Chris Jericho has been in the spotlight once again after a wave of hints suggesting that his AEW run may be nearing its end. Earlier this year, he liked a post discussing his contract status, which fueled talk about a possible WWE comeback. Reports even suggested that WWE was already interested in bringing him back.
His latest move added more fuel to the fire. Jericho praised the crowd at TNA’s Bound For Glory 2025, which many took as a sign that he may be closing his AEW chapter, especially now that TNA works closely with WWE. With Jericho currently off AEW television and no teased creative plans for him, a return to WWE seems more likely than ever.
If Jericho does walk back into WWE, there’s one direction that fits him perfectly: he should come back as a heel. Here are three clear reasons why.
1. Jericho Has Always Been Stronger as a Heel
Chris Jericho is known for being one of the most adaptable performers in wrestling. He can play a hero or a villain, and fans will react either way. But history shows that his heel work has always stood out more.
He debuted in WWE as a heel. He debuted in AEW as a heel. And many of his greatest runs came from leaning into a darker persona. His feuds with The Rock, Triple H, Stone Cold, John Cena, and Shawn Michaels delivered some of the most compelling character work of his career.
His suit-wearing manipulator gimmick from the late 2000s is still remembered as one of his best. Even his 2016 “List of Jericho” run began with a heel edge before turning into a comedic fan favorite.
If WWE wants Jericho at his peak again, the heel route is the smartest option. Even if he shows up as a face for the crowd reaction, a quick turn would give him the creative freedom he’s best known for.
2. His Current AEW Persona Could Easily Carry Over
Jericho hasn’t been idle in AEW. Over the past year, he shifted into his “Learning Tree” character, which painted him as a veteran mentor full of exaggerated wisdom and self-importance.
This gimmick saw him guide younger wrestlers like Big Bill and Bryan Keith, forming a small faction while holding the ROH World Championship. But the story ended with a meltdown on AEW TV, where he walked out on his students after blaming them for his failures. This cliffhanger left fans wondering what comes next.
If Jericho joins WWE again, he could revive this character in a fresh way. Bringing the Learning Tree persona to WWE opens the door for a brand-new stable with rising stars from NXT or the main roster.
WWE often loves pairing veterans with upcoming talent, and Jericho could bring a smug mentor role that fits right into the product.
3. Huge Feud Potential with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk
If Jericho returns, it wouldn’t just be a big move it would be a massive shift in the wrestling landscape. His AEW signing years ago changed the business. So would his comeback.
WWE has already shown how valuable a major crossover return can be.
Cody Rhodes came back in 2022 and became the face of the company.
CM Punk returned in 2023 and became one of RAW’s biggest attractions.
Jericho returning as a heel would open the door to headline-level feuds immediately. He has history with both Punk and Cody, and both matchups would draw huge interest.
A heel Jericho chasing Rhodes for the WWE Championship or trying to outsmart Punk for the World Heavyweight Title would instantly create must-watch television. It’s the type of return that boosts ratings and adds real momentum to WWE’s storytelling.
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