With speculation persisting that Chris Jericho could depart AEW at the end of the year and return to WWE, fans are wondering what angles “Y2J” could find himself in should he make that move.
From old foes to brand new rivals, there are no shortage of intriguing potential return opponents for Chris Jericho in the event he does end up re-signing with WWE in 2026.
Here are seven WWE opponents for Chris Jericho should he return.
7. CM Punk
One immediately heated rivalry for Chris Jericho in WWE could be CM Punk.
With plenty of history that could be converted into a compelling and emotionally evocative story on TV — there is a solid case for why Punk should get the first shot at the returning Jericho.
It could end up that Jericho is the next in line behind Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins to take their real life animosity towards Punk and making memorable WWE moments from it.
With legitimate emotional ground to cover between the duo and their overlapping careers, the rivalry could be a brand new one between two familiar favorites.
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6. Drew McIntyre
In his latest character iteration, Drew McIntyre has taken on the role of a ruthless truth teller albeit one generally able to settle his own vendettas.
Potentially striking up a new blood feud, Drew McIntyre could elect to point his previous rage from his feuds with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at the latest AEW alum to return ‘home’ in Chris Jericho.
Able to go back and forth on the microphone in a way that would surely have fans on the edge of their seats about what each could possibly say next — the veteran in-ring workers could also put on a classic match as well.
Having McIntyre strike out at what he may seem as another potential threat to recapturing his top status, the pair could kick off a long rivalry.
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5. Wyatt Sicks
With the Wyatt Sicks recently appearing in AAA as well as SmackDown, their faction could create mystery and intrigue around vignettes featuring them kidnapping an unseen man.
Although the vignettes could appear soon, there wouldn’t be a reveal until after January 1, 2026 of course — when Chris Jericho is expected to become a free agent.
With most iterations of Jericho’s character proving to be a terrible friend throughout his career, his frequent betrayals could give the Sicks the perfect motive to target the legendary star.
Able to maximize the speculation about who could possibly be revealed by the Sicks, there would be other potential suspects as well like Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy or even Matt Cardona.
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4. AJ Styles
If current reporting is to be believed – there could be a slim margin by which AJ Styles and Chris Jericho could potentially overlap in WWE in 2026.
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.
AJ Styles remains contracted with WWE until after the Royal Rumble but with his deal reportedly set to expire in February, albeit with Styles leaving open a potential role at 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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3. Jacob Fatu
One intriguing feud for Chris Jericho upon his return to WWE could be facing off against Jacob Fatu.
With Fatu certain to continue being a fan favorite throughout the end of 2025, it could be fun to see Chris Jericho immediately take on the massive threat.
While heels and babyface details could be sorted out later, Fatu’s excellent in-ring skills could make for an incredible first rivalry back in the ring for Jericho. With Jericho not having competed inside the ring since April 2025.
Jacob Fatu is currently out of action in WWE related to having dental injury after being written off SmackDown showing him after being attacked backstage, bleeding and having knocked out teeth in front of him.
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2. Ethan Page
From one former AEW alum to another, it might be an amazing first feud for Chris Jericho to go way into fan favorite babyface territory as he takes on the obnoxious and arrogant “All Ego” Ethan Page.
Already making a big impact during his time in NXT, Page could have made his way to the main roster by the time that Jericho arrives in 2026.
Bringing his Canadian pride gimmick to new heights on the main roster, Page could keep his super alliance with fellow proud Canadian Chelsea Green where the duo would seek to be considered the best North Americans in WWE history.
Able to return to a heroes welcome and also immediately resurrect his more cartoonish and humorous side in an over the top feud with Ethan Page — Chris Jericho could bring back his own unique flavor of sports entertainment.
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1. Cody Rhodes
Perhaps the most obvious choice for Chris Jericho to have an immediate showdown with in WWE is Cody Rhodes.
With the ability for the feud to be compelling without fully revealing the true intentions of Jericho’s returning character, he could return as a hero with fanfare.
However, shortly thereafter once he turns on Cody to reveal his true heel nature, the 9x World Champion will have pulled off a major surprise — if he can avoid any spoilers being leaked.
Jericho would certainly be looking to make history and claim his 10th World Championship victory upon returning to WWE, making Rhodes a very vulnerable target.
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