Chris Jericho: Rumors of a WWE Return Growing, What's His Contract Status?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Rumors of legendary wrestler Chris Jericho's return to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) have been a hot topic among professional wrestling fans.

This speculation intensified in early 2026, following the rumored expiration of his contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on December 31, 2025.

Many have suggested a possible "retirement" for Jericho in WWE, fueling fan excitement.

Although his contract has theoretically expired, Jericho's name remains on AEW's official roster, an anomaly given the company's policy of quickly removing wrestlers whose contracts expire.

This raises significant questions about "Le Champion"'s next move.

Meanwhile, WWE, through Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, has strongly hinted at a possible Chris Jericho return.

Jericho's iconic phrase, "break down the walls," was used in a promotional video for the January 5, 2026, episode of Raw, sparking excitement among fans.

Chris Jericho's contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is widely believed to have expired at midnight on December 31, 2025, making him a theoretical free agent.

However, curiously, Jericho's name is still listed on AEW's official roster, a departure from the company's practice for other wrestlers like Mercedes Martinez and Matt Taven.

AEW representatives have not yet issued an official statement regarding Jericho's current contract status, adding to the mystery.

AEW internal sources stated that the company's relationship with Jericho remains cordial, although there was an acknowledgement that fan fatigue with his on-screen appearances has contributed to Jericho's absence from weekly television since spring 2025.

When Jericho re-signed with AEW after All Out 2022, it was announced that his contract would run through 2026.

However, there has been no confirmation as to whether the contract was extended, suspended, or modified during his absence.

WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce indirectly hinted at the possibility of Chris Jericho's return by using his iconic phrase "break down the walls" in a promotional video for the January 5, 2026, episode of Raw.

However, WWE internal sources stated that Chris Jericho's name had not been brought up in creative discussions and he was not included in the plans for the January 5, 2026 episode of Raw.

PWInsider reports that no one in WWE believes Jericho will appear on Raw on that date.

Former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman believes Jericho will not return on Raw, but rather at the Royal Rumble with a "new look and character."

Dave Meltzer also reports that Jericho is still expected to return to WWE in the near future, if not on Raw, then at the latest at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

Chris Jericho last wrestled for AEW Dynasty in April 2025, where he lost the ROH World Title.

After that, he only made one more television appearance before disappearing from AEW programming completely, with his final appearance being a confrontation with Big Bill and Bryan Keith in April 2025.

Historically, Jericho last wrestled for WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April 2018.

He then signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in January 2019 and became the inaugural AEW World Champion, marking a new chapter in his career.

Matt Hardy, another veteran wrestler, believes that Chris Jericho could appear in both WWE and TNA in 2026, leveraging the partnership between the two promotions.

Hardy suggested that Jericho would be a part-time performer in WWE due to other commitments, such as touring with his band, Fozzy.