With rumors persisting that Chris Jericho could be making his way back to WWE in 2026, there are intriguing options for his first opponent.
From settling old scores from outside of the company to reigniting old rivalries with former foes from his WWE days, Chris Jericho
Here are eight return opponents for Chris Jericho in WWE.
8. AJ Styles
In speculating about contracts and movement within professional wrestling, one rare gift to fans could be that if current reporting is to be believed – there could be a slim margin by which AJ Styles and Chris Jericho could overlap in WWE.
Jericho is reportedly contracted with AEW through 2025 with presumption being that he is a free agent on January 1, 2026 if no new contract agreement with Tony Khan is reached.
Conversely, AJ Styles remains contracted with WWE until after the Royal Rumble but with his deal reportedly set to expire before WrestleMania 42 in April.
With the incredibly unique opportunity for these two legends to coming together in WWE once again something that cannot be overlooked – it would be great to see AJ Styles and Chris Jericho share the ring again.
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7. CM Punk
One incredible rivalry for Chris Jericho to immediately address could be CM Punk.
With plenty of bad blood seemingly between the two that could be converted into TV gold, there would be a solid case for why Punk should get the first shot at the returning Jericho.
Seeming inevitable that the pair have a showdown in WWE, it will be interesting to see exactly how the on-screen interactions play out.
With there being so much emotional ground to cover between the duo and their overlapping careers – it could end up that these two legends create a new iconic rivalry.
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6. Seth Rollins
One massive opponent upon Chris Jericho’s return to WWE could be the Visionary, Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins has proven himself to be incensed with returning stars that took forays to competing companies – potentially making Jericho a target of his ire.
If The Vision faction remains persistent in their attempts to reshape the future of the industry, it would seem that Chris Jericho’s return to WWE could run against their goals.
Potentially striking up another hot feud with Chris Jericho, Seth Rollins could continue to be the crucible by which returning stars seemingly must endure on their road ‘home’.
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5. Ethan Page
One potential opponent for Chris Jericho remains active in NXT – the NXT North American Champion All Ego Ethan Page.
Already making a huge impact during his time in WWE, Page could certainly have made his way to the main roster by the time that Jericho arrives.
Bringing his Canadian pride gimmick to new heights on the main roster – along with Chelsea Green ahead of the return – would be a hilarious way to bring comeuppance to the over the top heel page.
With the duo able to wage war to determine who is the true King of the North, it could end up being an extremely fun way to see Ethan Page get called up and Jericho recapture some cartoonish magic in his first feud back in WWE.
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4. Wyatt Sicks
A mysterious way for Chris Jericho to return could actually be to see him arrive under the guise of having been kidnapped by the Wyatt Sicks.
Able to begin building to the eventual reveal far before Jericho is actually due to appear in WWE, there could be a long and spooky mystery regarding who is being held captive by the faction – only to be revealed later.
Jericho’s character has clearly been a terrible friend throughout his career who is often known to betray those closest to him so it could make sense that the Sicks could have a righteous bone to pick with the legend.
With speculation pointing to Jericho being still under contract with AEW until the end of 2025, there might not be long until the legend makes an appearance.
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3. Ricky Saints
One potential former foe from AEW that could come back around to face Chris Jericho again is Ricky Saints.
While Ricky Saints has just captured the NXT Championship on the brand, it doesn’t mean that in the next several months he wouldn’t be ready for a legendary challenge.
Having Chris Jericho make his return to feud with the top talent on NXT could actually be an iconic way to leverage the excitement around his return to the company while also making an impact on a whole new group of fans & talent alike.
Bringing together the two captivating performers for a program on NXT that could inevitably spill over on to the main roster would be a very savvy integration.
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2. Drew McIntyre
In his latest character iteration, Drew McIntyre has taken up the task of being a truth teller albeit generally to spur chaos and settle his own personal scores.
With time not being on McIntyre’s side in regards to potentially getting his hands on the soon-to-retire John Cena after seemingly alluding to plenty of reason to have reality rooted drama – there could be another legend he could choose to take aim at upon their triumphant return to WWE.
Potentially striking up an amazing new blood feud, Drew McIntyre could elect to point his previous rage from his feuds with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes and point them at the latest AEW alum to return ‘home’ in Chris Jericho.
Able to spar verbally in a way that could leave fans mesmerized by their scathing back and forth, the pair would likely put on a rather enjoyable in-ring effort as well.
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1. Joe Hendry
While he is already familiar to the NXT audience, the main roster fans in WWE have also gotten acquainted with Hendry in a big moment.
Taking on Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens was pulled from the planned match due to an injury – Joe Hendry could be poised for yet another massive WrestleMania moment.
Setting up a program with Chris Jericho upon his return to WWE could be an incredible launch for Hendry on the main roster and for a new heel character for Jericho.
Immediately going against a white-meat babyface fan favorite like Hendry, Chris Jericho could unlock new heights of dastardly heelishness upon his return to WWE.
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