More Backstage Details on Chris Jericho’s AEW Return, How WWE Wanted To Use Him

Chris Jericho made a surprise return to AEW on the April 1st Dynamite episode held in Winnipeg. The appearance took place in his hometown and was kept undisclosed ahead of the broadcast.

The return follows several months of speculation about a possible move to WWE. Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Jericho is likely back with AEW long term and that a potential return to WWE is “dead” for now. Dave Meltzer notes that WWE’s interest in Jericho was limited to a retirement tour and farewell. He adds that at one point, WWE reportedly planned 2026 around retirements like that of AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar, and that Jericho would fit into that.

There were brief on-screen teases involving Adam Pearce and CM Punk that hinted at a Jericho return but no follow-up materialized. While Chris Jericho was being linked to both companies as late as last week, a source in WWE told WON that “that Jericho would not be coming in any time soon, and maybe never.”

Jericho’s AEW return was reportedly communicated to Warner Bros. Discovery shortly before Dynamite. He arrived close to minutes before the show went on air. While some online discussions surfaced ahead of the event, they did not significantly affect ticket sales. Jericho’s contract reportedly expired at the end of 2025, but Tony Khan extended it to account for the time Jericho missed for various reasons.

At this time, there has been no official announcement regarding Jericho’s next storyline direction. Details about his role following the return remain unclear, with no confirmed matches or segments beyond the appearance itself.