8 AEW Nightmares That Could Come True In 2026
7. Chris Jericho Stays…With More Influence!
The best thing for absolutely everybody is a nostalgic ‘Y2J’ run in WWE.
His current AEW contract is set to expire right before 2026 dawns, but what if he inks an extension and convinces Tony Khan to give him even more influence behind the curtain? Sure, Jericho is one of wrestling’s most creative minds and has been for approx 30 years now, but he’s washed in AEW circles. The last couple of years have been a painful experience for fans, and extending that agony sounds rubbish.
Oh yes, it’s for the best if his classic entrance track plays come the Royal Rumble, then he gets a short WWE run and the Hall Of Fame treatment before calling it a career. There'd be plenty of interest in that from lapsed fans who remember 'Jerichoholic' days of yesteryear, but all of his 'Learning Tree' stuff in All Elite has been a real chore since the get go.
The less said about him sucking wind in matches for the ROH World Title, the better too. A time when Jericho could've returned to WWE and immediately thrust himself into World Title contention has surely passed, but he'd be a fun retro attraction on the upper midcard for a while, and he'd likely have a blast playing the hits.
Or, perhaps Chris will sell Tony on another contract that gives him even more power backstage. It'd be a nightmare of epic proportions if Jericho turned into this generation's Hollywood Hogan in WCW by flexing his creative control card. AEW fans have no desire to see him win major titles or really take up too much TV time at all in 2026.
Go back and be 'Y2J' so you get your flowers, maaaaaaaaaaan.