Amid building anticipation for a potential Chris Jericho WWE return, sources suggest the veteran may not actually compete in the ring if he rejoins the Stamford-based wrestling promotion. As speculation intensifies on Jericho’s next move, some within the wrestling community argue that his legendary career could come full circle without any new matches.
Speculation Grows Around Jericho’s WWE Homecoming
The prospect of former AEW and WWE star Chris Jericho returning to WWE has gained momentum, fueled by fan discussions and Jericho’s own public appearances and interviews. Jericho, known for his ability to reinvent his persona—be it Y2J, The Painmaker, or Le Champion—remains a magnetic figure who connects strongly with fans across generations. The allure of seeing the 55-year-old icon close out his career in the same company where he rose to worldwide fame continues to capture the imagination of wrestling followers. His charisma, psychological mind games, and athleticism have defined every era he has performed in, making his potential return a hot topic among critics, fans, and insiders alike.
Doubts Over In-Ring Future Despite a Potential Return
Despite the eagerness for a Chris Jericho WWE return, some voices believe Jericho won’t actually wrestle if he comes back. As Jericho nears the twilight of his career, these critics point to the physical toll wrestling takes, especially when competing against younger talents. They argue that while Jericho’s presence adds tremendous value, the ring may no longer be where his talents will be showcased if he rejoins WWE.
Podcast Discussion: Concerns About Age in Wrestling
During a recent episode of the “Coach and Bro” podcast, Johnathan Coachman highlighted the challenges older athletes face when competing at the highest level. Drawing a comparison to the NFL, Coachman noted that discussions about a 55-year-old active player would be off the table entirely due to the sport’s intense physical demands. He emphasized that wrestling, with its significant physicality, would present similar if not greater obstacles for someone of Jericho’s age wrestling against today’s younger WWE superstars.
Vince Russo’s Take on Jericho’s Future Role
In the same podcast episode, former WWE creative team member Vince Russo weighed in, strongly suggesting that any Chris Jericho WWE return would be outside the ring. Russo pushed back on the idea of Jericho lacing up his boots for another match, focusing instead on the creative impact Jericho could have in other roles.
“He can’t come in and wrestle at all.He doesn’t need to . We’re talkin about Chris Jericho here, he does not need to wrestle. You just need to get him in the right role and give him good creative, that’ all he needs. (14:46 onwards)”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Creative Team Member
This statement frames Jericho as a multifaceted asset for WWE, able to drive stories and excite fans even without entering the ring. Russo’s comments added weight to the ongoing debate about what the next phase of Jericho’s storied career should entail, implying that the veteran’s star power can translate into backstage or storyline-oriented contributions.
Jericho’s Recent AEW Departure and Career Reflections
Jericho’s last appearance on AEW television was as the leader of The Learning Tree faction. He formally exited the AEW stage in April 2025 after disbanding his group and making a dramatic farewell by destroying pieces of equipment. This departure led to increased speculation about what comes next for the champion character who’s donned many faces throughout his wrestling journey. Many see a possible WWE return as the logical closing chapter—one that would tie up his career while leveraging his lasting appeal and experience, even if actual matches are off the table.
The Significance of a Non-Wrestling Comeback
If Chris Jericho does return to WWE without wrestling, the move would underscore a broader trend in professional wrestling, where veteran performers take on creative and managerial roles to guide new talent and drive fan engagement. Given Jericho’s established mind games, charisma, and deep understanding of the industry, such a transition could inject fresh energy into future storylines while preserving his legacy. As debates among critics, fellow champions, and WWE insiders continue, fans watch closely to see if Jericho will stick to storylines rather than step back into the squared circle, proving once again that his influence in wrestling extends far beyond in-ring performance.
