• Drew McIntyre Comments On Rumors Of Chris Jericho Returning To WWE
Prior to winning the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown, TMZ caught up with Drew McIntyre and asked him about the rumors of Chris Jericho returning to WWE.
Here’s what The Scottish Psychopath said:
“Chris Jericho is one of my friends. I spent a lot of my youth with him. He’s a massive, massive star, and at this point in his life and career, whatever makes him happy makes me happy. He’s gonna make a huge splash wherever he goes. If it’s for us, why not?”
Jericho was last seen in WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble 2018 PLE in Saudi Arabia, where he competed in the 50-man Royal Rumble match and lost.
It should be noted that Jericho is still listed on the AEW roster page.
• Chris Jericho Could Make A Surprising Move Before Rumored WWE Return
The wrestling world is on high alert as Chris Jericho’s rumored free agency takes an unexpected turn. While many assumed the former AEW World Champion was a lock for a WWE comeback following the alleged expiration of his contract on December 31, 2025, new reports suggest a detour to TNA Wrestling could be in the works.
According to Andrew Baydala on the Final Bell Media podcast, Jericho is reportedly “very interested” in working with TNA. Baydala clarified that while he believes Jericho has already reached a formal agreement to return to WWE, the veteran is pushing for a short-term appearance or a “pit stop” in TNA first. This would be a historic statement for TNA, especially as iMPACT prepares for its landmark debut on AMC this Thursday, January 15.
The timing of these rumors is particularly interesting. Fans in Brooklyn were left disappointed when Jericho didn’t appear on RAW, despite RAW General Manager Adam Pearce using the phrase “break down the walls” in his social media preview and Corey Graves referencing Jericho’s “Learning Tree” gimmick during the main event.
Despite the absence, Jericho remains on the AEW roster page, with Sean Ross Sapp reporting that there has been no internal memo sent in All Elite Wrestling regarding Jericho’s departure.
Should Jericho debut on the TNA AMC premiere, it would arguably be the biggest free-agent acquisition in the company’s modern history. With the existing working relationship between WWE and TNA, a scenario where a WWE-bound Jericho makes a “special attraction” appearance on the new network is being discussed as a genuine possibility to “move the needle” for the brand’s new era.
• WWE Wants To Sign Former Bullet Club Leader
The wrestling landscape may see a major defection in 2026 as WWE turns its attention toward New Japan Pro-Wrestling star David Finlay. According to reports from WrestleVotes Radio via Fightful Select, internal discussions have taken place regarding the former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, with a specific push from the NXT brand to secure his signature once his current contract expires.
While the 32-year-old “Rebel” is reportedly looking to spend more time in the United States this year, Sean Ross Sapp notes that formal negotiations have not yet begun as Finlay still has remaining obligations to NJPW.
The interest from WWE isn’t surprising given Finlay’s deep roots within the company’s ecosystem. He is the son of legendary coach and producer Fit Finlay, and his younger brother, Brogan Finlay, is already a rising star on the NXT roster performing under the name Uriah Connors. For David, a move to WWE would represent a significant homecoming after a highly decorated decade in Japan, where he transitioned from a “Young Lion” into the fifth leader of the Bullet Club in 2023.
Finlay’s NJPW tenure reached a historic peak at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, where he and Yota Tsuji announced the official dissolution of Bullet Club. The faction has since been replaced by the new Unbound Co. stable, marking the end of a 13-year era for the group.
With a resume that includes winning the 2025 New Japan Cup and multiple title reigns across the Global, NEVER Openweight, and Tag Team divisions, Finlay enters the 2026 free-agent market as one of the most experienced and coveted veterans available.
