Chris Jericho WWE Return
After five years as a cornerstone of AEW, Chris Jericho is now a free agent following his contract expiration on December 31, 2025. Multiple outlets describe him as "WWE-bound," with the 55-year-old legend expected to return home for a final chapter in the company where he became the first Undisputed Champion.
Is Chris Jericho Returning to WWE?
Yes, Chris Jericho is widely expected to return to WWE in 2026. His AEW contract expired at midnight on December 31, 2025, making him a free agent. Multiple outlets including Sports Illustrated report he is "WWE-bound," though he did not appear on the January 6, 2026 RAW on Netflix anniversary show. Current speculation centers heavily on Royal Rumble 2026 (January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), with some predicting he could enter as the #30 entrant for maximum impact.
Current Contract Status
Chris Jericho's AEW contract officially expired at midnight on December 31, 2025, ending his five-year run with the company. As of January 2026, he is a free agent and no longer under AEW contract, though he remains listed on AEW's roster page with no official departure announcement made.
- AEW contract expired: December 31, 2025 at midnight
- Current status: Free agent (as of January 10, 2026)
- Last AEW appearance: April 6, 2025 (AEW Dynasty)
- Last WWE match: Greatest Royal Rumble 2018
- WWE internally discussed using him on Jan 6 RAW but did not
Timeline of Events
From his final AEW appearance to free agency and beyond - tracking the road to Chris Jericho's WWE return.
Final AEW Appearance
Loses ROH World Championship to Bandido at AEW Dynasty
Title vs. Mask match
35th Anniversary
Praises TNA's presentation, draws unflattering AEW comparisons
Fuels departure speculation
WWE Return Talk Intensifies
Sports Illustrated reports Jericho is "WWE-bound"
Jon Alba breaks story
AEW Contract Expires
Contract officially ends at midnight, becomes free agent
Five-year AEW run ends
RAW on Netflix Anniversary
WWE considered him but did not use him on show
Pearce "break the walls" was Stranger Things tie-in, not Jericho tease
WWE Social Media Tease
WWE features Jericho's 2013 Royal Rumble return on social media
Ranked 10th greatest Rumble return
Y2J Chants at Royal RumbleCurrent
Fans break into loud "Y2J! Y2J!" chants during Kickoff Show
Crowd making their voices heard in Riyadh
What We Know
Royal Rumble 2026 Return
All signs point to Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE deliberately saved him for a bigger moment. Speculation suggests he could enter as the #30 entrant for maximum impact.
Y2J Chants at Kickoff Show
During the Royal Rumble 2026 Kickoff Show, fans in Riyadh broke into loud "Y2J! Y2J!" chants, making clear who they want to see as a surprise entrant. The crowd reaction underscores the anticipation for Jericho's return.
TNA Pit Stop Possible
Sports Illustrated reports Jericho could make a pit stop in TNA Wrestling before WWE, given the companies' partnership. This remains unconfirmed but would add intrigue to his return journey.
Jericho's Comments
When asked about WWE return on a livestream, Jericho responded cryptically: "You never know. You never know." He confirmed he'll wrestle in 2026: "I'm pretty sure you'll see me in a wrestling ring somewhere."
WWE Social Media Teases
WWE recently featured Jericho's 2013 Royal Rumble return on social media (ranked 10th on their list of greatest returns), fueling speculation his return is imminent.
Potential WWE Role
Reports suggest WWE discussed a retirement-themed run for Hall of Fame induction. Jonathan Coachman floated the idea of an authority figure role, possibly replacing Adam Pearce.
Physical Preparation
During his 2025 AEW absence, Jericho focused on getting in shape with noticeable physique improvements - suggesting a serious approach to a final WWE run.
Championship History
Chris Jericho's decorated WWE career includes historic title reigns and accomplishments.
Undisputed Champion
First-ever Undisputed WWE Champion (Dec 9, 2001)
9x IC Champion
Most Intercontinental title reigns in history
3x World Champion
Three World Heavyweight Championship reigns
6x Tag Champion
Six World Tag Team Championship victories
Grand Slam
WWE Grand Slam Champion achievement
Royal Rumble
Two-time Royal Rumble runner-up, multiple appearances
Where to Watch WWE
Chris Jericho WWE Return FAQ
Everything you need to know about Y2J's anticipated homecoming.
Chris Jericho's AEW contract expired at midnight on December 31, 2025, ending his five-year run with the company. He is now officially a free agent.
No official date has been announced, but Royal Rumble 2026 (January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is now the most likely debut date. WWE deliberately skipped the January 6 RAW to save Jericho for a bigger moment. Some predict he could enter as the #30 entrant for maximum impact.
Chris Jericho's last WWE match was at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in 2018 in Saudi Arabia. He departed shortly after to eventually join AEW as one of its founding pillars.
Chris Jericho is heavily rumored to appear at Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE has been fueling speculation by featuring his 2013 Rumble return on social media. Some predict he could enter as the #30 entrant or even win the match to set up a WrestleMania feud.
When asked about a potential WWE return during a YouTube livestream, Jericho responded cryptically: "You never know. You never know." He also confirmed he will wrestle in 2026, stating "I'm pretty sure you'll see me in a wrestling ring somewhere."
Jericho's AEW contract simply expired on December 31, 2025. His last AEW appearance was April 6, 2025 at AEW Dynasty. During his absence, he made comments praising TNA's presentation over AEW, fueling speculation about his departure.
No. Reports clarified that Adam Pearce's 'break down the walls' reference on January 6, 2026 RAW was actually tied to WWE's Stranger Things crossover theme, referencing the show's Upside Down dimension - not a deliberate Jericho tease.
Reports suggest WWE has discussed a retirement-themed in-ring run to close out his career, potentially including a Hall of Fame induction. Industry voices have also speculated about an authority figure role, potentially similar to or replacing Adam Pearce, though this remains unconfirmed.
Chris Jericho is a 9x Intercontinental Champion (most in history), 6x World Tag Team Champion, 3x World Heavyweight Champion, and the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion. He is also a Grand Slam Champion.
Chris Jericho (Christopher Keith Irvine) is 55 years old, born November 9, 1970, in Manhasset, New York. He has been wrestling professionally for 35 years since 1990.
Stay Updated on Y2J's Return
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Chris Jericho NewsSources & Credits
- [1] Sports Illustrated (Jon Alba) – Jericho "WWE-Bound" Report & TNA Pit Stop Speculation
- [2] Wrestling Observer / F4WOnline – Contract Status Updates
- [3] Fightful Select – Sean Ross Sapp Insider Reporting
- [4] WWE Social Media – Royal Rumble Return Teases
- [5] Wrestling World – Adam Pearce Stranger Things Clarification
- [6] SEScoops – Y2J Chants at Royal Rumble Kickoff Show
- Images courtesy of AEW and WWE
Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WWE, AEW, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information presented on this page is based on reports from credible wrestling journalism sources. Details about Chris Jericho's WWE return remain speculative until officially announced by WWE or Jericho himself.
SEScoops is an independent news publication covering professional wrestling and related topics.
Latest Chris Jericho News
About Chris Jericho's WWE Return
Chris Jericho is expected to return to WWE in 2026 following the expiration of his AEW contract on December 31, 2025. The 55-year-old legend—who became the first Undisputed WWE Champion by defeating The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night in 2001—spent five years as a cornerstone of AEW before becoming a free agent.
Jericho's 35-year career includes record-setting accomplishments: 9x Intercontinental Champion (most in history), 6x World Tag Team Champion, 3x World Heavyweight Champion, and WWE Grand Slam Champion. His last WWE match was at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018.
Multiple outlets including Sports Illustrated report Jericho is "WWE-bound," with Royal Rumble 2026 (January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) now the most likely debut date. WWE has been teasing his return by featuring his 2013 Rumble return on social media. Speculation suggests he could enter as the #30 entrant or potentially win the match to set up a WrestleMania feud.
This page is updated regularly as new information emerges about Y2J's anticipated homecoming.
For the latest updates, check out the Chris Jericho profile, WWE news, Royal Rumble 2026 or AEW news.
