Chris Jericho’s anticipated return to WWE has been the subject of intense speculation, especially following the arrival of a mysterious box on WWE’s RAW and SmackDown programs. However, recent information reveals that Jericho’s comeback to WWE remains unlikely in the near future due to developments with his AEW contract. Reports from Fightful Select indicate that Jericho will not appear at the upcoming Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, as he remains listed on All Elite Wrestling’s roster. Furthermore, his contract, initially set to expire after December 2025, has been extended.
The extension reportedly accounts for time Jericho spent away from AEW, with his last match occurring in April 2025. This bout ended with Jericho losing the ROH World Heavyweight Championship to Bandido in a title versus mask match. Previously, it was noted that Jericho’s contract was “frozen,” a tactic AEW has employed before to pause contract terms and add short extensions. Additionally, AEW has not distributed any internal announcements about Jericho’s departure, which is typically standard practice in the company under Tony Khan’s leadership.
Fan Expectations Versus Current Developments
Many WWE fans had hoped that Jericho would be revealed as part of the mystery surrounding the box, planned to be opened by WWE’s General Managers Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce at the 2026 Elimination Chamber event. This delayed return is a setback for those anticipating his presence at this major WWE event, which also coincides with a significant milestone in Jericho’s career.
“The Elimination Chamber PLE will mark 9,700 days exactly since Chris Jericho made his WWE debut.Chicago was the city in which Jericho made his WWE debut back in 1999.” — Wrestle Features
The Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event will mark precisely 9,700 days since Chris Jericho’s WWE debut, which originally took place in Chicago in 1999, highlighting the symbolic nature of this event for Jericho’s career timeline.
Jericho’s Ambivalence About Returning to WWE
Jericho has remained notably reserved about a WWE comeback after briefly hinting at the possibility ahead of the Royal Rumble. Insider sources disclose that while Jericho is open to returning to WWE, he faces difficult choices. Returning would require him to abandon several independent projects he currently manages, a sacrifice also experienced by Matt Cardona when he rejoined WWE. These complications contribute to the uncertainty surrounding Jericho’s next steps in professional wrestling.
What This Means Moving Forward
With Jericho’s AEW contract now prolonged and no confirmed plans for his WWE debut at the Elimination Chamber, his return remains in limbo. The extension suggests AEW values his presence and possibly envisions more contributions despite his reduced in-ring activity. Meanwhile, WWE fans will have to wait longer for any definitive news about Jericho’s potential return to the Stamford-based company. This ongoing situation underscores the complex negotiations and career decisions faced by veteran wrestlers balancing commitments between promotions and personal projects.
The Elimination Chamber PLE will mark 9,700 days exactly since Chris Jericho made his WWE debut.
Chicago was the city in which Jericho made his WWE debut in back in 1999. pic.twitter.com/HJOU4ubUcl
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) February 17, 2026
