When you think about wrestling legends, Chris Jericho’s name always comes up. For over 30 years, Jericho has been one of the most recognizable faces in the business. From his famous WWE debut in 1999 when he interrupted The Rock, to becoming the first ever Undisputed Champion, Jericho has done it all. He’s also known for reinventing himself, whether it was “Y2J,” “The List,” or “The Painmaker.” If you’ve been a wrestling fan at any point, chances are Jericho has entertained you.
Now the big question is…..will Jericho return to WWE after his AEW contract runs out at the end of 2025?
The WWE Buzz
The rumors heated up after Jericho liked an Instagram post hinting at a WWE comeback in 2026. WWE hasn’t exactly been quiet either. Their YouTube channel, WWE Vault, has been posting old Jericho matches at just the right time, which feels like more than a coincidence. Inside reports even say there’s “strong interest” from WWE in bringing him back.
WWE has also been turning up the heat on AEW. They’ve run shows opposite of AEW’s biggest events, locked down major broadcast/streaming partnerships, and now could take one of AEW’s biggest names. If Jericho were to return, it would be another blow in WWE’s fight to stay on top.
What It Means for AEW
Let’s be real, AEW can’t afford to lose Jericho. He’s not just a wrestler there, he’s a leader, a coach, and a recognizable star that casual fans know. AEW is already struggling with injuries, backstage drama, and ratings that aren’t always steady. Losing Jericho would be devastating.
When AEW launched in 2019, Jericho was the face of the company. He became their first World Champion and gave AEW the credibility it needed. Without him, AEW might look even more like it’s hanging on by a thread.
My Take
As a fan, I think it would be cool to see Jericho back in WWE one last time. Maybe a Royal Rumble surprise, a Hall of Fame induction, or even one final match. But honestly, I think it’s time for him to hang it up. Jericho has given wrestling fans decades of amazing moments. Unless he’s coming back as a manager or commentator, I don’t see much point in him wrestling full time anymore.
Special appearances? Absolutely. But a full run? I think that ship has sailed.
Will It Happen?
Here’s the thing, wrestling has taught us to never say never. Jericho returning to WWE is a strong possibility. The timing lines up, WWE wants him, and Jericho himself doesn’t seem to be against the idea.
If it does happen, it would be exciting for WWE fans, but it would also be another big hit to AEW. Losing Chris Jericho, the man who helped build AEW from the ground up, would hurt badly.
Final Thoughts
Chris Jericho has done more in wrestling than almost anyone alive. A WWE return would be a fun moment, but I believe it should be his farewell tour. Go out on top, leave the fans with a lasting memory, and maybe transition into a new role outside the ring.
Because as much as I love seeing Jericho perform, sometimes the greatest legacy you can leave is knowing when to step away.
