In professional wrestling, the movement of talent between promotions remains a key storyline, with Chris Jericho’s possible exit from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) reigniting speculation about a WWE comeback in 2025. Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to expire at the end of this year, and rumors are circulating that WWE is already discussing his potential return, highlighting the ongoing career shifts among wrestling performers.
Historically, wrestling talent has frequently transitioned between organizations, particularly between AEW and WWE. While many free agents hail from Japan or the independent circuit, wrestlers already established in major promotions have sought new opportunities to rejuvenate or elevate their careers. For example, Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada, both top stars in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), were courted by WWE but chose AEW instead, showing the varied paths talent explore.
High-Profile Wrestlers Have Switched Allegiances
The flow of performers is reciprocal, with stars like Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Andrade, Pentagon, and Fenix departing AEW to join or return to WWE. Each move carries different levels of success, reflecting both the individual careers and the strategies of the promotions involved. This exchange adds dynamic interest for fans and impacts how each company is perceived in the wrestling marketplace.
Often, WWE boosts former AEW talent rapidly, positioning them as bigger stars in short order, an approach that contrasts with Tony Khan’s management style. This shift raises questions about AEW’s creative direction and talent utilization, especially regarding performers like Britt Baker, Jack Perry, and Anthony Ogogo, whose current contracts and roles remain uncertain.
Promotions as Career Platforms for Wrestlers and Fans
The choice of a wrestler to sign with a promotion signifies their belief in the company’s potential to advance their career, influencing fan perception and revenue streams like ticket sales and pay-per-view buys. This was notably different in the TNA era when former WWE talent moved there largely because WWE rejected them, exemplified by Christian Cage’s decision to sign with TNA over WWE for better career prospects.
When AEW entered the scene in 2019, it offered a fresh opportunity both creatively and competitively for talent and audiences alike. However, in recent years, some wrestlers who initially endorsed AEW have opted to shift their careers back to WWE, illustrating evolving dynamics between the two promotions.
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s Influence on AEW’s Path
Cody Rhodes‘s departure marked a turning point in AEW’s trajectory. His exit, combined with the controversial and tumultuous tenure of CM Punk, prompted industry observers to question Tony Khan‘s role as a serious promoter versus a passionate fan leveraging family wealth to fund AEW as a vanity project.
Yet, Chris Jericho’s early involvement was crucial for AEW’s initial legitimacy. His presence brought credibility that encouraged longtime wrestling fans to invest in AEW through pay-per-view purchases and ticket sales. Given the collapse of WCW two decades earlier, many fans were skeptical of new promoters claiming they could rival WWE.
Jericho’s Legacy Tied to AEW’s Success
Jericho took a significant risk by associating with a startup promotion like AEW, effectively placing part of his legacy on its success or failure. A flop would have tainted his star power, but instead, his career helped establish the promotion as a serious contender. Since the debut of AEW Dynamite in October 2019, Jericho proved he retained high in-ring capability even as he approached 50, serving as an anchor and veteran mentor for newer talent gaining national exposure.
Despite his contributions, Jericho’s AEW run has gradually diminished over the last two years. His frequent appearances led to some fan fatigue, and attempts to address criticism with gimmicks such as “the learning tree” were met with mixed reactions, sometimes leaning toward cringe rather than effective counterpoints. Still, Jericho remained the biggest star on the AEW roster—first world champion, leader of multiple stables, and a foundational figure who brought the brand respect and visibility.
The Case for Jericho’s WWE Homecoming
Many insiders and fans believe Jericho deserves to conclude his career in WWE with the fanfare and recognition befitting a wrestler of his caliber, including a WWE Hall of Fame induction. Having spent a majority of his career with WWE, a return aligns logically with his history and the company’s tradition of honoring its legends.
how can we miss you if you don’t go away?
—Jim Cornette’s adage captures the sentiment perfectly, as Jericho has been absent from WWE audiences for seven years, building anticipation for a return.
Given Jericho’s age and established reputation, his appearances could be carefully limited, avoiding overly risky performances while still generating substantial buzz simply through the novelty of his WWE comeback. A Hall of Fame induction and fresh merchandise would be lucrative for both Jericho and the WWE.
Jericho’s Departure Reflects Broader AEW Challenges
Jericho’s possible exit, anticipated to happen early next year, follows a standard AEW pattern where a talent fades from television before an official departure. With his AEW role having reached all it can offer, his leaving raises questions about AEW’s ability to sustain star power and momentum moving forward.
Jericho was pivotal in elevating AEW as a brand, and his departure could unsettle the company as it faces other challenges, such as the absence of Will Ospreay for at least a year due to injury, and Swerve Strickland sidelined with knee surgery. These factors combined emphasize a key question: how will AEW reconfigure its roster and appeal in the coming years to maintain competitiveness?
The Road Ahead for AEW and Jericho’s Legacy
Chris Jericho’s return to WWE seems nearly inevitable given the circumstances, but the larger impact of his exit on AEW remains unclear. His departure underscores a critical moment for the promotion, which must adapt to roster changes and continue evolving its product amid shifting wrestling industry landscapes.
As Jericho likely prepares for a final run inside WWE, the industry will watch closely to see how AEW adjusts and whether it can fill the void left by one of its founding stars, ensuring its place in professional wrestling’s future.
