Chris Jericho’s Royal Rumble Return Was Never Happening—Here’s the Real Reason WWE Fans Missed Him
Chris Jericho’s name once again sent WWE fans into a frenzy ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble. With the event taking place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, rumors exploded online suggesting the “Ayatollah of Rock ’n’ Rolla” could make a shocking comeback.
But when the dust settled, Jericho was nowhere to be seen—and now, the real reason behind his absence has come to light.
Why Chris Jericho Didn’t Appear at the Royal Rumble
Despite the heavy speculation, Chris Jericho was never scheduled to appear at the Royal Rumble — and according to PWInsider, his name was never even discussed internally for the Premium Live Event. In other words, the buzz was purely fan-driven.
The biggest factor keeping Jericho away from WWE right now? Music.
Jericho is fully committed to his heavy metal band, Fozzy, which is gearing up for its major UK tour titled “Eyes On You.” The tour kicks off on February 6 in Brighton and runs through February 21 in Wolverhampton, leaving little to no room for a surprise WWE return — even a short one.
At 55 years old, Jericho appears to be shifting focus away from in-ring competition and leaning harder into his long-standing passion outside wrestling: life on the stage.
Wrestling Rumors vs. Reality
Jericho last wrestled in a WWE ring in 2018, closing the book on a legendary 15-year run with the company. Since then, he’s remained active in AEW, while simultaneously growing Fozzy into a globally touring band with seven studio albums released since 2000.
While WWE once overshadowed his music career, the balance has clearly shifted. Right now, Jericho isn’t teasing a return — he’s selling out venues.
Chris Jericho’s Legendary WWE Legacy
Even with his Royal Rumble absence, Jericho’s WWE résumé remains untouchable.
- Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
- First-ever Undisputed WWE Champion (2001)
(Defeated The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night) - Nine-time Intercontinental Champion — the most in WWE history
- Multiple-time Tag Team Champion
- Grand Slam Champion
Few Superstars have matched Jericho’s versatility, longevity, and ability to reinvent themselves across eras.
Will Chris Jericho Ever Return to WWE?
Never say never in wrestling — but for now, fans hoping for a Royal Rumble shock appearance were chasing a fantasy. Jericho’s priorities are clear, and WWE simply wasn’t part of the conversation this time.
Whether he eventually makes one last WWE appearance or fully closes that chapter, Jericho has already secured his place as one of the greatest performers in wrestling history — inside the ring and on the stage.
👀 Bottom line: Chris Jericho didn’t miss the Royal Rumble — the Royal Rumble missed Chris Jericho.
