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Reports Point to Chris Jericho WWE Return as AEW Deal Nears Dec. 31 Expiration

Multiple outlets say WWE is targeting a Jan. 5 Raw appearance with a retirement storyline if he signs.

Overview

  • Jericho’s AEW contract is reported to expire at midnight on December 31, opening the door to immediate free agency.
  • Wrestling Intel and others report WWE expects to finalize a deal shortly after the contract lapses, with a potential Brooklyn Raw return on January 5 tied to the Netflix anniversary show.
  • The Takedown on SI says several AEW executives privately expect Jericho to depart the company.
  • Jericho fed the speculation by telling a fan on his YouTube stream, “You never know,” after earlier saying he plans to wrestle in 2026.
  • There has been no official WWE confirmation, and Jericho has not appeared on AEW television since April.