Update on the rumors of Chris Jericho WWE return

Talk of Chris Jericho finding his way back to WWE picked up speed this week, mostly because fans connected a mystery crate on Raw with a potential surprise appearance at Elimination Chamber.

It created the kind of online guessing game Jericho has always inspired. For a moment, it looked like his return might line up perfectly with WWE’s push toward bigger crowd-pleasing moments this season.

Fresh reporting over the last day paints a different picture. Multiple outlets note that Jericho’s contract with AEW is still active and may have been extended during his time away. That detail matters because it keeps him tied to the company longer than many expected.

Contract details shaping the storyline

Jericho stepped away from AEW television in 2025, and the long break led fans to wonder whether his deal had run its course. New updates suggest the company likely froze his contract when he left the spotlight. That would delay the original end date and push any free agency window further out. Wrestling insiders point out that this is standard practice across the industry and rarely signals a pending release.

He still appears on AEW roster pages, which is usually a strong sign that a wrestler remains under contract. Reporters also say no internal notice has been circulated about a departure, something that normally happens when a big name is preparing to exit.

That makes the mystery crate on Raw far less likely to involve Jericho, even though the timing thrilled a lot of longtime fans. WWE enjoys planting small hints before big shows, but nothing in the latest reporting suggests this tease is connected to him.

None of this rules out a future reunion. Jericho has kept communication open with WWE throughout his career, and both sides have spoken publicly about mutual respect. The question is timing. A full return would require clear availability along with room in his schedule, which also includes touring, music commitments, and personal projects he values.