Talk of a Chris Jericho WWE return has intensified as industry insiders and fans alike speculate about the wrestling icon’s future. With his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) contract possibly concluding in 2025, increasing attention is focused on whether Jericho will return to WWE for a high-profile farewell run.
Jericho’s History With WWE and Potential Plans
Chris Jericho boasts a storied legacy with WWE, having won several world championships and holding the record as a nine-time Intercontinental Champion before joining AEW in 2019. His many years with the company have left WWE with ample footage and memories that could be leveraged during a potential comeback. Jim Cornette, veteran manager, addressed these possibilities when speaking on his podcast, noting both the commercial and legacy benefits for WWE in bringing back the celebrated star.
“Jericho has history in the WWE with that fanbase and that company. They have footage that they can monetize, all that footage by adjoining a Chris Jericho return with a DVD or some kind of documentary project and merchandising. If they call it a retirement tour, or even since they’ve already done that, just building up to his retirement and the Hall of Fame. So that’s how you make Jericho a TV character that works a very limited schedule. Maybe he doesn’t even show up on TV every week, but you get him established first with whatever it’s gonna be and give him a rivalry or two. Something hopefully at the start that he can look good in, and then maybe something to get somebody over, and then maybe a little run for whoever is gonna be the retirement match or whatever.”
– Jim Cornette, Veteran Manager (via Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru, H/T Sportskeeda)
Cornette further discussed the possibility of Jericho being positioned for a Hall of Fame induction and serving as a special attraction, rather than an every-week performer. Such a move could include select appearances, high-profile rivalries, and ultimately lead to Jericho’s retirement match.
Insider Reports Hint at Possible Agreements
According to wrestling journalist Andrew Bydala, there are suggestions that Jericho may have already reached some form of understanding with WWE regarding a return. This claim, combined with ongoing fan speculation, suggests that the groundwork for a comeback may already be underway. At 55, Jericho’s options appear broad, as Bydala also noted the star’s potential interest in a run with TNA, further complicating the landscape of possibilities.
Eyes on the Royal Rumble and the Significance of a Jericho Comeback
With WWE’s Royal Rumble event soon to be held in Saudi Arabia, many are watching closely to see if Jericho might make a surprise appearance as part of his much-discussed return. Should WWE proceed with a comeback, leveraging Jericho’s past glory and charismatic appeal could create significant buzz and ratings, especially if paired with rivalries or documentary projects that showcase his journey within the organization.
A WWE return for Chris Jericho, especially framed as a retirement or Hall of Fame campaign, would allow the company to celebrate a legendary career while drawing in long-time fans. The move would provide an opportunity for WWE to utilize its extensive archival footage and offer compelling storylines, setting the stage for one of wrestling’s most enduring talents to take a victory lap before his final farewell. The wrestling world now waits to see if these mounting rumors will transform into reality during this pivotal wrestling season.
Chris Jericho is reportedly "very interested" in a TNA run.
"Chris Jericho has already agreed to a WWE return. There’s a lot of smoke around this from what I was gathering from people who were calling and texting me, from people who would know, that Chris Jericho is very… pic.twitter.com/iQwceIa1ln
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) January 9, 2026
