Wrestling fans were left frustrated and disappointed after hoping for Chris Jericho’s return to WWE on the first RAW episode of 2026, only to find their hopes dashed once again. The latest Chris Jericho WWE return update reveals that, despite widespread anticipation and heavy speculation, Jericho’s comeback did not materialize, leaving supporters in suspense about his next move.
Speculation Runs High as RAW Teases Big Surprises
For months, Chris Jericho has been at the center of wrestling chatter, fueling rumors about his future with cryptic social media activity and appearances. Interest reached a peak heading into the new year, largely due to a heavy tease from RAW General Manager Adam Pearce and the announcement of a unique Stranger Things-themed episode to kick off 2026. However, the anticipated comeback never took place, leaving fans disheartened.
The ongoing uncertainty about Jericho’s next steps is compounded by the involvement of AEW President Tony Khan, who has publicly expressed his desire for Jericho, also known as Y2J, to remain with All Elite Wrestling. Despite Khan’s comments, he clarified there was always an open door should Jericho decide to return to WWE, further stoking fan speculation.
Insider Reports Cast Doubt on Imminent WWE Return
Behind the scenes, reports from industry insiders offered little encouragement for those hoping to see The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla grace a WWE ring again. Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite stated that insiders within WWE did not believe Jericho was scheduled to appear on the first RAW of the year. Additionally, Jericho remains listed on the AEW roster, suggesting his status with All Elite Wrestling has not changed.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select echoed these sentiments, confirming that there has been no word on an extension or freezing of Jericho’s AEW contract. According to Sapp:
“Jericho disappeared from TV in the Spring of 2025. We’ve heard nothing about if his deal was extended or frozen during that time. However, Jericho is still on the company’s roster page. We asked AEW reps in an official capacity if Jericho was still with the company, and they did not respond.” — Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful Select
Sapp added that his sources confirmed no creative conversations had included Jericho and that he was not incorporated into Monday’s RAW lineup:
“They said that Chris Jericho has not been brought up creatively as of yet, and that he was not factored into the plans for [Monday’s] Raw that they had seen. There was the obligatory ‘It wouldn’t be the first time we got worked, too.’” — Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful Select, as reported by Takedown on SI
Ongoing Uncertainty and Fan Disappointment
With no official statements from AEW representatives and no creative plans for Jericho within WWE, the wait for his next career move continues. This lack of clarity has left the wrestling community feeling a sense of ongoing frustration and sadness, as expectations gave way to another night of waiting in vain. Jericho’s prolonged absence since Spring 2025 and the silence surrounding his contract status have only deepened the uncertainty.
As the situation unfolds, fans must temper their hopes and remain patient for any true Chris Jericho WWE return update. Until a definitive announcement is made, the wrestling world will remain in suspense, watching closely for any signs of movement from one of its most celebrated figures.
#WWERAW GM @ScrapDaddyAP previews the FIRST Raw of 2026 🔥
A special @Stranger_Things themed episode of Raw to kick off the new year!
📺: 8e/5p on @netflix pic.twitter.com/MWCLKGl4AT
— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2026
