Chris Jericho’s Future: Could a TNA Stint Pave the Way for a WWE Return?
The professional wrestling world is buzzing with speculation surrounding Chris Jericho’s future. Currently absent from all Elite Wrestling (AEW) television, the veteran performer’s next move is the subject of intense debate. Recent comments from wrestling industry veteran Eric Bischoff suggest a possibly surprising path: a strategic run with TNA Wrestling (formerly Total Nonstop Action) could be a calculated step towards a final,lucrative run with WWE.
Bischoff’s Theory: WWE Supporting TNA for Strategic Gain
During a discussion on his “83 Weeks” podcast, Bischoff proposed that WWE might actively support TNA’s growth. This isn’t about simple goodwill, but a calculated business strategy. “I absolutely believe that WWE is going to try to strategically help TNA in any way possible, because it’s in WWE’s best interest if TNA is accomplished for a lot of reasons, it’s in their best interest,” Bischoff stated, as reported by WrestlingNews.co. He believes a thriving TNA could even position WWE favorably in the event of a potential sale of the company, offering a “favored nations” status.
Why Support a Competitor? The Broader Industry Landscape
This idea might seem counterintuitive – why would the industry leader help a competitor? The answer lies in the evolving wrestling landscape. A healthy TNA provides several benefits to WWE:
- Increased Talent Pool: A successful TNA attracts and develops talent, potentially creating a farm system for WWE.
- Expanded Audience: A stronger TNA draws more viewers to wrestling expanding the potential market for the entire industry.
- Negotiating Leverage: As Bischoff pointed out, a valuable TNA could be an asset in future business negotiations or a potential acquisition.
Chris Jericho: A Master Strategist and the TNA Connection
Bischoff isn’t just theorizing about WWE’s motives; he’s also analyzing chris Jericho’s behavior.He describes Jericho as a “savvy” performer who carefully manages his career. “I’m having fun watching this, because it really is kind of entertaining to see Chris’s moves behind the scenes and his teases, because they’re so subtle and they’re so timely,” Bischoff observed. He suggests Jericho’s potential involvement with TNA isn’t necessarily about a long-term commitment, but rather “checking the box” and supporting the promotion.
The “Storyline-Driven” Return to WWE
The core of Bischoff’s theory revolves around using TNA as a platform to build anticipation for a grand return to WWE.He envisions a scenario where Jericho appears in TNA, generates buzz, and then leverages that momentum into a storyline that leads to a highly-anticipated “retirement tour” in WWE. “Could there be a story-driven way that lands Chris in that retirement tour that really is probably his goal? So could we get there using TNA as a platform, creating some demand from the audience to see Chris retire in WWE,” Bischoff proposed. He drew a parallel to the surprise impact of Lex Luger’s debut, suggesting a similar inter-brand spectacle could be engineered.
Current Status: speculation and Upcoming Events
as of January 13, 2026, Chris Jericho’s status remains uncertain. He has been absent from AEW programming, fueling speculation about his next move. The possibility of a Jericho appearance on the January 15th AMC premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! is generating significant buzz. However, WWE has not announced any roster additions and is currently focused on building towards the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on January 31 in Riyadh.
What This Means for the Future of wrestling
Bischoff’s analysis highlights the complex and interconnected nature of the professional wrestling industry. The potential for WWE to strategically support TNA,coupled with a veteran performer like Chris Jericho potentially playing a key role,demonstrates a willingness to think outside the box and prioritize long-term business goals.Whether this theory proves accurate remains to be seen, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic maneuvering behind the scenes of professional wrestling.
(H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription of the 83 Weeks podcast episode. Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.)
