Chris Jericho has always been one step ahead of the wrestling world. Just when fans think they know what he will do next, he changes direction. Right now, he has been missing from AEW television since last April. Many fans are guessing that he could return to WWE in 2026. But if you know Jericho well, you know one thing for sure – he hates being predictable.
Chris Jericho’s Current Status in AEW and WWE Rumours
Chris Jericho has not appeared on All Elite Wrestling programming for months. This has started strong rumours about a possible WWE comeback. Since Jericho is one of the biggest names in modern wrestling, any small update about him becomes big news.
However, there is no clear proof that he is leaving AEW. In interviews, Jericho has said he is open to returning to WWE someday. But being open to something does not mean it is happening immediately.
Jericho understands the wrestling business very well. He knows how to create suspense. Right now, his silence is creating more buzz than any promo could.
Why Reinvention Is So Important to Jericho
Recently, Jericho spoke on the podcast UNTAPPED with Spencer Matthews. He explained that he does not like doing what people expect. He believes in surprising fans, even if it is risky.
He said one of his biggest inspirations is David Bowie. Bowie was famous for changing his style and personality again and again. Jericho follows the same idea in wrestling.
Over the years, we have seen many versions of Jericho:
- Y2J
- The List of Jericho
- Le Champion
- The Wizard
- The Learning Tree
Each version felt fresh and different. Even today, fans still chant “Y2J,” but Jericho feels that character belongs to the past. Instead of repeating old catchphrases, he wants to create something new.
According to him, longevity in wrestling comes from change. Some fans may love one version and hate another, but that is part of the journey.
Could an AEW Return Be the Real Surprise?
Most fans believe Jericho’s next move will be a WWE return. But what if that is exactly why it won’t happen?
If Jericho truly wants to shock everyone, the most unexpected move would be returning to AEW instead.
Recently, Ricochet publicly called out Jericho for a future AEW National Championship match. That message got fans talking. Still, very few people believe Jericho will respond.
At the same time, Jungle Boy (also known as Jungle Jack Perry) is involved in a heated storyline heading into AEW Revolution in Los Angeles. So the spotlight is currently somewhere else.
Imagine this situation:
- Ricochet defends his title successfully.
- The lights go out after the match.
- Jericho’s music hits.
- He returns with a brand-new character.
That would completely change the direction of AEW programming. And most importantly, it would be the opposite of what fans are expecting right now.
Jericho’s Legacy and the Road to 2026
Jericho is not just another wrestler. He is someone who has survived and stayed relevant for over three decades. Very few wrestlers can say that.
Here’s a quick look at his career evolution:
| Era | Promotion | Character Style |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s | WCW / WWE | Loud, cocky Y2J |
| 2008–2012 | WWE | Serious, suit-wearing villain |
| 2016–2017 | WWE | The List of Jericho |
| 2019–2022 | AEW | Le Champion |
| 2023–2025 | AEW | Experimental, mentor-style roles |
This constant change has helped him stay fresh. While many wrestlers rely on nostalgia, Jericho avoids becoming just a memory from the past.
Will Chris Jericho Shock the Wrestling World?
Right now, nobody truly knows what Jericho will do next. A WWE return would be big, but it would not be shocking anymore. Fans are already expecting it.
The real surprise would be something nobody is talking about – a dramatic AEW comeback, a brand-new faction, or even a completely different presentation of his character.
Jericho himself has made it clear: he does not want to repeat old success. He wants to build new moments.
In professional wrestling, timing is everything. Jericho understands that better than most. Whether he chooses WWE, AEW, or something entirely different, one thing is certain – he will not simply walk back into the spotlight without a twist. He has built his entire career on reinvention.
As 2026 approaches, the wrestling world waits. And if history has taught us anything, it is this: when Chris Jericho finally makes his move, nobody will see it coming. That is exactly how he likes it.
