Chris Jericho WWE Return Rumors Shut Down Following RAW Mystery Crate Speculation

WWE sent fans into theory mode on the February 16 episode of RAW thanks to a backstage tease that immediately got people talking.

A large crate marked “Deliver to WWE” with instructions not to open it until 2/28/26 was shown during the broadcast. With Elimination Chamber set for that exact date, speculation ran wild about what — or who — could be inside. Among the more popular guesses circulating online? A surprise return from Chris Jericho.

As intriguing as that idea might be, new reporting suggests fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.

According to Fightful Select, Jericho is still under contract with All Elite Wrestling. Sean Ross Sapp reports that the general belief within AEW — as well as among those close to Jericho — is that his deal was effectively frozen when he stepped away in 2025.

Chris Jericho is believed to have had his AEW contract frozen, @FightfulSelect has learned pic.twitter.com/wCSkwg5HOW

— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 18, 2026

Jericho’s original AEW agreement was believed to expire in 2025, but there are several potential reasons it may now extend beyond that point. Contract freezes due to time off, injury-related extensions, or even a quiet renewal could all be factors. Without access to the specifics of the deal, the exact situation remains unclear — but the key takeaway is that Jericho is not currently a free agent.

Adding to that, Jericho is still listed on AEW’s official roster page, which is typically a strong indicator that talent remains under contract. Fightful also noted that no internal communication has been distributed regarding his departure, something that usually occurs when a wrestler exits the company.

Interestingly, the report does mention that Jericho hasn’t completely closed the door on WWE. He has reportedly told people he would consider a return to the company at some point. However, there are outside projects and ventures he would have to weigh carefully if a WWE deal were on the table.

For now, the crate remains an unanswered question — but it likely doesn’t contain “The Learning Tree.”

While WWE clearly wants fans speculating ahead of Elimination Chamber, a Chris Jericho comeback on February 28 doesn’t appear to be in the cards.