Chris Jericho © WWE
"Michael Cole’s Jericho mention sparks comeback buzz before WrestleMania 42 showdown "
Chicago was already buzzing at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, but it only took one sentence from Michael Cole to send the night into overdrive.
During CM Punk’s World Heavyweight Championship defense against Finn Balor, Cole reflected on Punk’s history in his hometown. In doing so, he casually mentioned Chris Jericho and their brutal 2012 Street Fight for the WWE Championship that also took place in Chicago.
That one reference changed the temperature in the building. WWE commentators rarely bring up active AEW stars on air, which made the moment feel bigger than simple nostalgia.
The crowd reacted instantly, and online conversation picked up just as fast. Fans did not treat it like a random callback. To many, it sounded like something more.
One line that sparked real questions
The context made it even more interesting. Punk and Balor were fighting with major stakes attached, as the winner would strengthen their path toward WrestleMania 42 and a potential clash with Roman Reigns. Cole’s reminder of Punk’s violent rivalry with Jericho tied the present title defense to one of the most intense chapters of his career. It felt intentional, not accidental.
CHRIS JERICHO MENTION FROM MICHAEL COLE JUST NOW
CHRIS JERICHO MENTION FROM MICHAEL COLE JUST NOW
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) March 1, 2026
👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀#WWEChamber pic.twitter.com/R6EX8Gvcor
Speculation quickly followed. A mystery crate was scheduled to be opened later in the Premium Live Event, and some viewers convinced themselves that Jericho might somehow be involved.
The idea spread quickly. When Danhausen stepped out instead, that theory ended, but the buzz around Jericho did not disappear.
Jericho has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025. While he is still listed on the company’s roster page, reports have suggested his contract situation has been unusual, with talk that it has been frozen. Those details have kept rumors of a WWE return alive for months.
Cole did not confirm anything. He simply referenced history. Still, in wrestling, timing matters. Mentioning Jericho in Chicago, during a Punk title match, on the road to WrestleMania, was enough to get people thinking.
