Chris Jericho’s WWE Return Was Never Planned—New Details Reveal Why Royal Rumble Rumors Fell Apart
Chris Jericho’s name was everywhere in the weeks leading up to the 2026 Royal Rumble, with fans convinced the wrestling legend was about to shock the world with a WWE comeback. When the Rumble came and went without Jericho, speculation only intensified. Now, a clearer picture has finally emerged — and it tells a very different story than fans expected.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, Jericho was never part of WWE’s internal plans for the Royal Rumble or any recent major events. Despite online buzz and conflicting rumors, sources say he was not discussed for the RAW on Netflix anniversary episode, nor penciled in as a surprise Rumble entrant at any stage.
That doesn’t mean WWE isn’t interested. Quite the opposite. Fightful notes that there is genuine interest within WWE in bringing Jericho back — but only if and when he is officially available.
That’s where things get complicated.
Jericho’s AEW contract was widely believed to expire at the end of 2025, fueling expectations of a WWE jump. However, AEW’s roster page still lists him as an active talent. The deal he signed in 2022 was expected to run through 2025, but it now appears something changed behind the scenes.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Jericho quietly signed a contract extension or if AEW exercised an option to extend the deal due to time he spent away from the ring. Either way, the key takeaway is simple: Chris Jericho is still under AEW contract, which effectively shut the door on any WWE appearance — including the Royal Rumble.
Outside the wrestling world, Jericho has been keeping busy. He’s set to appear in the upcoming Apple TV drama Margo Has Money Troubles and recently shared a behind-the-scenes photo alongside Nicole Kidman on social media, signaling that his focus may currently extend beyond the squared circle.
For now, a WWE return isn’t happening — not because WWE said no, but because Jericho isn’t free to say yes. And until his AEW status changes, the long-rumored comeback remains firmly on hold.
