While Chris Jericho continues to be absent from AEW, rumors of his eventual move to WWE have been circulating for months. Although the veteran was expected to return to his old spot at this year’s Royal Rumble, he remained sidelined.

Although Jericho’s All-Elite Wrestling contract is expected to expire at the end of 2025, he still appears on the promotion’s official roster page. Recent reports suggest that this legend The relationship with the company may not be over yetclaiming that he has signed a contract extension as early as 2022.

Although there is currently a huge question mark over Jericho’s future in the professional wrestling industry, there is still a chance that the 55-year-old will return to WWE before WrestleMania 42. Let’s consider Y2J’s three directions in case he finally makes the jump.

#1. Chris Jericho may compete in Elimination Chamber 2026

Last October, it was announced that this year’s WWE Elimination Cage Tournament would take place in Chicago, Illinois. Last month, the promotion’s chief content officer Triple H confirmed that the winners of the titular matches (men’s and women’s divisions) will receive a match at WrestleMania 42, regardless of which world title the winner of the 2026 Royal Rumble wins no choose.

Because men’s champion Roman Reigns chose to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at The Show of Shows. 2026 Men’s Steel Cage Elimination Chamber Tournament The undisputed contender for the WWE Championship will be decided at WrestleMania, a belt currently held by Drew McIntyre.

Anticipations for Elimination Chamber are high this year, with Randy Orton already qualifying for the February 28 event and the likes of Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn also vying for a spot in the brutal showdown. In order to further enhance the publicity of this game, Returning Chris Jericho could be inserted into the ring.

The former inaugural AEW World Champion competed in eight different Elimination Chamber matches during his WWE career. So bringing Jericho back into the company to wrestle the Scottish psychopath inside a steel cage structure could be a perfect way to both build anticipation for the match and reacquaint him with the promotion.

#2. Chris Jericho may challenge for the WWE IC Championship at WrestleMania

Chris Jericho had a hugely successful career with World Wrestling Entertainment, which included multiple championship runs. Throughout his various promotions, The Rock’s Ayatollah held multiple World Tag Team Championships, Hardcore Championships, European Championships, United States Championships, Undisputed WWE Championships, and World Heavyweight Championships.

However, it is Jericho’s legacy that is most closely associated with the Intercontinental Championship. Xueshu won the gold belt nine times in totaland holds the record for the most championships. If he does return to WWE this year, the veteran could reclaim the IC Championship for the tenth time.

Current Intercontinental Champion Dominic Mysterio is currently out due to injury. Although he is Expected to compete for the championship belt against his stablemate Finn Balor at WrestleMania 42The showdown between the reviled member of Judgment Day and the returning Jericho (who will no doubt have the crowd’s support against “Dirty” Dom) may be the more interesting showdown on The Show.

#3. Chris Jericho May Host WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania promoters face a daunting task every year. They play a key role in keeping the crowd engaged with the show while appearing in on-air segments on the entrance stage, ring and backstage areas, often alongside active talent, veterans and occasionally non-wrestling personalities.

Previous WrestleMania hosts include The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Alex BlissThe New Day and The Miz, not to mention celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rob Gronkowski and Snoop Dogg. Since guest hosts have yet to be selected for this year’s blockbuster event, the promotion is likely to bring Chris Jericho Come play this role.

Since he’s not involved in the show’s production, as host of this year’s WrestleMania, Y2J will have the opportunity to be a part of the event without being unnaturally forced into any of the company’s current storylines. In fact, the promotion could launch a project with Jericho that stemmed from Jericho’s talented interactions with Mania 42, such as someone rudely confronting Jericho backstage, leading to a brawl that eventually turned into a real feud.