Chris Jericho’s AEW contract appears to have been frozen, according to a report from Fightful on Tuesday. Sources close to both Jericho and AEW believe this action followed Jericho taking time away from the company early last year. Despite numerous official inquiries by Fightful about whether Jericho had left AEW, the organization has declined to respond. Jericho’s profile remains active on AEW’s website, and no internal announcement has been made about his status, which Fightful notes is unusual for the company.
Uncertainty Surrounding Jericho’s Wrestling Future
Jericho’s future in professional wrestling has become increasingly unclear. His AEW contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, fueling speculation about his next move. Reports from November revealed that WWE offered Jericho a retirement storyline, while in December, Jericho himself stated he was “pretty sure” he would continue wrestling somewhere in 2026. Jericho has been with AEW since its beginning in 2019, but his last televised appearance for AEW was in April, when he informed his Learning Tree associates Big Bill and Bryan Keith that he was taking time away from wrestling.
Implications of Jericho’s Current Status for AEW and Wrestling Fans
The uncertainty surrounding Chris Jericho’s contract and absence has created concern among AEW followers and the wrestling community at large. Jericho, a cornerstone since AEW’s inception, holds significant influence within the company and its fanbase. How AEW addresses this situation will likely impact the company’s programming and Jericho’s career trajectory. Wrestling enthusiasts will be watching closely for updates as this story develops.
“I was pretty sure I would be wrestling somewhere in 2026.” ?Chris Jericho, Professional Wrestler
