Tag: Chris Jericho

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.

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.

Chris Jericho Expands Acting Resume With Role in Apple TV Series Starring Nicole Kidman

Chris Jericho continues to prove there’s life beyond the wrestling ring. The AEW star and former multi-time world champion is set to appear in an upcoming Apple TV series alongside Hollywood heavyweight Nicole Kidman.

According to Elle, Jericho will be featured in the new series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, marking another notable acting credit for the veteran performer. While details about Jericho’s character haven’t been officially revealed, early promotional images offer a strong hint. One preview photo shows Jericho standing in the corner of a wrestling ring behind Kidman, who is dressed in colorful pink-and-blue ring gear while leaning against the ropes — suggesting wrestling will play at least some role in the storyline.

Jericho also took to social media to hype the project, expressing his excitement about working with such a high-profile cast. He noted that filming alongside Kidman and Nick Offerman was a blast and praised the ensemble as an “all-star cast.”

Margo’s Got Money Troubles stars Elle Fanning as Margo Millet, a 20-year-old woman whose life takes a complicated turn after becoming pregnant by her junior college professor. As financial pressures mount, Margo turns to OnlyFans — with marketing help coming from her estranged father, a former professional wrestler.

Nick Offerman portrays that father, Jinx Millet, a retired wrestler navigating his own past while trying to help his daughter survive. Kidman also plays a former pro wrestler and longtime friend of Jinx, further tying the series into the wrestling world. Michelle Pfeiffer rounds out the core cast as Margo’s mother, Shyanne, a single mom with her own complicated history.

The series is scheduled to premiere on April 15 on Apple TV. The first three episodes will drop immediately, followed by weekly releases for the remaining five episodes.

Between music, wrestling, and now another major television role, Jericho continues to show why he’s one of the most versatile personalities to ever come out of the pro wrestling business.

Latest Update On Chris Jericho’s Potential Status For The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble

Chris Jericho’s name continues to circulate as one of the biggest wildcards heading into the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, with new reporting adding fuel to the speculation surrounding a possible surprise appearance.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is a “possibility” that Jericho could be involved in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. While nothing has been confirmed, Meltzer notes that the idea has at least been discussed internally within WWE, keeping the door open for an unexpected return.

Jericho himself has publicly tried to cool down rumors of his involvement in the Royal Rumble, but the backstage chatter tells a slightly different story. Reports indicate that Jericho has been a topic of discussion regarding a potential WWE return dating back to early 2026, especially as his status with AEW remains somewhat unclear.

The former AEW World Champion has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, though he is still listed on the company’s official roster page. That absence, combined with his long and storied WWE history, has only intensified speculation as the Royal Rumble approaches.

With the 2026 Royal Rumble set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jericho is now being viewed as one of the most closely monitored names going into the event. Whether it’s a one-night surprise or the start of something more, Jericho’s status is shaping up to be one of the key talking points as WWE fans count down to bell time.

Report On Chris Jericho’s AEW Status After Possible WWE Return Tease

Chris Jericho’s name continues to hover over wrestling headlines as fans speculate about a possible WWE return, but a new report suggests the situation may be far less straightforward than social media buzz would have you believe.

With WWE kicking off the new year and the road to the Royal Rumble officially underway, rumors picked up steam that Jericho could be on his way back to “Raw.” However, Fightful Select is reporting that there has been no indication from within AEW that Jericho has left the company. In fact, sources told the outlet that Jericho remains under contract.

Jericho reportedly re-signed with AEW following All Out 2022, with the deal said to run through 2026. While the former AEW World Champion has been absent from AEW television for much of the past year, his hiatus was written into storyline. After dropping the ROH World Championship to Bandido at Dynasty, Jericho told Big Bill and Bryan Keith that he needed to step away until his Learning Tree stable got itself back on track. Whether that time off resulted in any contract changes remains unclear.

Another notable detail is that Jericho is still listed on AEW’s official roster page. This stands out even more after multiple talents were quietly removed earlier this week following the expiration of their contracts. Fightful also attempted to get confirmation directly from AEW regarding Jericho’s status but reportedly received no response.

On the WWE side, sources told Fightful that Jericho was not part of creative discussions and was not included in plans for Monday’s episode of “Raw,” at least from what they had seen. That said, even those within WWE acknowledged that surprises happen and that misinformation isn’t exactly rare in wrestling circles.

Fueling the speculation further, WWE appeared to have some fun with fans when “Raw” General Manager Adam Pearce used the phrase “who can break down the walls” in a social media video promoting the show — a clear nod to Jericho’s iconic entrance theme. Despite the tease, both Fightful and PWInsider Elite reported that Jericho was not backstage at the Barclays Center for the show.

For now, the evidence points to Jericho still being an AEW talent, with WWE teases likely serving more as playful bait than confirmation of anything imminent. As always with Chris Jericho, though, the line between storyline and reality is never entirely clear — and that’s exactly how he likes it.

WWE RAW GM Adam Pearce Uses Interesting Phrase In Preview Video – Fans Are Now Buzzing

WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce may have dropped an unexpected nugget that has wrestling fans buzzing ahead of this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

Pearce took to social media to promote the upcoming show, which doubles as Raw’s one-year anniversary on Netflix, and did so in a casual video filmed while walking his dog. While running down the card, Pearce used a phrase that instantly caught the attention of longtime fans: “break down the walls.”

The line, of course, is famously associated with Chris Jericho, and its use immediately sparked speculation online about whether the former multi-time world champion could be on WWE’s radar. Jericho has been absent from AEW television for months, with reports suggesting he’s nearing the end of his current deal, leaving plenty of room for rumors to swirl.

In the video, Pearce highlighted several major talking points for the night, including Liv Morgan’s first singles match in six months as she takes on Lyra Valkyria. He also emphasized that Raw will feature three championship bouts, with particular focus on the Women’s Tag Team Championship clash. Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley are set to challenge the Kabuki Warriors in what Pearce described as a high-stakes showdown for the gold.

Whether Pearce’s wording was a playful coincidence or a subtle tease remains to be seen. WWE has a long history of leaning into fan speculation, and even a small reference is enough to set the internet alight — especially when it involves a name as big as Jericho’s.

What is confirmed is that the first Raw of 2026 will take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, and WWE is clearly positioning the show as a major milestone episode. Between the stacked card, championship implications, and intriguing choice of words from Raw’s on-screen authority figure, Monday night is shaping up to be one worth watching.

Update On Chris Jericho’s AEW Status And Possible WWE Return

Chris Jericho’s future in AEW appears to be up in the air, and it’s once again sparked serious talk about a potential return to WWE.

According to multiple reports, Jericho’s current deal with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless a new agreement has already been finalized behind the scenes. As of now, there’s been no confirmation that an extension is in place.

What’s adding fuel to the speculation is chatter coming out of WWE circles. PWInsider reports that several WWE licensing partners are operating under the assumption that Jericho may soon be available for use on their products. WrestleVotes has also noted that some within WWE have been anticipating a Jericho comeback dating back to August of last year.

On the AEW side, Jericho hasn’t been seen on television since April 2025, when he suffered a loss to Bandido. Since that match, there’s reportedly been no creative direction for him, and his absence was especially noticeable at AEW’s Worlds End 2025 pay-per-view. With no on-screen role and no storyline movement, questions about his status have only intensified.

Outside the ring, Jericho has kept busy. He was recently spotted in Vancouver while working on an undisclosed Disney-related project. While details are scarce, it’s clear the former world champion is exploring opportunities beyond wrestling as his AEW contract winds down.

Jericho himself hasn’t exactly shut the door on WWE. During a December 27 YouTube livestream, he responded to questions about a return by saying, “You never know,” leaving plenty of room for interpretation. He has also previously mentioned that he expects to wrestle again “somewhere” in 2026.

Despite rumors circulating online, PWInsider has pushed back on claims that Jericho was set to appear on RAW this week, stating there was no credible sourcing behind those reports. Still, once his AEW deal expires at midnight on December 31, Jericho would officially be a free agent heading into the new year.

With WWE’s January 5, 2026 episode of RAW scheduled for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, some fans believe that show could be the stage for Jericho’s return. If it happens, it would mark his first appearance with WWE since 2018 — and one of the more significant comeback moments in recent memory.

Dave Meltzer Reports That there Is Talk About Chris Jericho Potentially Leaving AEW For WWE

Chris Jericho could be at a major career crossroads as speculation heats up about his AEW contract status and the possibility of a WWE return.

The former AEW World Champion, who was the company’s first-ever titleholder back in 2019, has been absent from AEW programming since April. His last appearance came at AEW Dynasty, where he dropped the ROH Championship to Bandido. On the following episode of Dynamite, Jericho told his Learning Tree protégés, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, to hold things down in his absence — and he hasn’t resurfaced since.

Now, with Jericho’s current deal reportedly running through December (unless it was extended during his time off), the rumor mill is churning. Over the weekend, Jericho “liked” an Instagram post teasing a potential WWE return, sparking even more fan speculation.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed both Jericho’s contract situation and WWE’s interest. “There’s lots of talk there about Jericho,” Meltzer noted, pointing out that many fans and insiders are even speculating about a Royal Rumble appearance if he does make the jump.

From WWE’s perspective, Meltzer explained, Jericho would be an instant shot in the arm. “A guy from AEW that goes to WWE is going to be over like crazy,” he said.

Of course, AEW President Tony Khan won’t want to lose one of his top stars without a fight. Meltzer suggested Khan could throw big money at Jericho to keep him, but acknowledged that WWE would likely match or exceed whatever AEW is willing to offer. The main difference would come down to creative freedom — Jericho has historically had more leeway with his storylines in AEW, while WWE’s structure may be more restrictive, albeit with a more tailored schedule.

At 53, Jericho has nothing left to prove, but the idea of him returning to WWE — even for one last run — would be a massive moment. Whether it’s a Rumble surprise, a WrestleMania story, or simply one more chapter in a legendary career, the wrestling world will be watching closely as December approaches.

Chris Jericho Doesn’t Care About A WWE Hall of Fame Induction

During a recent interview with the “Toronto Sun,” Chris Jericho discussed a potential WWE Hall of Fame induction, noting that it doesn’t interest him much. 

Jericho said, “I’m not one of those guys who cares about the Hall of Fame because I don’t think it’s really real anyway. In some ways, it’s like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ In other ways, I want to pull a Sex Pistols and just refuse to show up. Send a letter saying, ‘Do not mention my name,’ like Axl Rose did. What a great wrestling thing to do. It doesn’t matter to me, it really doesn’t. It’s great that guys go in there and I’m glad they get a chance to, but I’m already a Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is up here [points to head]. It’s more for the fans. At this point in time, I could get put in the Hall of Fame and maybe get booed out of the building. We’ll see what happens. For right here, right now, I’m enjoying what I’m still doing and I definitely wouldn’t go in the Hall of Fame if I’m still actively performing in the ring. We’ll see where it goes. For right now, I feel good, I’m doing great work, and when I feel it’s time to hang up the boots, I will do so. Until then, I’m enjoying being part of the business, as I always have for the last 34 years.”

The Greatest Royal Rumble (2018) remains Jericho’s final in-ring appearance with WWE.

On the June 27, 2022, episode of RAW, Jericho appeared via video message to congratulate John Cena on his career.

 Jericho is in AEW and is a former AEW World Champion and is the current ROH World Champion.

It remains to be seen if WWE will one day extend the Hall of Fame honor to Jericho—and if he’ll accept. But if there’s one thing fans know about Jericho, it’s that he’ll always do things on his own terms.

Chris Jericho Attacks Matt Cardona At GCW Event Ahead Of ROH Final Battle

Chris Jericho isn’t waiting until ROH Final Battle on December 20 to send a message to his challenger, Matt Cardona. The ROH World Champion made his presence felt in surprising fashion at GCW Highest in the Room 3 in Los Angeles this weekend, ambushing Cardona during the main event. Cardona, who was battling Effy, found himself blindsided by the “King of New York” as Jericho sent a clear warning ahead of their title clash.

The shocking moment quickly made waves, and Jericho took to Instagram afterward to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the ambush came together. Alongside the video, Jericho addressed his rival directly in a caption dripping with confidence:
“…Hi @themattcardona, you didn’t think that the King of New York would pop up in Los Angeles at your @gamechangerwrestling Indy Event, did you? You made a big mistake forgetting who you’re dealing with……I always get my man! See you at #rohfinalbattle. @aew @ringofhonor.”

Jericho’s attack wasn’t just about intimidation; it also carried a shot of controversy. After the beatdown, Jericho revealed an AEW t-shirt to a chorus of boos from the GCW faithful. This reaction comes amid tensions between AEW and GCW, stemming from past disagreements. AEW President Tony Khan notably pulled Ricky Starks from GCW shows following critical comments made by Effy about Khan’s father. Willie Mack, who was also removed from GCW events, was rumored to have made the call himself, though the situation remains somewhat murky.

For Jericho, these kinds of unexpected appearances have become a trademark since his WWE departure in 2017. He’s no stranger to crossing promotional boundaries to make a statement. Fans will remember his 2018 NJPW attack on Kenny Omega, as well as his shocking appearance at the inaugural All In, where he disguised himself as Pentagon Jr. to surprise Omega again. More recently, Jericho ambushed Will Ospreay at a 2023 RevPro event while disguised as NJPW star BUSHI, and the Jericho Appreciation Society turned heads with a surprise showing at a PWG event earlier this year.

With ROH Final Battle looming, Jericho’s sneak attack has already tilted the psychological advantage in his favor. For Matt Cardona, the ambush serves as a painful reminder of the mind games and unpredictability that Jericho brings to any title defense.

The question now is whether Cardona will have a response ahead of their showdown. Jericho may have struck first, but if history has taught us anything, the “Indy God” isn’t one to back down without a fight. Final Battle just got even more personal, and fans won’t want to miss how this rivalry unfolds.

Backstage Report On Chris Jericho’s ROH Title Win On AEW Dynamite

Chris Jericho captured the Ring of Honor World Championship for the second time during Wednesday night’s “AEW Dynamite,” defeating Mark Briscoe in a ladder match with some help from The Learning Tree. Discussing the match on “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer offered a possible explanation for Jericho’s title victory.

“I think that if they are working on an ROH television deal, then it probably is beneficial for them to be champion, to try and close that deal,” Meltzer said.

The writer then confirmed that Tony Khan is in the process of trying to secure a TV deal for the brand. AEW recently re-upped with Warner Bros Discovery, ensuring “Dynamite” and “AEW Collision” remain on TNT/TBS as well as heading to streaming platform Max. However, ROH was not included in that agreement.

Meltzer praised the Jericho-Briscoe match from last night, marveling at Briscoe’s mobility after a career full of death-defying stunts. Both Meltzer and co-host Bryan Alvarez stated that it was possible that Khan would run another rematch between Jericho and Briscoe and ROH Final Battle later this year, which would allow Briscoe to compete in the Continental Classic and take some losses before winning the title back from Jericho.

This is Jericho’s second time as champion, with his last reign also coinciding with rumors that Khan was seeking a media rights deal for ROH. However, no outside agreement materialized, and ROH has since been relegated to its own online streaming platform and appearances on AEW programming.

Following the win against Briscoe, Jericho’s next challenger stepped forward — Tomohiro Ishii of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Jericho successfully defended the ROH World Championship against Ishii during his initial reign in November 2022. Though Ishii has previously held the ROH Television Championship, he has not yet held the brand’s world title.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to Wrestling Observer Radio