The wrestling world is buzzing this week with reports that one of the most decorated performers in history is heading back to the place where he became a household name. Chris Jericho is reportedly set to return to WWE as his AEW contract is coming to an end.

After helping build a massive alternative over the last six years, it appears the “Learning Tree” is ready to return to WWE for one final run.

The Midnight Hour for Chris Jericho’s AEW Run

According to a report from Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel, the 55 year old Jericho is expected to sign with WWE almost immediately after his AEW contract expires. That contract is set to run out exactly at midnight on December 31.

While many fans wondered if he would stay with Tony Khan and his promotion, Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated has independently confirmed that higher ups within AEW are under the impression that Jericho is moving on and will not be resigning with the company.

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Jericho was a cornerstone of the AEW roster since the very beginning, even serving as the inaugural AEW World Championship holder. Throughout his tenure, he led several prominent factions and captured the ROH World Championship twice. However, he hasn’t been seen on their television programs since April.

His final appearance for the promotion appears to have been at AEW Dynasty on April 6, where he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido in a Title vs. Mask match. After a successful six year run, it became evident that Jericho was being phased out of the weekly product to make room for the next generation of talent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZeQfpgCSKU&pp=ygUPamVyaWNobyBiYW5kaWRv0gcJCU0KAYcqIYzv

When Will Chris Jericho Return to WWE?

The timing of this potential return is particularly interesting for WWE fans. McCarthy reports that WWE is considering a massive debut for Jericho as early as next Monday, January 5. That episode of Monday Night Raw is the one year anniversary of the show moving to Netflix and is already being treated as a major event with CM Punk challenging Bron Breakker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

If a deal isn’t finalized in time for the Netflix anniversary, the next logical spot would be a return at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on January 31. Ironically, Jericho’s last match in WWE took place in Saudi Arabia during the Greatest Royal Rumble back in April 2018.

Is a WWE Return the Best Move for Jericho?

As a fan, this seems like the best move for all parties involved. Jericho was absolutely crucial to the formation of AEW and played a huge part in their growth during those first few years. He provided instant credibility at a time when the promotion needed a global superstar to lead the charge.

In the last year or so, however, it seemed like the AEW fanbase had grown tired of Jericho and instead were interested in newer AEW stars. Jericho even started getting “please retire” chants from the crowd. Now with a return to WWE, he can freshen up his act and ride the wave of nostalgia as Jericho was such a huge part of the Attitude Era. Finishing his career with a final run leading into a WWE Hall of Fame induction feels like the perfect ending to a legendary story.