WWE

WWE SmackDown Moment Sparks Speculation on Chris Jericho Return

Chris Jericho's iconic WWE theme song was heard outside the SmackDown arena in France, intensifying speculation about a potential WWE return as his AEW contract's expiration date in December approaches.

Leonardo Cunha
WWE SmackDown Moment Sparks Speculation on Chris Jericho Return

Chris Jericho’s iconic WWE theme music was heard playing outside the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, just ahead of the August 29 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Footage of the moment quickly circulated online, fueling rampant speculation about the former champion’s future.

The incident comes as Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to expire in December of this year. His potential free agency has led to a widespread belief within WWE that his return to the company is inevitable, with a possible timeline targeting early 2026. Jericho himself has been off AEW programming since April 2025.

Rumors have pinpointed the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a potential stage for a surprise comeback. This speculation gained further traction after Jericho liked a social media post discussing the idea of a WWE return. While he has stated he would consider returning to WWE one day, it has been reported that WWE Creative has not yet discussed plans for him.

When recently asked about the situation, AEW President Tony Khan did not directly address the rumors, instead praising Jericho as a “great champion, a great ambassador, a great leader and a great friend.” Khan added, “I would love to have Chris back, if and when the time presents itself.” Speaking on his “What Happened When” podcast, AEW commentator Tony Schiavone noted that Jericho’s name did not come up on a recent trip with Khan, emphasizing the AEW president’s tendency to keep major business decisions private.

According to WrestleVotes Radio, several current WWE talents would welcome Jericho back, as he has maintained friendships within the company. However, wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell, on his “Story Time” podcast, suggested a different role for the 54-year-old. Mantell opined that Jericho’s “better days are behind him” as a full-time competitor and proposed he could be valuable in a non-wrestling capacity, such as an agent or manager.