Chris Jericho’s future in pro wrestling looks to be shifting again. After months of talk about him leaving AEW for WWE, new reports say Jericho may be heading back to AEW instead.
Background: Rumors and a possible WWE move
At the end of 2025, many outlets pushed the idea that Jericho would leave AEW and rejoin WWE. Early in 2026 those plans seemed to slow. Some reports said Jericho’s AEW contract might be frozen. At the same time, WWE sources said there were no immediate plans to use Jericho on their shows.
New reports point to an AEW return
More recent reporting after Jericho filed a trademark for the name “The Cornerstone” says people inside AEW now believe Jericho will return to the company. The same update said Jericho was expected to travel to his hometown of Winnipeg on the night AEW Dynamite is scheduled there. No one has confirmed what role he would have if he appears.
The change in plan appears to come after months of talks between Jericho and AEW about bringing him back to television. Those talks reportedly have been ongoing for the last couple of months, which could explain why the idea of a WWE arrival cooled.
WWE contact but no firm plans
At the same time, sources indicate WWE did speak with Jericho during this period. However, WWE people say there were never solid plans for Jericho to show up at big early-year moments, such as the first Raw of the year, the Royal Rumble, or Elimination Chamber. In recent weeks, WWE insiders say there has been little buzz about Jericho joining their roster.
That does not mean talks did not happen. Instead, it suggests WWE never settled on a concrete plan or date for a Jericho debut. Meanwhile, AEW appears to have been working toward a plan that could bring him back to their TV shows.
What to watch next
The story is still unfolding. If Jericho is in Winnipeg for AEW Dynamite, fans should watch the show for any appearance or announcement. Promoters have not revealed details about how or when he might return, or what role he would play in AEW storylines.
For now, the clear facts are: there were talks between Jericho and both major companies, WWE did not have a firm plan to debut him, and AEW people now appear more confident that he could return. Until an official announcement is made, fans should expect more updates and possible surprises in the days ahead.
