Chris Jericho AEW career end is emerging as a headline topic as his current contract runs out this year, prompting speculation about his future with All Elite Wrestling and possible return to WWE. As one of the company’s defining figures since 2019, Jericho’s potential exit marks a pivotal moment, with several compelling scenarios that could conclude his legendary run.
How Swerve Strickland Could Be Jericho’s Final Opponent
Since joining AEW, Chris Jericho has been instrumental in establishing the promotion’s credibility, helping to legitimize Tony Khan’s vision. Although his more recent performances have faced criticism, the veteran continues to play a key role in shaping AEW’s direction.
One scenario under discussion involves Swerve Strickland, a performer whose popularity has soared over the past two years. Known for his ability to excel as both a fan favorite and a villain, Strickland stands out as a dynamic adversary. Tony Khan could orchestrate a final feud between Jericho and Strickland, aiming to rejuvenate Jericho’s narrative with a fresh rivalry that counters the underwhelming tone of his latest storylines.
In this potential angle, Jericho could reunite with Big Bill and Bryan Keith, forming a formidable alliance to challenge Strickland. The build-up would showcase weeks of intense exchanges, culminating at a major pay-per-view event. To increase excitement, a high-stakes stipulation could be added to the bout. Ultimately, Strickland vanquishing Jericho in a blockbuster sendoff would not only spotlight Strickland’s ascent but provide Jericho the kind of poignant farewell worthy of his tenure.
Reviving a Storied Rivalry with Jon Moxley
Another plausible end for Jericho in AEW centers on his complex feud with Jon Moxley. Their shared history began with Moxley’s dramatic debut, where he unleashed a memorable assault on Jericho, igniting a rivalry that has delivered numerous electrifying moments. Moxley’s victory over Jericho at Revolution 2020 to claim his first AEW World Title remains a landmark event for the promotion.
Given their established chemistry and the stakes of their history, Jericho’s swansong could feature one last confrontation with Moxley. The storyline could escalate as Jericho challenges Moxley to risk his AEW career, setting up a dramatic showdown where the loser must leave the company. Such a contest would not only provide a satisfying narrative conclusion but hand Jon Moxley a significant triumph, firmly closing this chapter of their feud while underscoring what makes AEW’s storytelling so compelling.
Conclusion of a Rivalry with Adam Page
Jericho and Adam Page share a storied past dating back to AEW’s earliest days. In 2019, Jericho defeated the “Anxious Millennial Cowboy” at All Out to become the first AEW World Champion, denying Page a defining achievement. As Page’s career has evolved—including his victory in the prestigious Owen Hart Cup—an opportunity for closure with Jericho could arise soon.
If Page overcomes Jon Moxley at All In: Texas and claims the AEW World Title, Jericho might emerge as a key challenger. A mini-feud leading to a championship match at the year’s final pay-per-view would allow Page not only to defend his title but to confront his history with Jericho directly. Retaining the championship against Jericho would symbolize Page overcoming previous setbacks, offering the audience full-circle storytelling and providing Jericho with a graceful, memorable exit from AEW’s marquee events.
Big Bill: Protégé’s Breakout and Mentorship Complete
A different path for Jericho’s departure could center on his mentorship of Big Bill. Despite Big Bill’s charisma and potential, he has yet to receive an extended singles spotlight in AEW. As signs of friction have emerged between the once-allied duo, a falling out could become Jericho’s final feud.
The story could unfold with Jericho distancing himself from Big Bill, sparking an intense personal rivalry. Their eventual singles encounter would be positioned as a career-defining bout for Big Bill. A victory over Jericho would elevate Big Bill’s status significantly, framing him as a future mainstay for AEW, and simultaneously honoring Jericho’s reputation for elevating emerging talent. This kind of torch-passing moment serves both characters and rewards long-term fans with emotional resonance.
What Jericho’s Exit Would Mean for Wrestling
With his AEW contract winding down, speculation intensifies over whether Jericho will return to WWE, particularly with past ties to Triple H and a reputation that commands attention. Each exit storyline—be it a climactic battle with Swerve Strickland, a final high-stakes clash with Jon Moxley, resolution with Adam Page, or mentoring Big Bill—offers AEW an opportunity to celebrate Jericho’s extraordinary influence, shape the future for rising stars, and provide fans with meaningful closure.
However Jericho’s journey concludes, the end of his run in AEW will reverberate beyond the ring, leaving a legacy for both the stars he elevates and the audience that has followed him through decades of unforgettable wrestling moments.
