Chris Jericho is expected to make a return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in January 2026, according to reports from both AEW and WWE sources. His current AEW contract is set to expire in December 2025, and backstage belief in both companies points toward a surprise entry in the Rumble match.
The update was first detailed by journalist Dave Meltzer, who noted that AEW insiders do not expect Jericho to renew his deal. WWE sources reportedly share the same perception, with members of the roster said to be in favor of his return. Meltzer also cautioned that the appearance of a deal could be part of Jericho’s negotiation strategy, pointing out that WWE had previously expected AEW talent to jump ship, only for some to stay.
Jericho, who will be 55 at the time of the event, has been largely absent from AEW programming in recent months. His lighter match schedule with AEW, once considered a major draw, has become less of a factor. WWE is believed to be open to using him in a reduced capacity similar to CM Punk, who primarily competes in high-profile matches and rarely appears in weekly televised bouts.
Further speculation grew after Jericho liked a social media post discussing his possible WWE return. WWE has also fueled the conversation by sharing archival footage of his classic matches.
If confirmed, the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia will mirror Jericho’s last WWE appearance, which took place in the same match type and location in 2018. Jericho is recognized as WWE’s first Undisputed Champion and was also the inaugural AEW World Champion.
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