Chris Jericho Not Returning To WWE Raw As AEW Status Raises Big Questions

What was meant to be one of the most talked-about moments in recent wrestling history has taken a dramatic twist. Fans were primed for what many believed would be a historic surprise on the January 5, 2026, edition of WWE Raw, namely the long-anticipated return of Chris Jericho. 

The wrestling world has buzzed for weeks about his potential comeback, backed by strategic teases and contractual timing that seemed to align perfectly. Instead, multiple credible reports now confirm that Jericho is not expected to appear on Raw tonight, and in a curious development he is still listed on All Elite Wrestling’s active roster page. 

This has left fans and insiders alike debating what exactly is going on behind the scenes with one of wrestling’s most iconic figures. 

Chris Jericho’s Raw Absence Confirmed And The AEW Roster Listing Puzzle

In the hours leading up to WWE Raw’s special anniversary episode on Monday. Excitement reached a fever pitch when WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce dropped an intriguing reference in his promotional preview. 

Pearce used the phrase “break the walls down,” a line deeply connected with Jericho’s historic career and his legendary entrance theme. That alone was enough to drive speculation into overdrive. 

Yet despite all the buildup, PWInsider reports that no credible sources within WWE believe Chris Jericho will appear live tonight in Brooklyn, New York. This has been echoed by additional wrestling news outlets and fan-driven reports that nothing concrete has surfaced indicating his presence. 

Even more striking is that Jericho remains officially listed on AEW’s roster page, which is unusual because names are typically removed immediately when talent departs or finishes contracts. 

This strange combination of factors, heavy WWE tease, strong fan expectations, and the unchanged AEW listing, paints a picture of confusion at best and miscommunication at worst. Wrestling fans across message boards and social media have noticed this contradiction, and it has become one of the most discussed topics heading into tonight’s show. 

The Backstory: How This All Came Together And What It Means

To fully grasp why the wrestling world was so sure Jericho might return on Raw, it helps to rewind to the end of his AEW contract. Multiple wrestling news sources reported that Jericho’s deal with AEW reportedly expired on December 31, 2025, making him an intriguing free agent just days before WWE’s big televised event. 

Rumors suggested WWE had been in talks to bring him back once eligible, and several insiders mentioned the January 5 show as a potential return date. That expectation was further fueled by previous comments Jericho made about considering a WWE return after his AEW run.

In earlier interviews in 2025, he acknowledged the possibility of going back to WWE under the right circumstances, a stark contrast to past declarations where he appeared completely committed to AEW. AEW President Tony Khan has also weighed in on Jericho’s future in an interview. 

Offering praise for everything Jericho has done for the company while refusing to confirm any concrete plans for an AEW return. Khan made it clear that Jericho was welcome back, yet equally left the door open for other possibilities. Such comments only added fuel to the rumour mill. 

Yet as things stand today, no official WWE announcement has confirmed Jericho’s arrival, and with him still on AEW’s roster page, fans are scratching their heads. This could mean a number of things. Contractual technicalities, an internal change of plans, or even a strategic delay by WWE until a bigger moment like the Royal Rumble later in January. 

Fan Reaction And Speculation About Jericho’s Career Direction

Reaction online has been a wild mix of excitement, frustration, and deep wrestling analysis. Fan communities on Reddit and other forums have been lighting up with theories. Some believe WWE accidentally spoiled the surprise, while others argue that Jericho might be reserved for a more impactful return at a marquee event like Royal Rumble or WrestleMania. 

Additionally, the fact that his name remains on AEW’s roster page has sparked debate about whether his AEW contract truly ended on schedule or if there may be complications behind the scenes. Wrestling enthusiasts have speculated that AEW might still hold a valid agreement with Jericho, or at least some residual rights that need to be sorted before any WWE switch can be made official. 

Beyond contractual talk, fans are also discussing Jericho’s legacy and future goals. Many feel that Jericho deserves a dream sendoff somewhere fitting, whether that be WWE or even a self-produced farewell tour. His storied career spans several eras, from WWF/E Attitude Era legend to AEW cornerstone, and no one wants to see his final wrestling chapter mishandled. 

What Could Happen Next For Chris Jericho

So, where does this leave Jericho’s future in wrestling? For starters, tonight’s RAW may not be the moment fans hoped for, but it hardly closes the book on his WWE prospects. Several insiders are now reporting that a return might be planned for later in January, perhaps at the Royal Rumble, where surprise appearances are tradition and fan reaction is guaranteed. 

Alternatively, WWE could be building to something bigger at WrestleMania or another major event in 2026, something more calculated than a one-off appearance on Raw. With WWE keen to blend legends with rising stars, the creative potential for Jericho is enormous if handled right. 

Then again, his unchanged AEW roster status cannot be ignored. It raises the question of whether AEW still sees value in keeping his name attached, even if he has been absent from programming since April 2025. 

That absence itself has been a topic of its own, with theories ranging from creative burnout to a strategic hiatus while negotiating future plans. Ultimately, fans will be watching closely not just for a surprise appearance but for any official word from WWE or Jericho himself about where he intends to wrestle in 2026. Tonight may not be the night, but in the ever-unpredictable world of professional wrestling, the Jericho chapter is far from finished. 

Conclusion

The wrestling universe anticipated a massive pop in Brooklyn tonight with Chris Jericho’s anticipated Raw return. Instead, the build-up has resulted in uncertainty, curiosity, and one of the biggest storylines of the early 2026 wrestling calendar. 

With his AEW listing still active, contractual ambiguity remains, and WWE has made only subtle hints rather than confirmations. Whether this is a strategic delay, an internal mix-up, or the calm before a monumental surprise, one thing is certain: Jericho’s return saga is the hottest topic in wrestling right now, and it’s nowhere near over.