Chris Jericho AEW Status: WWE Royal Rumble Speculation Update

Early speculation suggested a potential return to WWE for veteran wrestler Chris Jericho, fueled by interactions with WWE’s Adam Pearce and the approach of the Royal Rumble. However, as of February, Jericho has not appeared on WWE programming, leading to a reassessment of his immediate future.

Shifting Expectations

Despite widespread anticipation, WWE reportedly did not include Jericho in their plans for January 5th’s “Raw” or the Royal Rumble event. Sources within WWE, as reported by Fightful Select, confirmed they would be interested in Jericho if he became available, but currently operate under the belief that he remains under contract elsewhere.

Did You Know? Chris Jericho was actively performing with AEW up until April 2025, a period of eight months that represents the only timeframe during which his contract could have been frozen.

Contractual Status and AEW

Jericho’s current contractual situation remains unclear. While a contract extension signed with AEW in late 2022 was initially believed to expire in late 2025 or early 2026, wrestling promotions are not required to publicly disclose details regarding contract freezes or extensions. This ambiguity leaves open the possibility that Jericho’s agreement with AEW has been modified.

AEW owner Tony Khan has publicly expressed positive sentiments towards Jericho, despite ongoing rumors of his potential departure. Jericho remained listed on AEW’s official roster page as of the latest reports.

Expert Insight: The lack of transparency surrounding wrestling contracts creates a unique dynamic where a wrestler’s availability can shift unexpectedly. This situation highlights the importance of understanding that publicly stated timelines are often subject to change based on internal negotiations and strategic decisions.

Possible Scenarios

Should Jericho’s contract with AEW expire or be altered, a move to WWE could still be a possibility. However, given that WWE did not proactively plan for his involvement in early 2026 events, any potential appearance would likely be a reactive decision. Alternatively, Jericho may remain with AEW, potentially renegotiating his contract or taking on a different role within the promotion.

It is also possible that Jericho and AEW could reach a mutually agreeable parting of ways, allowing him to explore other opportunities. The timing of any such decision remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Chris Jericho scheduled to appear at the Royal Rumble?

No, WWE sources indicate that Chris Jericho was not factored into their plans for the Royal Rumble event, despite speculation to the contrary.

Is Chris Jericho still under contract with AEW?

It is believed that Chris Jericho remains under contract with AEW, and is currently listed on their roster page, though the specifics of his contract are not publicly known.

Has Tony Khan commented on Chris Jericho’s future?

Yes, AEW owner Tony Khan has continued to speak positively about Chris Jericho in media appearances.

What impact will contract negotiations and promotional strategies have on the future of established wrestling stars like Chris Jericho?