After five years as a cornerstone of AEW, Chris Jericho is reportedly set to return to WWE in early 2026. His AEW contract expires at midnight on December 31, 2025, and multiple reports indicate he is "WWE-bound." This page covers everything we know about Y2J's expected homecoming.
AEW Contract Expires
December 31, 2025
Expected WWE Debut
January 6, 2025 (RAW on Netflix)
Last AEW Appearance
April 6, 2025 (AEW Dynasty)
Last WWE Match
2018 (Greatest Royal Rumble)
April 6, 2025
Jericho loses the ROH World Championship to Bandido in a Title vs. Mask match at AEW Dynasty. This would prove to be his final appearance for the company he helped launch.
October 2025
Jericho celebrates 35 years in wrestling while making waves with praise for TNA's presentation, drawing unfavorable comparisons to AEW.
December 2025
Multiple reports emerge that Jericho is "WWE-bound" with his contract set to expire December 31. Tony Khan acknowledges uncertainty about Jericho's future.
January 6, 2026 (Expected)
Reports indicate WWE is targeting the one-year anniversary of RAW on Netflix, broadcasting from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, for Jericho's return.
SEScoops has been tracking the Chris Jericho WWE return story since the first signs emerged. Here are our key reports on this developing situation:
Jericho responds to speculation about his future
AEW boss comments on Jericho's contractual situation
Why Jericho has been off AEW TV since April
Jericho teases his future plans
Social media activity fuels return rumors
Jericho gets in shape during his AEW absence
Controversial comments about AEW production
Industry insiders react to Jericho's TNA praise
Jericho reflects on his legendary career
Jericho's schedule outside of wrestling
Chris Jericho's AEW contract expires at midnight on December 31, 2025. According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Alba, Jericho is "WWE-bound" and expected to debut on WWE programming as early as January 2026. Multiple AEW higher-ups are reportedly operating under the impression that Jericho is finished with the promotion.
While initial speculation pointed to a Royal Rumble surprise in Saudi Arabia, WWE creative has reportedly shifted plans toward an earlier date. The January 6, 2026 episode of Monday Night RAW, broadcasting from Barclays Center in Brooklyn as the one-year anniversary of RAW on Netflix, is now the target date for Jericho's return.
When asked about a potential WWE return during a YouTube livestream, Jericho responded cryptically: "You never know. You never know." Earlier in 2025, he stated he wouldn't be opposed to a WWE return "somewhere down the line" but claimed he wouldn't be leaving AEW "anytime soon"—a statement that may have been contractually motivated.
Sources indicate WWE has plans for Jericho to participate in a retirement storyline. However, some industry insiders like Jonathan Coachman have suggested Jericho could take on an authority figure role, potentially replacing Adam Pearce in an on-screen management capacity.
During his time away from AEW television, Jericho has undergone a significant body transformation, getting in notably better shape. This preparation suggests he's taking his WWE return seriously and wants to look his best for his homecoming.
Chris Jericho will return to WWE with one of the most decorated careers in wrestling history:
Jericho's last WWE match took place at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. He departed to join AEW as one of its founding pillars, becoming the company's first World Champion. Now, seven years later, Y2J appears ready to close out his legendary career where it reached its greatest heights.
Our coverage of the Chris Jericho WWE return story is informed by these credible industry sources:
