Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens, two of the most iconic WWE talent of the past decade, were recently seen together in public once again—sparking a wildfire of speculation about Jericho’s wrestling future and the possibility of a WWE comeback. The reunion took place at the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars NHL game on October 30, 2025, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, where Jericho and Owens caught up as fans eagerly discussed what this might mean for their careers[1][2].
A Longtime Bond Rekindled in Tampa
Chris Jericho, a former AEW World Champion, and Kevin Owens, currently with WWE, shared a rare moment that reminded fans of their unforgettable WWE alliance and feud. Jericho posted a photo on Instagram captioned “Best Friends!” showing the two smiling side-by-side at the hockey game[1][2]. This public reunion ignited rumors about a possible collaboration or storyline reunion, especially given Jericho’s AEW contract is coming to an end by the close of 2025, leaving his future open.
Their history in WWE (2016-2017) was marked by memorable moments such as the “List of Jericho” and the dramatic “Festival of Friendship” segment, culminating in a WrestleMania 33 match that remains a highlight in both their careers. Fans are excited by the prospect of rekindling that dynamic in WWE once again[1][3].
Contract Situations and Return Speculation
Jericho has been absent from AEW television since April 2025 and has not renewed his contract, fueling speculation that he might return to WWE for a final run. According to sources close to WWE, there is genuine interest from the Stamford-based company in bringing Jericho back for one last high-profile stint before he retires[1][2].
Kevin Owens, on the other hand, is currently recovering from neck surgery performed in July 2025, after an injury forced him out of action earlier this year. WWE officials close to Owens have shared that while his return timeline depends on his healing progress, Owens hopes to be back in the ring within the next year[2][4].
Why WWE Fans Want Jericho Back with Owens
Several wrestling analysts and fan communities have expressed why Jericho returning to WWE to reunite with Owens would be a significant moment for the company and fans alike:
Iconic Chemistry: Jericho and Owens’ partnership brought some of WWE’s most entertaining and critically acclaimed segments, reestablishing Jericho as a top act with the “List of Jericho.” Their chemistry elevated both talents and captivated audiences[3].
Tag Team Title Potential: A reunion could lead to another run as Tag Team Champions, something WWE fans highly anticipate. Their ability to tell compelling stories together in the ring makes this a lucrative and exciting prospect[3].
Crowning Jericho’s Legacy: Many feel Jericho’s final WWE run should involve revisiting his classic feud and alliance with Owens, which helped define his late WWE career. It would also set the stage for a memorable send-off and possibly a Hall of Fame induction[3][7].
Fan Demand and Nostalgia: Wrestling fans continue to cherish their past storyline, particularly the “Festival of Friendship” and their WrestleMania showdown. Their reunion at the NHL game stirred a fresh wave of nostalgia and anticipation for their return[1][4].
Behind-the-Scenes Insight
According to a WWE insider familiar with the discussions, “WWE is actively exploring options to bring Jericho back in a way that feels impactful and respectful to his legacy. The reunion photo with Owens was no accident—it’s a subtle nod to fans that the door is open for something special.” The source added that negotiations are ongoing but the company wants to maximize Jericho’s final run with fresh angles and possible collaborations with Owens[1].
What Fans Can Expect Next
While Jericho has not officially announced his next career move, the ongoing buzz, social media interactions, and his physical absence from AEW TV all point towards a highly plausible WWE return. Fans should watch for announcements either during WWE’s upcoming events or the Royal Rumble 2026, a stage where Jericho’s surprise returns have historically occurred[7].
Meanwhile, Owens’ rehab progress is critical to any potential storyline revival. Should he return to full health next year, an on-screen reunion or feud could be in the pipeline, providing an emotional and high-profile storyline for WWE programming[2][4].
The photo of Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens together at the Tampa NHL game is more than just a nostalgic snapshot—it’s a potent symbol of one of wrestling’s best partnerships potentially poised for a historic final chapter. Whether this moment marks the beginning of a new journey in WWE or simply a friendly reunion remains to be seen, but wrestling fans worldwide will be watching closely.