There has been much speculation recently that Chris Jericho might be making a comeback as his AEW contract has ended with WWE in sight. By the time you read this, that return could already have happened. While AEW fans had mixed feelings about Jericho, WWE loyalists are likely to welcome the future Hall of Famer warmly. Jericho is celebrated for his memorable WWE debut, multiple world championships, entertaining promos, and iconic rivalries with stars like Shawn Michaels and Kevin Owens. However, many forget that his last WWE match was less than glorious, ending with a disappointing performance instead of a grand farewell.
Chris Jericho’s final WWE appearance was at the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, a match fans saw as a joke with little significance. Despite receiving a positive reaction as the last entrant, Jericho was eventually eliminated by Braun Strowman. Originally, there were plans for Jericho to face The Undertaker in a "King of the Casket Match," but that never materialized as Rusev took the spot instead. Jericho admitted in an ESPN interview that wrestling was no longer his full-time focus and that plans for a surprise WrestleMania return fell through due to his ongoing commitments.
Jericho’s WWE departure was marked by dissatisfaction, especially after being relegated to a second match on WrestleMania 33 despite expectations of a main event title opportunity. He expressed feeling insulted and decided to move on, particularly as he had opportunities in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he wrestled top stars like Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada, revitalizing his career outside WWE. He revealed that the decision to leave was partly influenced by AEW’s emergence as a promising new wrestling platform.
Chris Jericho made a significant impact in AEW, becoming its first World Champion and lending instant credibility to the fledgling promotion. Formed by Tony Khan alongside prominent wrestlers like Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes in 2019, AEW gained mainstream recognition largely thanks to Jericho’s name and star power. Now in his 50s, Jericho appears to be wrapping up his AEW tenure and could potentially rejoin WWE, perhaps at another Royal Rumble event. WWE fans hope he will receive a more respectful sendoff this time, reflecting his legendary status rather than being part of forgettable gimmick matches.
Fan Take: Chris Jericho’s potential return to WWE is a big deal for fans, as it symbolizes the possibility of a legendary star getting the recognition he truly deserves after years of ups and downs. This could also rejuvenate the wrestling scene by blending seasoned veterans with new talent, offering fresh storytelling and excitement for the sport.
