As speculation around Chris Jericho’s return to WWE continues to swirl, fans hoping for a surprise appearance during this weekend’s WWE events in Montreal, Quebec, Canada may need to temper their expectations.
Despite mounting rumors and online teases, a new report from PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has revealed that Jericho is booked elsewhere this weekend, and a WWE comeback — at least in Canada — is off the table for now.
Where Is Chris Jericho This Weekend?
While SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event are taking place in his home country, Jericho is currently committed to a performance at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) event in Anaheim, California.
“We are told Jericho is expected to be at NAMM for the remainder of the weekend, so unless there’s a last-second change, he’ll be in the Los Angeles area, not at SmackDown or SNME.”
— Mike Johnson, PWInsider
So unless WWE pulls off a miracle of logistics or pre-recorded sleight of hand, don’t expect Jericho to walk out in Montreal.
The Jericho-WWE Puzzle: What We Know So Far
Despite being off this weekend’s card, Jericho’s return to WWE is still heavily rumored, with multiple signs pointing in that direction:
- His AEW contract reportedly expired on December 31st, 2025.
- Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel previously reported that Jericho will not be returning to AEW, and that a WWE return is imminent.
- Jericho has liked social media posts referencing his WWE return and has praised TNA Wrestling, a company now working in close alignment with WWE.
- WrestleVotes Radio confirmed that many within WWE are pushing for his return this year.
With WWE and TKO reportedly open to bringing back high-profile alumni, especially those who can boost the international appeal, Jericho seems like a prime candidate.
Could Jericho Return at the Royal Rumble?
The next realistic opportunity for Jericho to reappear in WWE is the 2026 Royal Rumble, taking place January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. WWE loves big-name surprises in international settings, and Jericho — a globally recognized star — would be a fitting shock return.
With Fozzy’s next tour not starting until May 7, Jericho appears to have a relatively open calendar for a WrestleMania program.
That leaves the door wide open for:
- A surprise Rumble return
- A WrestleMania match or major moment
- A potential Judgment Day or Bloodline confrontation
- Even a TNA crossover angle, if WWE wants to push the boundaries
While Chris Jericho’s immediate WWE return this weekend is highly unlikely, the broader signs still point toward his long-anticipated return to WWE happening in early 2026. With WrestleMania 42 season heating up, a Royal Rumble return in Riyadh makes the most sense — both logistically and narratively.
Until then, fans will have to keep watching the skies (and their timelines).
