After an almost year-long absence from AEW television, could we potentially see Chris Jericho make a surprise return at AEW Dynasty on April 12.
Jericho’s recent trademark filing for the term ‘Cornerstone’ has fuelled speculation regarding this possibility, and while it’s not yet known if or when he’ll come back to AEW, there are plenty of options on the table for him at AEW Dynasty.
Here are five potential plans for Chris Jericho to return at AEW Dynasty 2026.
5. Cost Kenny Omega The AEW World Championship
One of the original feuds in AEW was between Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho, with their pre-AEW rivalry setting the stage for the foundation of the company.
With MJF already confirmed to be facing Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship at AEW Dynasty, it could be that a return from Jericho could seal Omega’s fate.
By costing Kenny the opportunity to recapture the AEW World Championship, a dastardly returning Jericho could go on to make it his mission to “destroy AEW” upon his return.
While some fans expect to see Omega take on Will Ospreay when AEW All In heads back to Wembley Stadium in August 2026, Jericho could do everything in his power to “ruin All In” (in storyline of course.)
4. Challenge MJF As A Babyface
While MJF has no shortage of potential challengers for the AEW World Championship, there could be a very important return on the horizon.
With an already storied history between Jericho and MJF, it could be a compelling story to see a returning Jericho take aim at his former protégé.
Seemingly able to return with a brand new vigor, Jericho could end up relaunching as a beloved babyface after his extended time away from AEW.
With MJF likely furious at the prospect of Jericho returning, the AEW World Champion would certainly be able to launch his own new persona of being a legend hunter.
3. Surprise Alliance With FTR
After last tangling at AEW All In Toronto, FTR and the duo of Christian Cage and Adam Copeland are set to go to battle once again at AEW Dynasty.
However, there could be a very big surprise up their sleeve if FTR was to unite with an evil new iteration of Chris Jericho.
Joining FTR in their continued mission of being legend killers, Jericho could make for an intriguing partner for the duo of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler.
Setting the stage for the trio to go up against the likes of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks as well as any number of potential super alliances of AEW stars like Will Ospreay, Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland — there could be some massive new rivalries coming soon.
2. Revealed As New EVP
Given the speculation regarding Chris Jericho’s future, it could be a spectacular surprise to see him return to TV as AEW’s newest EVP.
Bringing about a new dastardly era of Jericho as an authority figure, the master of reinvention could absolutely bring forward a new executive persona.
Jericho could have a lot of fun putting to test tropes of past authorities in professional wrestling, as well as poking fun at some of the biggest names.
Able to blend comedy and genuine evil behavior to inspire fan fervor, Chris Jericho could be the perfect ‘new’ top heel that AEW needs.
1. Align With Darby Allin
If Chris Jericho were to end up returning to AEW rather than what some fans expect (re-sign with WWE), it could be a pivotal relaunch point for a babyface Chris Jericho.
Easily able to continue to serve as a PR asset to AEW as a recognizable name beyond the professional wrestling genre, it would make business sense to see Jericho return as a top babyface.
One way to ensure that fans are endeared to the returning Jericho would be to quickly align him with a genuine fan favorite in AEW like Darby Allin in an effort to capture victory for the latter.
Bringing together an unlikely, but deep friendship between Jericho and Allin could play into the expectations already set based on Darby’s previous connection with the legendary Sting to add even more realism to the storyline.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…