Backstage Update on Chris Jericho's AEW Status After WWE Raw Angle

Speculation about Jericho's return to WWE is fueled by a mystery box on Raw, but reports indicate he remains under contract with AEW.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 5:07am

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Speculation about Chris Jericho's status with AEW and a potential return to WWE was sparked by a mystery box that appeared on "WWE Raw" this week, marked with the message "Do not open until 2-28". However, according to a new report from Fightful Select, Jericho is still "firmly" under contract with AEW, with his deal believed to have been frozen after he took time off in 2025. No internal memo has gone out within AEW about Jericho leaving the company, and he is still accepting outside convention dates, which is unusual if he were signed to WWE.

Why it matters

Jericho's status has been a topic of speculation for fans, as he is one of the biggest stars in AEW and a potential return to WWE would be a major storyline. This backstage update provides clarity on his current contractual situation and suggests he remains committed to AEW for the time being.

The details

The mystery box that appeared on "WWE Raw" this week fueled speculation that Jericho could be making a surprise return to WWE at the upcoming Elimination Chamber event in Chicago. However, according to Fightful Select, Jericho is still "firmly" under contract with AEW, with his deal believed to have been frozen after he took time off in 2025. No internal memo has gone out within AEW about Jericho leaving the company, and he is still accepting outside convention dates, which is unusual if he were signed to WWE. Jericho has previously stated he'd be open to a WWE return, but was worried he would have to give up his remaining outside projects to do so.

  • The mystery box appeared on "WWE Raw" on Monday, February 18, 2026.
  • The box was marked with the message "Do not open until 2-28", the date of the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago, Illinois.

The players

Chris Jericho

A former AEW World Champion who is currently under contract with AEW, despite speculation about a potential return to WWE.

Fightful Select

A wrestling news outlet that reported the backstage update on Jericho's AEW status.

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What they’re saying

“Jericho is still "firmly" under contract with AEW.”

— Fightful Select, News Outlet

“Jericho has said he'd be open to a WWE return, but was worried he would have to give up his remaining outside projects to do so.”

— Fightful Select, News Outlet

What’s next

The mystery box on "WWE Raw" will likely be opened at the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago on February 28, 2026, potentially providing more clarity on Jericho's status.

The takeaway

Despite the speculation fueled by the mystery box on "WWE Raw", this backstage update suggests that Chris Jericho remains firmly committed to AEW, with no indication that he is leaving the company in the near future. Fans will have to wait and see what the box contains, but for now, Jericho appears to be staying put in AEW.