Chris Jericho's WWE Return Could Take Place In Early January

A WWE return for Chris Jericho has been mooted for several months, and it has been suggested that the former WWE Champion could return to the organisation in early January 2026.

A report from Alex McCarthy on Wrestling Intel noted how Jericho’s AEW contract is set to expire at midnight on December 31 2025, and that WWE could use Jericho on the one-year anniversary edition of Raw on Netflix on January 5 2026 provided a deal is signed in time without complications. Many assumed that a return at the Royal Rumble on January 31 was the most logical choice should Jericho sign a new deal with WWE.

Rumours of a WWE return for Jericho have swirled since Summer 2025, with Jericho seemingly distancing himself from current employers All Elite Wrestling by praising the likes of TNA, whilst seemingly endorsing rumours about a WWE return.

Jericho has been part of AEW since 2019 but has not been seen on AEW programming since April 2025. In AEW Jericho stands as a multi-time champion, having held AEW and Ring of Honor gold during his run in the promotion.

Should Jericho return to WWE it would mark his fourth run with the promotion.