Rumors fly as Chris Jericho's AEW contract nears its end. Could the Ocho be heading back to WWE for a Royal Rumble return? Get the latest on his future and join the debate!
Hold on to your scarves, The wrestling world is buzzing with rumors and speculation surrounding Chris Jericho's future as his AEW contract reportedly nears its expiration at the end of 2025. Could "The Ocho," a foundational star who helped launch AEW, be eyeing a return to WWE for one final, legendary run? The whispers about a potential 2026 Royal Rumble appearance, perhaps with a lighter schedule similar to CM Punk’s recent comeback, have ignited fervent debate among fans. Let's peel back the layers and see what's really cooking.
AEW contract details: What we know
Chris Jericho signed a crucial three-year extension with All Elite Wrestling in October 2022, securing his presence in the company through December 2025. This deal wasn't just about in-ring action; it solidified his role as a multifaceted talent – a producer, creative advisor, and a vital mentor to younger talent. {Link: AEW CEO Tony Khan himself lauded Jericho's unique charisma and knowledge as invaluable assets https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/chris-jericho-signs-extension-with-aew}. Jericho publicly expressed his passion for AEW, crediting it with reigniting his love for the professional wrestling industry.
The rumors begin: WWE interest and social media hints
Despite his undeniable influence in AEW's growth, whispers of a potential WWE return started swirling after {Link: Jericho liked an Instagram post teasing a comeback. This seemingly small act, coupled with his noticeable absence from AEW television since April 2025, sent the rumor mill into overdrive. Reports suggest there's **"significant interest" within WWE** regarding his potential return, with even active wrestlers inside the company reportedly discussing the possibility. Adding fuel to the fire, some within AEW itself reportedly believe that Jericho might not be returning to the promotion, instead anticipating a surprise WWE debut, possibly at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Further fanning the flames, {Link: The Times of India reports that WWE has been subtly teasing a Jericho return by sharing videos of his past matches with top stars like John Cena and Roman Reigns
What's the truth? Conflicting reports and insider beliefs
However, the picture isn't entirely clear. While speculation is rampant, reports from sources like {Link: Fightful Select indicate that Jericho's name "hasn't come up whatsoever around the creative process" in WWE, suggesting that any internal conversations haven't reached that level. Still, Jericho is reportedly on good terms with WWE. One source described the situation as "far too early to tell," noting that WWE isn't certain about Jericho's plans in the coming months. It's also worth remembering that Jericho often works directly with Tony Khan on creative, which could explain the lack of wider discussion within AEW creative teams. Meanwhile, journalist Dave Meltzer still believes a Royal Rumble surprise remains a strong possibility.
Chris Jericho Drops Cryptic “Contemplation” Post
Amid swirling rumors about his contract status and a potential WWE return, Chris Jericho added fuel to the fire with a cryptic social media post. The veteran simply wrote the word “contemplation”, leaving fans to wonder if he’s hinting at his future in wrestling.
The post quickly went viral, sparking debate on whether Jericho is considering leaving AEW, preparing for one last WWE run, or simply trolling the wrestling community. Regardless, the timing of the post—so close to his AEW contract’s reported expiration—has only intensified speculation about what comes next for “The Ocho.”
A legacy unfinished? One last run or Hall of Fame?
Chris Jericho's legacy is already cemented as one of the most innovative and enduring performers in wrestling history. He was instrumental in establishing AEW, becoming its first World Champion, and helping it gain mainstream credibility. Now, as his contract nears its end, the ultimate question looms: will he pursue a final, potentially part-time run in WWE, perhaps culminating in a Hall of Fame induction, or will he continue his work shaping the future of AEW behind the scenes?
What are your thoughts, Wrestling Chats community? Does the thought of "The Ocho" back in a WWE ring excite you, or do you believe his future remains firmly with AEW? What would a potential WWE return mean for his incredible legacy? Join the discussion in the comments below! Let's get these wrestling chats going!
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