Despite widespread expectations for Chris Jericho to make his comeback to WWE early this year, his anticipated return continues to remain unresolved. Following the recent Royal Rumble event, Jericho has yet to appear, leaving many fans and insiders questioning the status of his contract and future with WWE amid ongoing rumors and conflicting reports.
Understanding Why Chris Jericho Missed the Royal Rumble
Recent information from Fightful Select sheds some light on Jericho’s absence from the Royal Rumble, but questions linger about whether his return was ever firmly planned. Reports indicate that Jericho remains listed on AEW’s official roster page, suggesting he is still contractually tied to the company. This contradicts earlier speculation that his contract would expire at the end of 2025, meaning he may not have been free to join WWE just yet.
These developments reveal that the previous rumors about Jericho’s imminent WWE return were likely inaccurate. However, the full picture seems more complicated than just a mistake in contract timing, indicating there might be behind-the-scenes factors influencing the delay.
Discrepancies Between Earlier Rumors and Current Reality
WWE began hinting at Jericho’s return months ago, with references to him surfacing on Monday Night Raw and in other promotional content as early as August. Given WWE’s history of misleading its audience to build suspense, it’s unclear why management, including high-profile figures like Triple H, would encourage belief in Jericho’s return if it was not forthcoming.
It’s possible that expectations for Jericho’s return were shared not just by fans, but also by WWE insiders and perhaps even AEW, whose interests likely include retaining Jericho as long as possible. This may have led to contract adjustments to delay his transition back to WWE, complicating the timing of any announcement or appearance.
Considering these circumstances, some speculate that an agreement initially set to permit Jericho’s participation in the Royal Rumble was altered, causing last-minute changes. Alternatively, if WWE knowingly propagated false hopes of Jericho’s return, it would represent a troubling manipulation of its audience. Until more details emerge, this uncertainty casts a shadow over the narrative surrounding Jericho’s future.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
With WrestleMania approaching, many remain hopeful that Chris Jericho might still make a surprise re-entry on Monday Night Raw, which airs live every Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET. However, skepticism is growing among the wrestling community as time passes without concrete confirmation or Jericho’s appearance. The prolonged ambiguity could dampen enthusiasm and raise questions about the company’s communication and booking decisions regarding high-profile talent returns.
For now, Jericho’s WWE comeback continues to feel uncertain, leaving fans, insiders, and organizations like AEW and WWE in a state of anticipation and doubt about what the near future holds for one of wrestling’s most recognizable figures.
