"This confirms he's in The Rumble," "He's gone" - Fans erupt after AEW star Chris Jericho issues statement on his wrestling future

Wrestling fans have been buzzing online after AEW star Chris Jericho's recent comments concerning his future. The Demo God has been absent from the Jacksonville-based promotion since April 2025. His contract is reportedly set to expire later this month. Over the past few months, rumors have been circulating that Le Champion might return to WWE. Later, reports claimed that he could be interested in a retirement tour and Hall of Fame induction.

Many suspected that the former AEW World Champion had made his comeback to the global sports entertainment juggernaut at the recently concluded Survivor Series: War Games. A masked mystery man attacked World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk during the main event of the night, causing the babyfaces to lose to the heels in the Men's WarGames bout. However, so far, they are still only rumors as the person's identity remains unknown as of this writing.

While speaking on WBSM 1420, Chris Jericho recently talked about his future in the squared circle. The Demo God revealed that he was yet to make a decision, but guaranteed to return to the ring in 2026.

Fans claimed that Jericho's statements all but confirmed that he would soon return to WWE. Many speculated that he might return to the Stamford-based promotion during the 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.

Take a look at some of the fan reactions below:

Young Chove 15

@ImYoungChove15

@WrestlePurists This confirms hes in The Rumble

Boyka

@BoykaEse

@WrestlePurists He’s gone, and will be in the rumble.

🏝️🥝👑King_Winchester🏝️🥝

@Hells_Harley

@WrestlePurists Hearing Judas in WWE really will be a reality 😭😭

Sebastian perez

@jerrysgrandpa

@WrestlePurists He's going too WWE Royal rumble is where you will see him again

Your mom's favorite profile

@XBOXimp8783

@WrestlePurists Take a run in TNA.

sinister100000

@sinister107

@WrestlePurists He's coming back to AEW. Only a fool would go to WWE right now.

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Tony Khan opens up about Chris Jericho's AEW status

The former AEW World Champion was one of AEW's biggest signings made by the Tony Khan-led promotion in 2019.

While speaking at Adam Apple's NYC, the AEW President claimed that he wishes Chris Jericho would retire in the promotion.

“We love having Chris [Jericho] in AEW, and I would say that absolutely, I would love it if Chris’ final matches eventually — whenever Chris someday would want to hang it up — were in AEW. But I also don't think Chris is really near that point. He's had a great run with us. He continues to be a big part of AEW, and I love Chris. In and out of the ring," Khan said.

It remains to be seen what will be next for the Le Champion.