Chris Jericho was the surprise headliner of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 NFL schedule release video on Thursday night. The AEW star and self-described lifelong Vikings fan stars alongside kicker Will Reichard in a restaurant-themed skit that “serves up” all 17 games on Minnesota’s upcoming slate.
The Ticketmaster-presented video follows Jericho as a waiter delivering each opponent as a custom dish from the kitchen, from a cheesehead board for the Week 1 Packers opener to flame-kissed fish for the Dolphins. A broken table during the Buffalo Bills section played as a wink to wrestling fans, while a sneaky Dianna Russini reference slipped into the Patriots leg.
The bit closes with Jericho cornering Reichard for an autograph “for a friend” named Chris Jericohen, a comedic alias that played to the wrestling-aware audience. The Vikings’ own schedule writeup referred to Jericho as a “longtime devoted Vikings fan” making a “special cameo,” underscoring that this was passion casting rather than a generic celebrity grab.
Latest Chapter In A Big NFL-Wrestling Crossover Year
Jericho’s appearance extends what has already been an unusually heavy stretch of pro wrestling crossover with the NFL in 2026. Three weeks ago, Swerve Strickland, Sheamus, and Raquel Rodriguez announced picks at the 2026 NFL Draft for the Jaguars, Titans, and Texans, respectively. Britt Baker also appeared on NFL Network’s draft coverage in her hometown of Pittsburgh.
The Miz has previously fronted Cleveland Browns schedule reveal videos, and Seth Rollins has done the same for the Chicago Bears, turning schedule day into something of an unofficial wrestling holiday. Jericho’s restaurant gag continues the tradition with arguably the most ambitious production yet.
On the in-ring side, Jericho is currently booked for the Stadium Stampede match at AEW Double or Nothing 2026 on May 24 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. The veteran signed a new multi-year AEW deal earlier this spring, effectively ending months of WWE return speculation.
The Vikings open the 2026 season at home against the Green Bay Packers on September 13 at 3:25 p.m. CT, kicking off the slate Jericho just served up.