Why Chris Jericho Didn’t Return at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

TLDR

Chris Jericho did not return at WWE Royal Rumble 2026 because he remains under contract with AEW, contrary to reports suggesting his deal had expired at the end of 2025. Sean Ross Sapp confirmed on Fightful's post-Royal Rumble show that Jericho is still officially listed on AEW's roster page, though there has been little backstage discussion about him in recent months. Jericho is also committed to non-wrestling projects including Apple TV's "Margo's Got Money Troubles" series and Fozzy's "Eyes On You" tour beginning in February.