The latest Chris Jericho WWE return update has dampened anticipation among fans, as reports confirm that he will not be appearing on RAW during WWE’s European tour in Düsseldorf, Germany. Despite months of speculation about his status as a top free agent in 2026 and his rumored discussions with World Wrestling Entertainment, Jericho remains absent from the company’s programming.
Jericho’s Wrestling Legacy and Recent Rumors
Chris Jericho, widely recognized as one of the few active legends in professional wrestling, has enjoyed a lengthy career spanning WCW, WWE, and AEW. Although he never joined TNA Wrestling, Jericho referred to the Nashville-based promotion as the
“second biggest company in the world”
—Chris Jericho, Talk is Jericho podcast. His appreciation for a standout TNA bout featuring Team 3D and The Hardys at Bound For Glory fueled additional speculation regarding his next possible destination after leaving AEW.
These remarks, combined with his contract reportedly expiring with All Elite Wrestling at the end of December 2025, heightened rumors that Jericho might sign with either WWE or TNA for a final career run. Hints began accumulating when Adam Pearce referenced Jericho’s theme song while promoting WWE RAW’s anniversary episode on Netflix, further stoking fan theories about his imminent return.
No Return Planned for RAW in Düsseldorf
WWE’s current tour across Europe, part of the build-up to the Royal Rumble in Riyadh at the end of January, kicked off in Leipzig and will close in Belfast. Despite the scale of this tour, reports indicate that the highly anticipated Chris Jericho WWE return update is not favorable for supporters awaiting his reappearance. The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf is hosting this Monday’s RAW, but, according to PWInsider Elite, there are currently no creative plans to bring back the “former Undisputed WWE Champion” for the January 12 broadcast.
This development follows his previous eight-year absence, disappointing many who saw his past returns as some of the most memorable moments in WWE’s recent history.
Jericho’s History of Comebacks
Chris Jericho is renowned for being one of WWE’s prodigal sons, having departed and returned to the company multiple times since his initial two-year break prior to December 2007. His comebacks have consistently generated excitement among fans. As captured in the moment—
“Chris Jericho returns to WWE!Did you crack the code? #SaveUsY2Jpic.twitter.com/IZwoZjggL3”
—2000’s WWE (@2000s_WWE), Jericho’s returns were often shrouded in cryptic messaging and dramatic reveals.
Across the following years, he would leave in 2010, come back in 2012, exit again, and then reappear in 2013 and 2014, before another brief stint in 2015. His last significant WWE run was in 2016, where he famously partnered with Kevin Owens. However, dissatisfaction with the resolution of their storyline reportedly motivated his final departure, leading to Jericho’s commitment to AEW, where he became the promotion’s first World Champion.
Looking Ahead: What the Update Means for Jericho and WWE
With no immediate creative plans for Jericho’s return, supporters are left to speculate whether the veteran will make another surprise appearance in the months ahead. As his AEW contract nears its end and his career enters its twilight, the wrestling world will continue watching for any signs of a new chapter, whether it unfolds in WWE, TNA, or possibly elsewhere. The Chris Jericho WWE return update underscores ongoing uncertainty about his future, reminding fans that in wrestling, the biggest moments often come when least expected.
Like last week, there are no creative plans for Chris Jericho to appear live at tonight's Monday Night Raw.
– Mike Johnson
(PWInsider Elite) pic.twitter.com/kqmZgTc8QJ— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 12, 2026
Chris Jericho returns to WWE!
Did you crack the code? #SaveUsY2J pic.twitter.com/IZwoZjggL3
— 2000's WWE (@2000s_WWE) January 27, 2025
