“Chris Jericho’s WWE Comeback Could Shake the Wrestling World—And Turn TNA Into the Biggest Winner”
As 2026 kicks off, the wrestling world is buzzing with one massive question: Is Chris Jericho headed back to WWE?
With reports suggesting Jericho is officially a free agent and Adam Pearce dropping a not-so-subtle tease ahead of the first WWE RAW of the year, speculation has hit overdrive. But now, a surprising name has added fuel to the fire — Matt Hardy, and his take could change how fans see Jericho’s next move entirely.
Matt Hardy Breaks Down Jericho’s AEW Exit
On the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the WWE and TNA veteran gave a brutally honest assessment of Jericho’s current status.
According to Hardy, Jericho’s run in AEW may have simply run its course.
He praised Jericho as one of AEW’s true architects, crediting him as a key reason the company exploded out of the gate. As AEW’s first World Champion, Jericho brought instant credibility and star power — something Hardy believes was essential to AEW’s early success.
But wrestling trends change.
Hardy noted that today’s fanbase is far more focused on in-ring action over character-heavy storytelling, and recent Jericho segments haven’t connected the way they once did. With Jericho off TV, his contract status uncertain, and momentum slowing, Hardy believes the timing feels right for another reinvention.
WWE Return? Not Full-Time — But Massive
Hardy made it clear: Jericho wouldn’t be coming back to WWE to grind out a full-time schedule.
Instead, he sees Jericho as a special attraction — someone who shows up for meaningful feuds, big matches, and moments that matter.
Used correctly, Hardy believes Jericho could still feel like a major star in WWE, delivering high-profile matches that actually mean something rather than just filling TV time.
Why TNA Could Be the Real Shock Twist
Here’s where things get truly interesting.
Hardy suggested that a WWE return doesn’t have to stop with WWE.
With the growing WWE–TNA working relationship, Jericho could finally make his first-ever appearance in TNA — something he’s never done in his legendary career.
Hardy called it a “huge deal for TNA,” explaining that Jericho feels like the perfect crossover star to headline TNA programming, instantly raising its profile. It would also allow Jericho to check off a rare career milestone by appearing in yet another major promotion.
Hardy even teased the idea of Jericho working limited dates across WWE, TNA, and possibly AAA — acting as a global ambassador who still steps into the ring when the moment is right.
The Bigger Picture
Chris Jericho has always mastered the art of reinvention. If history tells us anything, when Jericho senses it’s time for a fresh coat of paint, something big usually follows.
Whether it’s WWE, TNA, or both — Jericho’s next move could send shockwaves through the industry and reshape multiple promotions at once.
And if Matt Hardy is right?
2026 might belong to Chris Jericho all over again.
