42.
Despite his AEW contract reportedly lasting until 2025, Jericho still appears on their official roster, with reports suggesting he may have signed a deal extension. However, with WrestleMania 42 approaching, there remains a tantalizing possibility that the 55-year-old veteran could make a surprise comeback to WWE. Below are three potential ways Jericho might re-enter the WWE spotlight if he decides to return.
Potential Appearance in the 2026 Elimination Chamber Match
Announced last October, the WWE Elimination Chamber event will be held in Chicago, Illinois. Recently, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H revealed that the winners of this year’s Elimination Chamber matches will secure WrestleMania 42 title opportunities linked to whichever championship the 2026 Royal Rumble victors do not select.
Roman Reigns won the Men’s Royal Rumble and opted to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. This decision means the men’s Elimination Chamber match will determine the contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship, currently held by Drew McIntyre. Randy Orton has already qualified for the February 28 event, with Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn competing for remaining spots, making the competition fierce.
Inserting Jericho into the fight for a WrestleMania spot could significantly raise excitement around the event. Having participated in eight Elimination Chamber matches during his WWE career and as a former AEW World Champion, Jericho’s return to compete inside this steel cage would generate buzz and vividly reintroduce him to WWE audiences.
Aiming for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania
Jericho’s WWE tenure has been distinguished by a remarkable collection of titles, including the World Tag Team, Hardcore, European, US, Undisputed WWE, and World Heavyweight Championships. Yet, his strongest association lies with the Intercontinental Championship, which he has held nine times, the most in history.
If Jericho returns during WrestleMania 42, targeting the Intercontinental Title for a record-breaking tenth reign would be a natural storyline. The current champion, Dominik Mysterio, is sidelined with an injury. Though Finn Balor is scheduled to challenge for the belt at WrestleMania, a fresh rivalry pitting Jericho against Mysterio could captivate fans, especially given Jericho’s ability to rally audience support against the contentious Judgment Day member.
Hosting Duties at WrestleMania 42 Could Offer a Unique Role
The WrestleMania host plays a crucial role annually, maintaining crowd engagement through on-stage, ring-side, and backstage interactions with both current talents and legends. Past hosts have included WWE icons like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Alexa Bliss, The New Day, and The Miz, along with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Rob Gronkowski, and Snoop Dogg.
With no guest host announced for this year’s WrestleMania, Jericho could fill this spotlight role, offering him a way to be part of the show without committing to an immediate wrestling storyline. This involvement could easily lead into a narrative, perhaps triggered by a backstage confrontation that escalates into a full feud, allowing Jericho a gradual reintroduction to WWE programming.
This hosting opportunity would enable Jericho to build rapport with both the crowd and fellow performers, setting the stage for a measured and impactful return, whether as a full-time competitor or a special attraction.
As WWE prepares for WrestleMania 42, all eyes remain on Chris Jericho, whose return could reshape storylines and elevate the event’s intensity. His presence promises to inject urgency and unpredictability, either within the steel cage of the Elimination Chamber, in a high-stakes title chase, or through charismatic hosting duties. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for official announcements, as Y2J’s next chapter approaches with mounting anticipation.
The two “it’s probably true” theories in wrestling right now:
Chris Jericho is going to WWE
AJ Styles is going to AEW— The Rantin Review (@RantinReview) January 31, 2026
