Chris Jericho 2026 Cruise: Talent Announced, No AEW Names Yet
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Chris Jericho’s Cruise Lineup Sparks Questions About AEW Future
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The announced talent for the 2026 Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise features a notable absence: current AEW stars, raising speculation about Chris Jericho’s long-term relationship with the promotion.
The Cruise and Its History
Chris Jericho has established the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager at sea cruise as a near-annual event, beginning in 2018. Since 2020, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been a key partner, sending a contingent of its wrestlers to participate and interact with fans. the cruise has become a popular destination for wrestling fans, offering a unique blend of live entertainment, meet-and-greets, and a vacation atmosphere.
The 2026 edition, scheduled to sail from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas from November 7-11, is already generating buzz – but not necessarily for the reasons Jericho might have hoped.
The Notable Omissions: Where are the AEW stars?
The initial lineup announcement for the 2026 cruise is striking for who isn’t on the list. While Chris Jericho himself is confirmed to appear, no other currently contracted AEW wrestlers are listed among the first wave of announced talent. This is a significant departure from previous years, where the cruise has served as a promotional platform for AEW and its stars.
Here’s a breakdown of the announced talent as of May 8, 2024:
| Wrestler/Personality | Notable Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Chris Jericho | AEW, Former WWE Star |
| Jeff Hardy | Former WWE, Impact Wrestling Star |
| to the palace | Musical Artist |
| The Great Muta | Legendary Japanese Wrestler |
| Dave LaGreca | SiriusXM host |
| Nic Nemeth (formerly Dolph Ziggler) | Former WWE Star |
| Bully ray | former WWE, TNA Star |
The absence of names like MJF, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, or even younger stars like Jamie Hayter and Darby Allin is notably noticeable. This has led to widespread speculation within the wrestling community.
What Does This Mean for Jericho and AEW?
Several theories are circulating regarding the lack of AEW depiction. The most prominent suggests that Jericho might potentially be preparing to depart AEW when his current contract expires. Jericho’s contract is reportedly up in late 2024 or early 2025, and negotiations have not been publicly discussed. The cruise lineup coudl be a signal that he is exploring options outside of AEW.
Another possibility is that AEW simply chose not to participate in this year’s cruise for budgetary or logistical reasons. Though, given the historical partnership and the promotional benefits the cruise has provided in the past, this seems less likely.
It’s also crucial to note that this is just the *initial* lineup announcement. More talent could be added in the coming months. However, the initial omission of AEW stars is a clear indication that something may be shifting.