Chris Jericho has been a hot topic in WWE circles lately, with many anticipating his return once his AEW contract expires at the end of 2025. Despite this speculation, Jericho has been absent from WWE programming in early 2026, missing three episodes each of “WWE Raw” and “WWE SmackDown.” There was hope that he might appear during this weekend’s “SmackDown” and the Saturday Night Main Event in Montreal, Canada—his home nation—but according to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, this will not happen. Jericho is scheduled to perform with his band Fozzie at JAMM Night in Anaheim, California, on January 23, and will stay in California over the weekend, making a WWE appearance highly unlikely.
Though fans expected Jericho to show up on the January 5 episode of WWE Raw due to subtle references like the mention of his entrance theme “Breaking the Wall Down” by WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, Jericho did not appear, and the reference actually tied into a promotion for the TV series “Stranger Things.” Jericho still appears on AEW’s official roster, but it is understood that he is not involved in AEW’s plans moving forward, with no return expected there either.
Fan Take: This news is significant for AEW fans who have been hopeful about Jericho’s future moves, as it clarifies that he’s currently committed elsewhere and unlikely to jump to WWE imminently. His next steps could have a big impact on pro wrestling, influencing storyline directions and the competitive dynamic between AEW and WWE.
