Triple H has teased a surprise for this Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, with many fans eagerly expecting the comeback of Chris Jericho. Jericho’s contract with AEW was believed to extend until the end of December 2025, fueling speculation about his future.
Rumors have been swirling about Jericho’s potential return to WWE, especially after General Manager Adam Pearce hinted at it during the promotion of the January 5th Netflix anniversary edition of RAW by saying, “Who’s gonna break down the wall,” a phrase linked to Jericho’s entrance theme.
Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens Update Ahead of Royal Rumble
Jericho isn’t the only notable figure fans hope to see back on WWE programming. His former ally-turned-rival Kevin Owens has been sidelined since January 2025, recovering from surgery. Though Owens faces an eight-month recovery, a video of him training sparked speculation about an earlier comeback. Most predictions suggest Owens will return at SummerSlam 2026, meaning he will miss the upcoming Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42 in April.
Currently, neither Jericho nor Owens is expected to appear or compete at the Royal Rumble. Jericho’s profile remains on AEW’s website, raising doubts about his departure from the promotion. Reports indicate Jericho is contemplating retirement from WWE; however, during a September press event, he did not dismiss the possibility of returning. After leaving WWE in 2018, Jericho joined AEW in early 2019 and became their first world champion. His last AEW TV appearance was in April 2025. Meanwhile, Owens, while sidelined, recently joined Jericho at an NHL game during some downtime.
Owens will be attending a Royal Rumble watch party at Dave & Buster’s in Orlando, Florida, alongside Michin, as confirmed by their Smackdown colleagues via social media. He will likely be keenly observing how Sami Zayn performs in his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Drew McIntyre. Despite this, Owens’ in-ring action is expected to resume only in summer 2026.
Why Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens Need to Reunite
Jericho’s potential WWE return paves the way for thrilling storylines, notably rekindling his intense feud with Owens. Their rivalry, marked by Owens’ shocking betrayal at the 2017 Festival of Friendship, remains one of WWE’s most iconic moments.
The two were originally slated to face off for the world title at WrestleMania 33, but WWE Chairman Vince McMahon instead awarded the championship to Goldberg, forcing Jericho and Owens to battle for the United States Championship instead. Their compelling narrative made for must-watch television, with the pair showcasing perfect chemistry. Should Jericho return, WWE would be wise to revisit these storylines — whether by reforming their tag team or reigniting their bitter rivalry.
Jericho has expressed that teaming up with Owens again would be a top priority if he opts to return to WWE. Imagine Owens, perhaps coming off a hiatus and focusing on other ventures, stepping back into the ring alongside or against Jericho. This pairing would undoubtedly captivate audiences once more.
Fan Take: The buzz around Jericho’s and Owens’ possible WWE return has fans buzzing because both men have been pivotal in creating unforgettable moments. Their potential comeback could not only rejuvenate WWE storylines but also bring a renewed sense of excitement and drama to the sport, keeping audiences hooked for years to come.
