Since January, wrestling fans have eagerly awaited the return of Chris Jericho to WWE, making it a major topic of discussion leading into the first Raw show of 2026. Despite Jericho’s active status on the AEW roster, speculation about his potential WWE comeback has remained high, fueled by teasing moments such as the mystery crate reveal at the 2026 Elimination Chamber event.
The mystery crate’s opening introduced Danhausen, whose debut was met with boos both in the arena and across online platforms. Much of the frustration seemed directly related to fans’ hopes for Jericho’s WWE return, leaving many questioning if and when Jericho might actually reappear in WWE programming.
Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract Likely Extended Due to Time Missed
Industry insider Dave Meltzer, speaking on the Wrestling Observer Radio, highlighted widespread belief that Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling has likely been renewed to compensate for downtime he experienced during 2025. This extension would explain Jericho’s continued presence on AEW’s official roster despite ongoing rumors of a WWE return.
Jericho’s latest AEW in-ring match occurred on April 6 at the AEW Dynasty event, where he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido in a Title vs. Mask contest. Although Jericho’s last WWE appearance dates back to 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble—where he entered the final 50-man Royal Rumble match—the WWE Universe still holds out hope for his eventual return.
Jericho Remains Contracted with AEW While WWE Return Remains Uncertain
Chris Jericho continues to be officially signed with AEW, confirmed by his ongoing listing on their roster page. Despite the ongoing excitement around the possibility of his WWE comeback, no official announcement has been made regarding a contract release or a switch back to WWE. His contractual commitment to AEW remains valid, limiting the likelihood of an imminent return.
Most Recent AEW Appearance Reinforces Jericho’s Current Plans
Jericho’s latest televised AEW performance was his match at AEW Dynasty, a notable event in April 2026 where he put the ROH World Championship on the line but ultimately lost to Bandido in a high-stakes Title vs. Mask match. This recent activity confirms his ongoing engagement with AEW’s programming and storylines, adding context to the delay in any WWE return.
This ongoing situation underscores the complex nature of professional wrestling contracts and fan expectations. While the anticipation for Chris Jericho WWE return remains strong among wrestling fans, his current AEW commitments seem to take precedence, leaving the timing of any future WWE comeback uncertain. Fans will need to continue monitoring official announcements for developments concerning Jericho’s wrestling career trajectory.
