Matt Hardy Predicts Chris Jericho’s 2026 TNA/WWE Crossover
Summary:
TNA World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy predicts Chris Jericho will debut in TNA Wrestling and return to WWE in 2026 during an episode of “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast. This forecast hinges on Jericho’s career legacy pursuits and the strategic WWE-TNA partnership established in January 2025, which enables talent exchanges between promotions. The collaboration has already produced cross-promotional matches featuring Joe Hendry and Leon Slater. Jericho’s potential dual-brand appearances would mark historic firsts – his TNA debut and first WWE match since 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble.
What This Means for Wrestling Fans:
- Historic crossovers: Prepare for unprecedented talent exchanges between WWE and TNA, expanding dream match possibilities
- Veteran career resurgence: Expect part-time legend appearances to increase strategic value for both promotions
- Brand visibility boost: TNA gains mainstream credibility through WWE-partnered talent showcases
- Contract evolution: Watch for more performers negotiating flexible deals to work multiple promotions simultaneously
Original Post Content:
2026 is now officially underway, and so are predictions for what may come out of it. On a recent edition of “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” TNA World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy specifically laid out a theory involving fellow wrestling veteran Chris Jericho, who is reportedly expected to return to WWE in the near future.
According to Matt, Jericho could also appear in TNA, WWE’s partner promotion. “My number one [prediction] is Chris Jericho will appear on TNA programming in 2026,” Matt said. “… He’s never done TNA, and with the WWE-TNA partnership, I feel like he would be a great guy that could come and show up just be on TNA programming and it is a huge deal for TNA.”
In January 2025, WWE and TNA confirmed a multi-year partnership that would allow talents from the “WWE NXT” and TNA brands to cross over into each other’s territories. This agreement has since expanded, giving some TNA stars opportunities to wrestle WWE main roster stars. Notable instances include Joe Hendry’s WWE WrestleMania 41 match against Randy Orton and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater competing against AJ Styles.
Should Jericho materialize on TNA television, it would mark his first ever taste of the Anthem-owned wrestling promotion. Matt Hardy specifically foresees Jericho as a part-time performer for WWE, still with potential to compete in big matches given his Fozzy band commitments.
Industry Context:
Related Developments:
- AJ Styles’ TNA Involvement – Shows top WWE stars actively participating in TNA storylines
- WWE Talent Recruitment Strategy – Explains WWE’s selective rehiring approach impacting veterans
People Also Ask:
- Q: Why would Chris Jericho leave AEW?
A: Matt Hardy suggests Jericho seeks fresh creative opportunities as fan preferences shift toward in-ring work over entertainment-focused veterans. - Q: How does the WWE-TNA partnership work?
A: The multi-year deal allows selective talent exchanges between NXT/TNA rosters, with recent expansion to main roster crossovers. - Q: Has Jericho ever wrestled in TNA?
A: No, Jericho has never appeared for TNA/Impact Wrestling during his 30+ year career. - Q: What WWE records does Jericho hold?
A: Jericho maintains the record for most Intercontinental Championship reigns (9) – one more than The Miz’s 8.
Wrestling Analyst Perspective:
“Jericho’s potential dual-brand movements represent a seismic shift in how veteran talent leverage cross-promotional partnerships. This isn’t just about surprise appearances – it’s about legacy-building through strategic brand alignment,” notes Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “The WWE-TNA collaboration could redefine career twilight years for top performers seeking meaningful final chapters.”
Key Terminology:
- WWE-TNA talent exchange protocol
- Cross-promotional wrestling appearances
- Veteran wrestler contract flexibility
- Interpromotional dream matches
- Part-time wrestling commitments
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