According to multiple reports, Chris Jericho may be set to return to WWE programming earlier than many fans anticipated.

Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel reports that Jericho’s AEW contract is scheduled to expire at midnight on December 31. With that timeline in mind, WWE is said to be considering an appearance for Jericho at the Raw on Netflix anniversary show on January 5, rather than waiting until the Royal Rumble on January 31.

Further fueling speculation, Jon Alba of SI.com noted that his sources “also believe he’s going to show up on WWE TV very soon,” though no official confirmation has been made.

Dave Meltzer also addressed the situation stating that he also believes Jericho’s contract is nearing its expiration. Meltzer added that while many within the wrestling industry expect Jericho to return to WWE as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, nothing has been confirmed.

“Most in wrestling think he’s going to WWE as a surprise for the Rumble,” Meltzer wrote. “It’s nothing confirmed but it’s also something that I don’t imagine will be confirmed because if he is going, I think Paul Levesque will keep the circle very small who is told.”

As of now, neither WWE nor Jericho has commented publicly on the reports, leaving the timing and nature of any potential return firmly in the realm of speculation.