Chris Jericho’s potential WWE return is gaining momentum after the wrestling icon was recently seen with current WWE ring announcer Mike Rome, fueling speculation about his future beyond AEW. Meanwhile, top WWE female star Nikki Bella has hinted at a character transformation following her full-time comeback, and rising star Lyra Valkyria voiced her excitement over AJ Lee’s surprise WWE return.

Jericho and WWE Announcer Mike Rome Reunite, Sparking Return Rumors

In a widely shared photo on social media, Chris Jericho was spotted alongside WWE ring announcer Mike Rome at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights event, stirring the wrestling world’s curiosity. Rome posted a photo of the two, captioning the moment as a fun reunion among “old friends,” which came at a time when Jericho’s absence from AEW television and upcoming contract expiration has fans and insiders buzzing about a possible return to WWE[3][5].

Jericho’s current contract with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire at the end of 2025, and while he has been mostly off AEW programming since April, he remains under contract. WWE insiders suggest there is a genuine belief within the company that Jericho could rejoin the roster once his deal with AEW concludes. The photograph with Rome, who is an active WWE personality, adds plausible context to these rumors[3].

Addressing these speculations in an interview at the same Halloween event, Jericho stated that he was committed to AEW “for a long while” but did not close the door on returning to WWE eventually. He praised the existence of two major wrestling promotions, noting that competition is excellent for wrestlers and fans alike:

“The best thing that can happen to wrestling is AEW, and the fact that there are two huge promotions that you can choose from just makes it better for the guys, makes it better for the fans, and everybody in between. I’m not going anywhere for a long while… Would I go back to WWE? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. We just have to see what happens[1][2][4].”

Sources close to Jericho reveal that while no official deal with WWE is currently signed, conversations may increase once his AEW commitments near completion[3].

Nikki Bella Eyes Heel Turn in WWE as She Plans Character Refresh

On the women’s side of WWE, Nikki Bella is ready for a new chapter. After making a full-time return in June and taking on challenges such as facing Becky Lynch leading into the Clash in Paris pay-per-view, Nikki indicated in recent interviews that she’s considering turning heel—a shift in wrestling parlance meaning adopting a villainous persona[Reference Summary].

Fans and analysts see this potential heel turn as a strategic way for Nikki to stand out and reach fresh dramatic heights in her in-ring storytelling. Speaking on a podcast, sources close to Nikki shared that the former Divas Champion wants to embrace a more aggressive and darker character to rejuvenate her WWE presence and compete at the highest level[Reference Summary].

Lyra Valkyria Reacts to AJ Lee’s WWE Return

The WWE Universe was buzzing after AJ Lee’s surprise return to the company. Lyra Valkyria, one of WWE’s top female talents, expressed genuine excitement and respect for Lee’s comeback during a recent interview. Lyra described AJ as an inspiration and praised her impact on women’s wrestling:

“AJ Lee paved the way for so many of us. Seeing her back means so much to the locker room and the fans alike. She’s a legend, and her influence still resonates[Reference Summary].”

This reaction underscores the legacy of AJ Lee and the anticipation around her new role, which WWE insiders hint may involve mentoring or on-screen appearances that connect generational talent[Reference Summary].

What’s Next for WWE’s Female Division and Jericho’s Future?

With Nikki Bella potentially turning heel and AJ Lee’s return breathing excitement into the women’s roster, WWE’s female division looks poised for intriguing developments that could redefine storylines leading into the next major pay-per-views.

Meanwhile, Chris Jericho remains a major storyline focal point beyond the ring. His recent public interactions with WWE personnel, combined with confirmed contract timelines, make the prospect of his WWE return one of the most captivating rumors in pro wrestling today. As one WWE insider put it:

“Jericho is a treasure. If he comes back, it would be a huge moment symbolizing the blending of eras. He can still deliver charismatic promos and match quality no one else can. The door is open, but only time will tell[3].”

Fans and analysts alike will be watching the weeks ahead closely as AEW and WWE navigate this wrestling chess game, while in WWE’s women’s division, fresh character shifts promise to keep the excitement high.

This article is based on recent reports from WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, and interviews conducted during WWE and AEW events.