In early January, many believed Chris Jericho was set to leave AEW and make a return to WWE, especially after Adam Pearce appeared to hint at Jericho’s involvement during the first Raw of the year. However, as February arrived, Jericho had yet to appear on any WWE programming, surprising numerous wrestling fans.
WWE insiders are not taken aback by this development. According to Fightful Select, despite widespread rumors, WWE has not planned for Jericho’s inclusion in any 2026 events, including the January 5th Raw or the recent Royal Rumble. People within the company admit there would be significant interest if Jericho became available, but they believe that moment has not yet come.
The exact timing of Jericho’s availability remains unclear, though it’s understood he is still under contract with AEW and continues to be listed on their official roster. While many expected Jericho’s deal, renewed at the end of 2022, to expire by late 2025 or early 2026, wrestling contracts aren’t always publicly disclosed or straightforward, meaning his contract could have been extended or put on hold.
Reviewing Jericho’s AEW involvement since 2022 shows consistent activity up until an April 2025 break, aside from an eight-month hiatus that might correspond with a contract pause. There’s no public information about new contract talks between Jericho and AEW, but AEW president Tony Khan frequently praises Jericho positively in interviews.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for AEW fans as Jericho remains a cornerstone of the promotion’s star power and storytelling. His continued association with AEW suggests stability for the company and keeps open exciting possibilities for memorable matches and storylines that could shape the future of pro wrestling.
