WWE fans have been intrigued over the past few weeks by a large mystery crate featured on Raw and SmackDown, sparking speculation that Chris Jericho might make a comeback. Despite these hints, Jericho is not expected to appear at the Elimination Chamber event scheduled for February 28 in Chicago, as multiple reports indicate his absence.
Jericho’s return to WWE has been hinted at since late last year, with the first possible appearance rumored during Raw’s anniversary show on January 5 and then at the Royal Rumble. However, neither event included Y2J, and the mystery crate, which generated buzz on WWE programming, is now believed to hold someone else connected to the wrestling world.
Jericho’s Contract Status and AEW Affiliation Raise Doubts About WWE Return
Fightful Select reported that Jericho’s presence at the Elimination Chamber event is improbable, largely because he remains listed as an AEW talent. Although Jericho has not appeared in AEW tapings since April 2025, indications are that his contract with All Elite Wrestling may have been extended or frozen during his hiatus.
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer provided insight into this arrangement, explaining,
“The whole idea of freezing a contract… if you’re out for a period of time, they can add that time back on. That’s standard in wrestling contracts.”
This contractual “freeze” means Jericho’s time off does not count against his AEW agreement, making an imminent WWE comeback unlikely. With his continued AEW association, WWE managers decided to open the mystery crate during the Elimination Chamber event without expecting Jericho inside.
Reports suggest the crate might actually contain Danhausen, a former AEW star who has reportedly drawn WWE’s interest.
Additional WWE Storylines Generating Interest Amid Jericho Speculation
Meanwhile, WWE storylines continue to unfold across its brands. On SmackDown, Jey Uso was attacked backstage in a storyline that has fans guessing about the culprit.
Jey Uso himself addressed critics ahead of the Elimination Chamber with a direct message: “Stop Hating.”
WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill has encountered criticism during her title reign but remains unfazed by detractors as she solidifies her presence in the division.
On another front, Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania matchup remains unsettled, with recent developments on Raw showing WWE’s evolving plans, though some uncertainties still persist.
Trick Williams, who joined SmackDown earlier this year, has been highlighted by a Hall of Famer as a fan favorite, signaling WWE’s investment in fresh talent.
Additionally, a TNA champion recently revealed frustration about a WWE contract offer being rescinded, admitting, “I Wanted To Quit.”
Following a loss of the Women’s Tag Team Titles, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are focusing on the future of their WWE careers after a significant SmackDown setback.
Why Jericho’s WWE Status Matters for Fans and the Wrestling Industry
The continued uncertainty surrounding Chris Jericho’s WWE return underscores the complex dynamics between major wrestling promotions and individual contracts. Given Jericho’s long history and popularity across various wrestling organizations, his potential comeback would carry significant weight among fans and insiders alike.
However, his current affiliation with AEW and the contractual nuances explained by Meltzer suggest WWE fans may need to wait longer, if at all, to see Y2J on a WWE stage again.
With the mystery crate now linked to Danhausen, WWE may be preparing to introduce new talent rather than reactivating former stars, indicating a shift towards fresh storylines heading into the key upcoming events like the Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania.
