Chris Jericho, known for his championship runs in both WWE and AEW, has been noticeably absent from AEW programming for several months. His last televised appearance occurred in April during an episode of Dynamite, where he lost the ROH World title to Bandido in a high-stakes title versus mask match at the Dynasty 2025 pay-per-view. Prior to stepping away, Jericho showed frustration toward his Learning Tree stablemates, Big Bill and Bryan Keith.
Although off-screen, Jericho remains in AEW’s orbit as Nigel McGuinness invoked his name during a recent Collision episode commentary. McGuinness connected Jericho with Big Bill and Bryan Keith, highlighting their alliance in The Learning Tree while they competed in a tornado tag match against Eddie Kingston and HOOK.
Contract Status and Speculation on Jericho’s WWE Future
Reports suggest that Chris Jericho’s contract with AEW, led by Tony Khan, is set to expire this October. Rumors have swirled about a possible return to WWE amid his ongoing AEW hiatus. However, Jericho addressed these circulating rumors in a recent interview with the Daily Mail, clarifying his stance on a potential WWE comeback.
“The best thing that can happen to wrestling is AEW and the fact that there are two huge promotions that you can choose from just makes it better for the guys, makes it better for the fans, and everybody in between. I’m not going anywhere for a long while. I’m still with AEW for right now. Would I go back to WWE? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. We just have to see what happens. The best thing that can happen is to have two great teams that you can play for, and that just makes everything bigger and more exciting,” Jericho said.
Balancing Career Choices amid Wrestling Industry Competition
Jericho’s remarks emphasize his recognition of the competitive wrestling landscape, where two major promotions enhance opportunities for performers and provide diverse entertainment for fans. While uncertain about his long-term future, he remains committed to AEW at present. This perspective underlines the shifting dynamics in professional wrestling, where performers like Jericho navigate contract negotiations and fan expectations carefully.
For the wrestling enthusiast community, especially followers of AEW and WWE, Jericho’s potential moves bear considerable weight. His decisions could influence the industry’s balance, shaping storylines and promotional rivalries going forward.
