Chris Jericho, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, has reached a significant milestone, marking 35 years since his debut match. Despite his long-standing presence in the wrestling world, Jericho has been notably absent from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) programming for several months, sparking rumors about his future with the promotion and beyond.
Jericho, the first-ever AEW World Champion, has not appeared on AEW television since April, when he abruptly parted ways with his allies Big Bill and Bryan Keith on an episode of Dynamite. This departure came shortly after he lost the ROH World Title to Bandido at Dynasty 2025. Since then, AEW has held multiple major events and pay-per-views without Jericho making an appearance, fueling speculation about his contract status and potential career moves.
Following Jericho’s social media activity, where he liked a post suggesting the end of his AEW contract, rumors intensified about a possible return to WWE, where he previously gained widespread fame. Reports have circulated that WWE is interested in re-signing him, though no official announcements have been made. Adding to the excitement, Jericho took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on his wrestling journey, commemorating the 35th anniversary of his first professional match against Lance Storm at the Ponoka Moose Hall in Ponoka, Alberta.
“Crazy to think it’s been 35 years to the day of my VERY FIRST MATCH! I faced Lance Storm in Ponoka, Alberta, at the Ponoka Moose Hall, in front of about 85 people. I have had a wonderful, amazing, one-in-a-million career since then, and the good news is….IT AIN’T OVER YET!” – posted Jericho.
Chris Jericho’s Absence and Career Reflection
Since leaving AEW programming in April, Chris Jericho has not been featured on any of the company’s shows. His exit followed closely after losing the ROH World Title to Bandido at Dynasty 2025, and despite AEW’s continued schedule of high-profile events, Jericho’s presence has been missing. This absence has sparked much speculation about his position within the company and beyond, especially considering the considerable legacy he holds as the inaugural AEW World Champion.
Fans and industry insiders alike wonder if Jericho’s hiatus signals a permanent departure or merely a break in his AEW tenure. The 54-year-old veteran’s social media hint about the possible end of his AEW contract has only added fuel to rumors about a potential WWE comeback, where several reports suggest the sports entertainment giant is keen to bring him back into their roster.
Upcoming Non-Wrestling Engagements for Jericho
Although Jericho remains absent from AEW rings, he is set to appear in other high-profile events outside wrestling. It was recently announced that he will host the official Q&A session for the world premiere of the horror film “Big Baby,” directed by Spider One. This event will take place at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival next week at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
“So excited to announce @chrisjerichofozzy will be hosting the Q&A for the World Premiere of BIG BABY at @screamfestla October 9th at 7:30pm. The screening is at the @chinesetheatres in Hollywood CA! Join @spiderone @krsyfox @brandonoscott @therealchazbono #adammarcinowski and the rest of the cast and crew for this epic night of horror and blood!🩸 🪓🍼,” said the official announcement on Instagram.
Jericho’s involvement in this event highlights his versatility and growing presence in entertainment beyond professional wrestling, demonstrating that his career trajectory continues to evolve.
What Lies Ahead for Chris Jericho in Wrestling
With Jericho’s 35-year career milestone now public and his high-profile hosting engagements lined up, uncertainty remains regarding his future in AEW. Wrestling fans and analysts are eager to see if Jericho will return to AEW programming or if a renewed WWE contract awaits him. Given Jericho’s history of reinvention and longevity, his declaration that “IT AIN’T OVER YET” suggests that the wrestling icon has many chapters left to write.
As AEW moves forward without their inaugural world champion currently in the spotlight, Jericho’s next moves will significantly impact the wrestling landscape. His legacy as a trailblazer in AEW and beyond ensures that any announcement about his career will captivate fans and shape the industry’s future dynamics.
Crazy to think it’s been 35 years to the day of my VERY FIRST MATCH! I faced Lance Storm in Ponoka, Alberta, at the Ponoka Moose Hall, in front of about 85 people. I have had a wonderful, amazing, one-in-a-million career since then, and the good news is….IT AIN’T OVER YET! pic.twitter.com/5yZ0BYRA6g
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) October 2, 2025
