WWE Crate Ignites Jericho Return Buzz, Sources Deny Link

A mysterious large crate appeared on the set of WWE's Raw episode on February 16, igniting widespread fan speculation that it contained former AEW star Chris Jericho, potentially signaling his return to WWE. The crate, labeled with instructions not to open it until February 28, 2026, was positioned prominently during the broadcast, leading to immediate online buzz about Jericho's possible involvement. However, multiple sources familiar with the matter indicate that the reveal is not connected to Jericho, who remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling.

The speculation arose amid ongoing questions about Jericho's professional status. Jericho, a veteran wrestler known for his stints in both WWE and AEW, has not appeared on AEW television since April 2024. Reports from sources close to the situation suggest his AEW contract, originally set to expire at the end of 2025, was likely paused or frozen following his decision to take an extended break in mid-2025. This arrangement aligns with industry practices where time off for personal reasons or minor injuries can lead to extensions, sometimes by weeks or months. For instance, past cases in AEW, such as wrestler Matt Hardy's deal...