Chris Jericho Fueling WWE Return Talk With AEW Absence and Cruise Snub

Chris Jerichoâ€s latest career twist might be setting sail straight back to WWE.

The seventh edition of Jerichoâ€s Rock ‘N†Wrestling Rager at Sea is officially locked in for November 7–11, 2026. The cruise, dubbed “The Seventh Cruise of a Seventh Cruise,†will depart from Miami aboard the Norwegian Jewel and head to Bimahi, Bahamas. As always, fans can expect live wrestling, music from FOZZY, comedy sets, podcasts, and legendary wrestling guests. But this time, thereâ€s one big difference—no AEW.

None of the promotional material for the 2026 cruise mentions All Elite Wrestling. There are no AEW wrestlers announced, no branding, nothing. And thatâ€s got people talking, including Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Alvarez didnâ€t waste time calling it out.

“Jericho Cruise has been announced for 2026. Nobody from AEW on the boat. No references to AEW.â€

Meltzer then jumped in with some layered context, pointing to previous years where AEW talent was added later, but he admitted the signs are starting to add up.

“Somebody told me that last cruise he did, there were no AEW people announced until months ahead. But I will say this: people in WWE believe that heâ€s coming to WWE, for what thatâ€s worth.â€

The longtime journalist pointed out Jerichoâ€s recent shift in content—like no longer reviewing AEW matches on his podcast—and said it might be intentional.

“He doesnâ€t review AEW matches anymore, heâ€s reviewing other matches and things like that… I think that if [a WWE return] happens, heâ€s not going to be saying it. Heâ€ll want it to be a surprise.â€

Meltzer even floated the idea of a WWE Royal Rumble appearance leading to a WrestleMania match and Hall of Fame induction, which has reportedly been rumored for a while. Then came the part that really got fans speculating. Meltzer revealed that Jericho hasnâ€t been on AEW TV since April and suggested that Tony Khan might already be aware of Jerichoâ€s possible departure.

“If heâ€s not back on AEW television by January, I think people are going to kind of figure that part out… Heâ€s been ready for a couple months… And then nothing happened. After about a month after the tour ended and he didnâ€t come back, I started thinking: Tonyâ€s probably not bringing him back and probably figures heâ€s going to WWE.â€

Jerichoâ€s AEW contract is set to expire in December 2025, but the stripped-down cruise and lack of AEW connections seem to be telling their own story. Still, Jericho hasnâ€t confirmed anything. In fact, he might be playing things close to the vest on purpose.

During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Jericho looked back on some of his careerâ€s biggest moments—his WWE debut, “A little bit of the bubbly,†the Festival of Friendship, and the Dinner Debonair—but intentionally left the fifth spot on his list open.

“Thatâ€s the way I always think of it. ‘Whatâ€s your favorite moment of your career?†Current, now. If I didnâ€t think it was the best, then why am I doing it?… We leave the space blank, and weâ€ll see what happens.â€

And when asked point blank whatâ€s coming next for him, Jericho gave his classic cryptic response:

“We donâ€t know, right? Weâ€ll just have to see.â€

With WWE insiders allegedly expecting his return, a Royal Rumble comeback in January would mark a dramatic full-circle moment for the 35-year wrestling veteran.

For now, fans are left watching the horizon. Whether he stays with AEW, shows up in WWE, or shocks everyone with a totally different path, Jerichoâ€s next chapter is already getting people talking—and thatâ€s exactly how he likes it.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Should he finish Chris Jericho finish his career in WWE or stay loyal to AEW? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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