Another clue just emerged that continues to point toward WWE legend Chris Jericho making a return to the company early in 2026.
There have been a boatload of rumors about Jericho’s future in AEW swirling around for months. In the spring, the former AEW world champ was written off television so he could tour with his band Fozzy, but he was expected to return in a few months.
However, in the summer, reports emerged that several AEW wrestlers had contracts that would expire at the end of 2025, including Jericho. As time passed and he did not return to TV, speculation began that company boss Tony Khan was doing what he has done many times before, and sidelining a performer he did not believe was going to re-sign with AEW.
Furthermore, rumors came out that Jericho used back channels to check WWE’s interest in a return, and reports claimed the company would welcome it. Well, another potential clue pointing to a return emerged this week.
Related: AEW Fans The Reason Why Chris Jericho Headed Back to WWE
Chris Jericho drops more proof that he is leaving AEW soon?
On Thursday, the future WWE Hall of Famer posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself and long-time pal Kevin Owens together at a Tampa Bay Lightning game. The pair have been friends for years and had a memorable run together on WWE TV that helped bring life to Jericho’s legendary “List.”
Two friends taking in a hockey game and posting about it isn’t out of the norm. However, in the wrestling business, where WWE and AEW are rivals, it is. While fans know friends in the two companies hang out, they don’t post images together on social media, likely because it is frowned upon by their bosses.
This may be more evidence that Chris Jericho is definitely leaving AEW at the end of the year and starting to get reacquainted with his WWE friends ahead of a return to the company early in 2026. Owens is currently rehabbing following neck fusion surgery earlier this month.
Related: Chris Jericho WWE Return Rumors Intensify – 8 Dream Feuds for a 2026 Return, Including Cody Rhodes
