It looks like WWE is set to get a big name and get him soon. On Sunday, December 28, Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel reported that Chris Jericho is expected to sign with WWE as his AEW contract is set to expire on December 31.
“Chris Jericho is expected to sign with WWE when his AEW contract expires, Wrestling Intel understands.” McCarthy wrote. “Sources state that the 55-year-old’s contract expires at midnight on December 31 and he’s expected to commit right away.”
The report would go further and state that the plan is for Jericho to appear on the January 5 edition of Monday Night Raw, which will be the one-year anniversary of WWE’s debut on Netflix. There was also speculation that he could appear during the Royal Rumble which is set for January 31 in Saudi Arabia.
Where does Chris Jericho fit in WWE?
Chris Jericho’s return will be treated like a big deal. Love him, or hate him, Jericho is one of the most important performers of the last generation. He’s found a way to remain relevant and continue to reinvent himself, for better or for worse. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and will surely be a front runner to be inducted some day. In fact, no one would complain if he headlined the 2026 class while still being an in-ring performer. Jericho has earned that spot and recognition.
However, there would still be some concerns about WWE bringing back yet another performer well past his physical prime to take up space in a bloated men’s division on the main roster. There’s a yearning for younger talent to finally take top spots in the company. With performers like Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi on the horizon, the continued presence of so many men who are 40 and up is a viable debate point. The older performers should be making way for the new blood but that doesn’t seem to be happening at this time.
It will be interesting to see where Jericho fits into the main roster. One potential story that immediately jumps off the page is he could be someone that GUNTHER takes out, as he’s become the new-age “Legend Killer.” retiring two big names in 2025. That could be a fun angle that would create big matches, while keeping Jericho and Gunther out of the immediate title picture.
The January 5 edition of Monday Night Raw is already shaping up to be a big show. If Chris Jericho is involved, then the stakes just got bigger. Either way, reports are that he’s heading back to WWE for what has the potential to be one of the final tenures of his in-ring career.