Chris Jericho’s AEW Era Ends at Midnight—WWE Return Rumors EXPLODE Ahead of RAW!
Chris Jericho’s wrestling future is hanging by a thread—and the clock is ticking fast. ⏰
As the calendar flips to 2026, multiple reports indicate that Jericho’s AEW contract expires tonight, December 31, unless a last-minute deal has been signed in total secrecy. And right now, all signs are pointing toward a shocking WWE comeback.
Behind the scenes, the buzz is getting louder. Sources claim that WWE licensing partners are already preparing for Jericho’s availability, operating as if “The Ocho” will soon be back on WWE’s radar. According to PwInsider, this belief has been floating around for months, while WrestleVotes notes that WWE insiders have quietly predicted a Jericho return as far back as August.
What’s making the rumors even harder to ignore? Jericho hasn’t been seen on AEW television since April 2025, when he lost to Bandido. Since then, he’s had no storyline direction, skipped AEW Worlds End 2025, and has been completely absent from the weekly product—an unusual move for one of AEW’s biggest names.
That doesn’t mean Jericho has been laying low. Recently, he was spotted in Vancouver working on a secret Disney-related project, proving he’s still very much active while his AEW chapter appears to be closing.
And Jericho himself? He’s not exactly denying anything. During a December 27 YouTube livestream, when asked directly about a WWE return, Jericho smirked and replied:
“You never know. You never know.”
Earlier this year, he also confirmed that he fully expects to wrestle again “somewhere” in 2026—a comment that now feels very deliberate.
There was early talk of Jericho appearing on RAW this week, but PwInsider shut that down, saying there’s no confirmed plan. Still, fans aren’t backing off—especially with RAW scheduled for January 5, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. 👀
If Jericho walks out on WWE television, it would be his first WWE appearance since 2018—and instantly one of the biggest surprise returns in years.
As midnight approaches, one thing is undeniable:
Chris Jericho’s next move could shake the entire wrestling world. 🔥
