Chris Jericho surprised many by returning to AEW on Dynamite instead of going back to WWE. The move ended months of speculation about a WWE comeback.
Surprise AEW Return
Reports said Jericho’s AEW contract ended at the end of 2025. Fans expected him to return to WWE for a final run. He did not show up on Raw, at the Royal Rumble, or in the mysterious crate that appeared on recent WWE TV (that crate held Danhausen, not Jericho).
Instead, Jericho appeared on AEW Dynamite. He announced that AEW was his home, signaling a longer stay. The moment was meant to be a big comeback.
Why This Felt Strange
Jericho helped make AEW notable. He was one of AEW’s first big signings and its inaugural AEW World Champion. Over time, some of his later storylines did not land as well. Gimmicks like The Learning Tree and a run as ROH World Champion left parts of the fanbase confused.
AEW fans had begun to boo Jericho for real, not just as part of a show. When he returned in his hometown of Winnipeg after about a year away, the reaction was muted. He stood in the ring for several minutes and raised his arms many times to try to get the crowd to cheer louder. That moment made some people wonder if he had more to give in AEW.
WWE Return Remained Possible
Reports say Jericho had talks with WWE about a return. Many fans hoped for a classic Y2J run with his old entrance, promos, and big matches. Some believed WWE might have planned a retirement-style match, possibly against a top star such as Gunther.
Those plans may have pushed Jericho away. At 55 years old, he is no longer likely to be a long-term main event star. But a WWE return could have felt fresh because many casual WWE fans still remember his best years. That instant nostalgia might have produced a much louder crowd reaction than he got in AEW.
What Comes Next
Jericho calling AEW his home means he likely plans to stay there for now. He has feuded with many people on the AEW roster already, so creative options may be limited. If AEW can find new angles for him, he could still have interesting segments and matches.
On the other hand, some fans and pundits feel his best new chapter would have started in WWE. For now, Jericho has chosen AEW. The next months will show whether this run rekindles fan excitement or repeats past struggles.
Reported by UFCcoverage.
