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Chris Jericho Returns to WWE: What's His First Big Match?

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 0:48 GMT by sportskeeda.com

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Chris Jericho’s Return: Three Potential Final Matches that Could Define a Legend’s WWE Comeback

When the world of professional wrestling first heard the name “Chris Jericho” in 1990, no one could have predicted the trajectory that would eventually lead to a career spanning more than three decades, multiple promotions, and a legacy that extends far beyond the squared circle. The article on Sportskeeda titled “3 potential final matches Chris Jericho AEW returns WWE” takes a deep dive into the momentous return of Jericho to the WWE roster after a high‑profile stint with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and offers a speculative look at the marquee matchups that could punctuate this new chapter.

From WWE to AEW and Back Again

Jericho’s journey began in WWE, where he rose from a “tweener” in 1994 to a World Champion, a Hall of Famer, and one of the most charismatic figures in the sport. After a storied run that saw him win the WWE Championship five times, the 2019–2020 period marked a historic departure as Jericho signed with AEW, the relatively young promotion that had quickly become a mainstay in the wrestling landscape. He debuted at the inaugural Dynamite episode on October 2, 2019, instantly turning the spotlight toward the AEW–WWE rivalry.

During his time in AEW, Jericho’s matches were as varied as his persona: from a thrilling tag‑team bout against the Young Bucks to a hard‑bodied “Bash at the Beach” confrontation with Jon Moxley. The article cites his last AEW appearance—an explosive one‑on‑one match against T. J. Perkins on the “Final” episode of Dynamite—highlighting the emotional weight of a legend saying goodbye to a promotion that had embraced him. His departure was formalized on June 8, 2021, when WWE announced his official return on the “SmackDown” brand, a moment that reverberated through both promotions’ fan bases.

Three Potential Final Matches

Having outlined the backstory, the Sportskeeda piece moves to the core speculation: Which matches should Jericho book as his first few WWE bouts? Three scenarios stand out, each reflecting a different narrative thread and offering a unique way to re‑establish Jericho in WWE’s contemporary hierarchy.

1. Title Contention at WrestleMania 38 (or 39)

The article argues that the most logical “final match” for Jericho would be a main‑event title fight at WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event. Whether it’s a match for the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns or a WWE Championship showdown with Brock Lesnar, the stakes are inherently high. The speculation is backed by WWE’s tradition of using WrestleMania to elevate returning talent, and Jericho’s history of delivering emotionally charged performances. The writer also references the “Jericho Effect”—a term coined by fans to describe Jericho’s ability to generate hype and drama, citing past WrestleMania appearances that elevated his status.

2. A Legendary Grudge Match with John Cena

Another scenario highlighted is a match against former rival and co‑Hall of Famer John Cena. The article notes that a bout between the two could be “instant fan‑service,” recalling their storied history—most notably the 2004 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event where they faced each other in a steel cage. By bringing the two back together, WWE could tap into the nostalgia of older fans while creating a compelling storyline for the current roster. The author even references a recent Twitter poll that revealed fans’ appetite for a “Jericho vs. Cena” showdown, reinforcing the viability of this matchup.

3. A “Legends’ Battle” Against a Rising Star

The final potential match leans toward a “legends vs. youth” angle, pitting Jericho against a younger face like Finn Bálor or even a rising superstar such as Seth Rollins. The article explains that this kind of storyline allows Jericho to showcase his experience while giving a credible platform to the next generation. In this scenario, the match could take place at a pay‑per‑view like SummerSlam or a house show where the “battle” becomes a rite of passage for the younger wrestler, echoing the “passing of the torch” trope that is a staple in wrestling narratives.

Broader Context: Jericho’s AEW Legacy

The article spends a generous amount of space discussing the significance of Jericho’s AEW run. It points out that, during his AEW tenure, Jericho was the promotion’s “anchor” and often served as a catalyst for new talent. For instance, the writer highlights a memorable segment where Jericho cut a promo at the 2020 All Out pay‑per‑view, encouraging a new generation of wrestlers to “never settle.” Additionally, the article links to a recap of his final AEW match, emphasizing how he “blended skill with showmanship to create a moment that felt both nostalgic and forward‑looking.”

Why These Matches Matter

Beyond the surface-level excitement of a superstar returning, the article underscores that each potential match carries a larger narrative weight for WWE:

1. Reinstating Jericho’s Elite Status – A title match or a high‑profile encounter signals that WWE still views Jericho as a top‑tier performer, maintaining continuity with his legacy.
2. Bridging Generations – The “Jericho vs. Cena” angle connects older and newer fans, ensuring the promotion remains relevant across demographics.
3. Cultivating Future Stars – A “legends vs. rising star” match gives younger wrestlers a platform to prove themselves against a seasoned veteran, thereby building future storylines.

The article concludes by noting that while the exact card will ultimately be dictated by creative direction and logistical considerations, the excitement surrounding Jericho’s WWE return is palpable. As one fan comment quoted in the piece read, “Every time Jericho rings, he’s a spectacle, and I can’t wait to see which match gets the spotlight first.”

Final Thoughts

By weaving together a concise history of Jericho’s WWE–AEW journey and offering a speculative roadmap for his potential final matches, the Sportskeeda article serves as a comprehensive primer for both seasoned wrestling aficionados and casual readers. It showcases the multifaceted ways in which Jericho’s return could be leveraged to benefit both the promotion’s current roster and its storied past, reaffirming why the world continues to watch, expect, and celebrate the legendary Chris Jericho.