Chris Jericho has sparked speculation about a potential WWE comeback as rumors circulate during early 2026. The wrestling icon has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, with his last match held at the Dynasty 2025 pay-per-view event. Despite his extended absence, Jericho remains listed on AEW’s official roster, overseen by Tony Khan, leaving fans curious about his next move.
Jericho, 55, engaged with his followers on Instagram by sharing an upbeat milestone for his podcast, “Talk is Jericho,” which recently surpassed six million views on YouTube. This achievement highlights his continued relevance and connection with wrestling fans beyond in-ring action.
“@talkisjericho officially hit 6 MILLION views on my @youtube channel! 🔥📺 Thank you to everyone who tunes in and enjoys the wide variety of guests and topics that we cover on #TIJ 💻 Which #TIJ episode has been your favorite over the past few months?”
This update attracted the attention and support of several AEW stars, including MJF, Swerve Strickland, Harley Cameron, Lance Archer, Kevin Knight, and Luther, all of whom liked Jericho’s post, signaling their encouragement during this uncertain period.
Recent Developments Following the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble
While many expected Chris Jericho to return as a surprise participant in the men’s Royal Rumble match at the 2026 WWE event, he did not make an appearance. This absence intensified questions about his wrestling future and potential affiliations.
Shortly after, Jericho’s metal band, Fozzy, promoted their upcoming UK tour slated for February, emphasizing their focus on music alongside his wrestling career.
“We are just DAYS away from making our way to the UK for what is set to be one of our biggest tours EVER!! Get your🎫and VIP meet-and-greets now.”
With Jericho balancing multiple pursuits and no official confirmation on a WWE return, fans remain eager to see whether he will rejoin wrestling’s biggest stage or continue with AEW and other projects.
Implications of Jericho’s Ambiguous Future and AEW Reactions
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Chris Jericho’s career path reflects the dynamic nature of professional wrestling contracts and star movements between promotions. Swerve Strickland’s visible support of Jericho’s podcast success via social media interaction underscores a sense of camaraderie within AEW despite external rumors.
As Jericho continues to cultivate his brand through podcasting and music, wrestling enthusiasts will closely watch how these developments influence his position in AEW or a possible WWE return. Tony Khan’s decision to keep Jericho on AEW’s roster may indicate a desire to retain the veteran’s association for potential future storylines or appearances.
Ultimately, Jericho’s next steps hold significant interest for both AEW and WWE audiences, with upcoming weeks expected to clarify his professional direction.
