Chris Jericho Calls TNA the World’s No. 2 Wrestling Promotion in a Sharp Dig at AEW

Amidst rumors of being John Cena's final opponent and making his WWE return at Royal Rumble 2026, Chris Jericho keeps fans on the edge.

Chris Jericho Calls TNA the World’s No. 2 Wrestling Promotion in a Sharp Dig at AEW

Chris Jericho WWE return rumors (via AEW and Wrestletalk)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Rumors surrounding Chris Jericho’s future continue to heat up as 2025 nears its end. The wrestling icon remains absent from AEW television following his dramatic exit from The Learning Tree segment on the April 7 episode of Dynamite, fueling growing speculation that his time with the promotion may be over. 

With the 2026 Royal Rumble fast approaching in January and set to take place in Saudi Arabia, talk of Y2J making one final run in the company that made him a global superstar has never been stronger. According to recent reports, WWE’s offer to Jericho reportedly includes a marquee match at WrestleMania and a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. 

Interestingly, the former Undisputed WWE title holder himself has done little to quiet the speculation. In fact, he seems to be leaning into it,  even taking what many perceive as a subtle jab at AEW. In a recent segment on his Talk Is Jericho podcast, Jericho discussed TNA’s resurgence, hosting The Hardy Boyz and The Dudleys to talk about their final encounter at Bound For Glory. 

The event, which featured the ‘One Final Table’ match for the TNA and NXT Tag Team Championships, drew one of TNA’s biggest crowds in recent memory, and the Canadian legend made sure to highlight that success.

That crowd looked huge. It looked huge. It was like a WWE-level crowd. The place was packed. I was watching this and, not saying anything out of school here. But comparing it to watching Dynamite when they were at the ECW Arena, which looked like a Tony Condello taping — sorry, it did — TNA looked like the second biggest company in the world, and that was amazing. And the presentation was amazing.

Chris Jericho via Talk is Jericho podcast

For the unversed, TNA claimed an attendance of 7,794 fans for Bound For Glory, though the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which owns the venue, reported around 5,554 tickets sold and 6,137 turnstile scans, still a remarkable showing for the company.

Jericho praising TNA during its ongoing partnership with WWE is seen by many as a subtle nod toward the Stamford wrestling machine itself. Timing-wise, the stars may be aligning. Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a massive spectacle, and WWE is reportedly aiming to make the show a must-see event packed with surprises. 

Jericho’s return would be the kind of headline-making moment that perfectly fits the Rumble’s legacy and could further build anticipation for WrestleMania 42 and 43 in Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia, respectively. 

However, his potential comeback also raises questions. WWE’s division already skews older, with many top stars north of 40. Adding Jericho could further tilt that balance, especially as younger talents like Bron Breakker, Oba Femi, and Je’Von Evans are poised to step into main-event roles.

Mark Henry reacts to Chris Jericho’s ripped physique amidst WWE return rumors

Chris Jericho’s prolonged absence from AEW makes his recent remarks all the more intriguing. Rumors have been swirling about the Attitude Era legend possibly returning to WWE once his current AEW deal expires later this year, and his latest actions have only intensified the speculation.

Chris Jericho in AEW
Chris Jericho in AEW [via- ITR Wrestling]

The Canadian veteran recently added even more fuel to those rumors by showing off a noticeably lean and ripped physique. Jericho, who turned 55 on November 9, marked the occasion in style by posting a photo on X flaunting his new shredded look. 

It is perhaps the best shape he’s been in for years, and fans quickly connected the transformation to talk of a potential comeback. Y2J’s photo even caught the attention of former AEW and WWE star Mark Henry, who couldn’t help but praise his longtime friend. 

My brother! That’s the best light in the house!

Mark Henry via X

Having spent over three years in AEW as a coach, commentator, and analyst, Henry’s endorsement only adds more excitement to the growing speculation. Meanwhile, WWE has been fanning the flames in its own way. 

The company’s official social media channels have recently begun sharing classic Jericho matches,  including his Survivor Series 2008 title clash with John Cena, sparking buzz that it could be a hint toward his return. 

Some fans even believe it’s a subtle tease that Jericho might appear as a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble or possibly serve as Cena’s final WWE opponent on December 13. With Jericho remaining tight-lipped about his next move, the mystery surrounding his future only deepens, leaving fans to wonder if the walls are indeed about to break down once again. 

Also Read: