Chris Jericho has been away from AEW for months, focusing on touring with his band Fozzy and hosting his annual cruise. With his AEW contract set to expire in December 2025, fans are wondering if the veteran might finally close this chapter of his career and make one last return to WWE.
If Jericho chooses to leave AEW and steps back inside a WWE ring in 2026, the Royal Rumble would be the perfect moment for a dramatic comeback. And if that return really happens, here are five stars who could become Jericho’s final opponents as he wraps up a legendary career.
5. Rey Mysterio: A Farewell to a Timeless Rivalry
Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio have shared a long journey across Japan, Mexico, WCW, and WWE. Their chemistry is unmatched, and both superstars are nearing the end of their runs.
A final match between them in WWE would feel like a tribute to everything they’ve built over three decades. It would also be the perfect way to let two icons close a rivalry that shaped a big part of their careers.
4. AJ Styles: One More Classic Before Retirement
When AJ Styles arrived in WWE, his first major feud was with Chris Jericho. It helped introduce The Phenomenal One to millions of casual fans.
Styles is also nearing retirement, but he still delivers at a high level. With both men possibly wrapping up their careers in 2026, a final showdown or even a double retirement match would be an emotional and fitting end for both.
3. Randy Orton: Revisiting a Title Rivalry
Randy Orton has reduced his schedule in recent years due to injuries, but he remains one of WWE’s biggest legends. Jericho and Orton have clashed many times over championships in the past, and their history is packed with memorable moments.
A final match between them could be a highlight of Jericho’s farewell run, similar to Orton’s spot on John Cena’s retirement tour. It would bring a sense of closure to one of Jericho’s most underrated rivalries.
2. CM Punk: A Story That Writes Itself
Jericho and Punk last had a major storyline more than 15 years ago, and even though they crossed paths in AEW, the feud never reignited properly.
Now that CM Punk is back in WWE and has already been a two-time World Heavyweight Champion in 2025, the timing is perfect for one last face-off. Even if their in-ring styles have evolved, the promo battles alone would be enough to sell the match.
This is one of the most realistic and exciting options if Jericho returns.
1. Cody Rhodes: Closing the Loop on the AEW Story
Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes share a unique connection. Both left WWE to bet on themselves. Both helped build AEW. Both returned to the spotlight in different ways.
Cody’s return to WWE and rise as World Champion is one of the most successful comeback stories in wrestling. If Jericho joins WWE again, it would only be fitting for his final opponent to be the man who helped him change the industry in 2019.
Their final match would symbolize a full-circle moment the end of one era and the passing of the torch to the next.
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