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WWE's annual Royal Rumble is always full of surprises, as the company begins major wrestling storylines that will culminate in a few months at WrestleMania. And in 2026, we could be in store for the return of a future Hall of Famer.
Chris Jericho, now 55, made his last in-ring appearance for WWE in 2018 at the Greatest Royal Rumble (also held in Saudi Arabia). He wrestled in Japan and on the independent circuit until becoming a face of All Elite Wrestling in 2019. He hasn't been seen on television since April of 2025, however, and his AEW contract reportedly expired at the end of the year.
Since then, the return of Jericho to WWE has been constantly rumored - but it's also been rumored that Jericho hasn't yet left AEW. Jericho's name is still actively listed on the AEW roster page as of Friday.
Why would Jericho return to WWE in the twilight of his career, having accomplished nearly everything there is to do? Jericho said years ago that his decision to leave the company was cemented when Vince McMahon dropped him down the card of WrestleMania 33. Jericho explained on a podcast that he expected to be in the main event against Kevin Owens, but McMahon's plan changed. Jericho and Owens would eventually be the second match of the night, early in the event. "I need to leave; that is how you know," Jericho said.
McMahon, of course, resigned as executive chairman of WWE in 2024 following sexual assault allegations. With WWE legend Triple H running creative, Jericho may feel he can close his WWE career on friendlier terms.
Will Jericho return on Saturday? We won't know until the Royal Rumble begins and all 30 entrants have come down the ramp. The 2026 Royal Rumble starts at 2 p.m. ET on the ESPN app.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Chris Jericho's WWE returned rumored at 2026 Royal Rumble
Continue reading...
Chris Jericho, now 55, made his last in-ring appearance for WWE in 2018 at the Greatest Royal Rumble (also held in Saudi Arabia). He wrestled in Japan and on the independent circuit until becoming a face of All Elite Wrestling in 2019. He hasn't been seen on television since April of 2025, however, and his AEW contract reportedly expired at the end of the year.
Since then, the return of Jericho to WWE has been constantly rumored - but it's also been rumored that Jericho hasn't yet left AEW. Jericho's name is still actively listed on the AEW roster page as of Friday.
Why would Jericho return to WWE in the twilight of his career, having accomplished nearly everything there is to do? Jericho said years ago that his decision to leave the company was cemented when Vince McMahon dropped him down the card of WrestleMania 33. Jericho explained on a podcast that he expected to be in the main event against Kevin Owens, but McMahon's plan changed. Jericho and Owens would eventually be the second match of the night, early in the event. "I need to leave; that is how you know," Jericho said.
McMahon, of course, resigned as executive chairman of WWE in 2024 following sexual assault allegations. With WWE legend Triple H running creative, Jericho may feel he can close his WWE career on friendlier terms.
Will Jericho return on Saturday? We won't know until the Royal Rumble begins and all 30 entrants have come down the ramp. The 2026 Royal Rumble starts at 2 p.m. ET on the ESPN app.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Chris Jericho's WWE returned rumored at 2026 Royal Rumble
Continue reading...
