Wrestling fans, brace yourselves for a seismic shift in the industry! Chris Jericho, the legendary former AEW World Champion, is now a free agent, and the wrestling world is buzzing with speculation about his next move. As of January 1, 2026, Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially expired, freeing him to explore new horizons. While no formal announcement has been made, whispers in the wrestling community strongly suggest that a return to WWE is on the horizon. But here’s where it gets intriguing: when and how will this wrestling icon make his grand re-entrance?
The Timing of Jericho’s Return: A Strategic Move?
With Jericho’s free agency status confirmed, all eyes are on WWE’s upcoming events. This Monday marks a significant milestone—the one-year anniversary of WWE Raw’s move to Netflix. Could Jericho choose this symbolic occasion to make his return? Or will he opt for a later, equally high-profile event like the Royal Rumble later this month? The suspense is palpable, and fans are eagerly dissecting every clue.
Jericho’s Recent Comments: A Subtle Hint or a Red Herring?
And this is the part most people miss: Jericho’s comments in November 2025 on his Talk Is Jericho podcast sparked a flurry of speculation. While discussing TNA Wrestling’s Bound for Glory, he praised their production values, boldly stating that TNA looked like the “second biggest company in the world.” In the same breath, he compared an AEW Dynamite episode to a “Tony Condello taping,” a nod to his early career days in Winnipeg. Was this a subtle critique of AEW’s presentation, or merely an observation? Industry analysts interpreted it as a sign of his potential departure, but Jericho has remained characteristically tight-lipped.
Jericho’s WWE Connection: A Bridge Never Burned
What’s even more fascinating is Jericho’s ongoing relationship with WWE, even during his AEW tenure. In June 2022, he appeared on WWE Raw via a pre-recorded message to congratulate John Cena on his 20th anniversary in wrestling. This crossover moment raised eyebrows and fueled rumors of a potential return. When asked directly about his plans during a late December live stream, Jericho cryptically replied, “You never know.” In another interview, he hinted at an active 2026, teasing, “I’m pretty sure you’ll see me in a wrestling ring this year.”
The Bigger Question: What Does Jericho’s Move Mean for the Wrestling Landscape?
Here’s the controversial part: Is Jericho’s potential WWE return a strategic career move, or a statement about the current state of AEW? Some fans argue that his departure could signal broader issues within AEW, while others see it as a natural evolution in his storied career. What do you think? Is Jericho’s move a game-changer, or just another chapter in his legendary journey? Let’s debate this in the comments—agree or disagree, your voice matters!
