Chris Jericho WWE Return Heating Up: Retirement Tour Plans Reportedly on the Table for 2026
Chris Jericho might be gearing up for one more WWE run — and potentially his last.
While nothing is signed, sealed, or announced, the smoke surrounding Jericho’s future is turning into a full-blown cloud over both WWE and AEW as the clock ticks down on his current contract.
Jericho, now 55 and celebrating an incredible 35 years in professional wrestling, is expected to become a free agent by year’s end. And according to new reporting, WWE isn’t just interested — they may already have a blueprint for what they want from “The Ocho” in 2026.
WWE Reportedly Pitching a Full Retirement Storyline
Dave Meltzer revealed in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE has expressed strong interest in bringing Jericho home — and they’ve reportedly gone big in their pitch.
“WWE has offered him a retirement storyline,” Meltzer wrote, noting that insiders believe all signs point to Jericho leaning toward WWE despite nothing being finalized.
A John Cena-style farewell run, world tour, and Hall of Fame build-up could all be on the table if Jericho decides it’s time to close the book where his mainstream career began.
Some within WWE even expect him to show up early next year if a deal gets done.
Jericho’s AEW Absence Raises Eyebrows
Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since April, when he smashed apart his “TV Time” set and walked off, leaving Big Bill and Bryan Keith behind. This current absence is his longest ever since signing with AEW as a founding star in 2019.
That silence has only fueled speculation that a departure may be imminent.
But Tony Khan wants to keep him.
Tony Khan Still Hoping to Re-Sign Jericho
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show before AEW Full Gear, Tony Khan made it clear he wants Jericho back — not just for cameo appearances, but as an anchor.
“I absolutely hope we’ll get Chris back in,” Khan said.
“When he’s in, he’s all the way in.”
Khan wouldn’t discuss contract specifics, but the tone was obvious: AEW does not want to lose the man who helped launch the company.
Would Jericho Actually Want a Retirement Tour?
While WWE’s pitch reportedly includes a send-off storyline, there’s one big question:
Is Chris Jericho ready to retire?
He’s gotten in phenomenal shape this year, arguably the leanest he’s been in a decade, and privately has hinted he’s not done wrestling yet. If he isn’t ready to call it quits, a WWE retirement tour doesn’t make sense — at least not in 2026.
That opens the door for:
- A renewed AEW run
- A hybrid deal
- Or Jericho simply continuing to perform for years to come
At this moment, the only person who truly knows is Jericho himself.
🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Jericho’s situation feels eerily similar to the final runs of Edge, Rey Mysterio, and John Cena — legends with unfinished business and crossover appeal. WWE sees the value of a “farewell world tour,” especially with a global stadium schedule ramping up in 2026. Jericho returning would be massive for nostalgia, merch, and international ticket sales.
But there’s also the AEW side. Jericho is a pillar of the company. Losing him would be a psychological blow during a critical growth period.
The truth? Jericho holds all the leverage. Both companies want him. Both have storylines ready. And the man himself is still physically capable of going another year or two at a high level.
Whatever he chooses, it’s going to shift the landscape.
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