Speculation about Chris Jericho‘s AEW future has intensified as the veteran wrestler remains absent from All Elite Wrestling programming since April of last year. Reports suggest Jericho’s contract may be frozen, fueling rumors of a possible final AEW run before a potential move to WWE. Alongside this, other stories such as Miranda Alize attending a WWE tryout and Britt Baker sharing updates on her hiatus have emerged, painting a complex picture of AEW’s current talent landscape.
Miranda Alize Seen at WWE Tryouts After AEW Departure
Miranda Alize, who returned to AEW last year during Collision: Maximum Carnage alongside Nixon Newell, has recently appeared in a WWE tryout. The tag team lost their first match against Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir, but subsequently walked out of an anticipated bout versus TayJay citing disagreements over match length. This unexpected exit caused debate among fans, especially as AEW later signed replacements Hyan and Maya World to fill their spot. With fellow wrestler Tegan Nox announcing a likely retirement in December, Alize’s future in professional wrestling remains uncertain while observers await confirmation about her WWE aspirations.
Chris Jericho’s AEW Status Sparks Debates on Possible Final Run
After months away from AEW shows, Chris Jericho’s continuing absence has led to intense speculation about his plans. Despite his lack of television appearances, Jericho remains listed on AEW’s official roster, and there have been no reports of formal exit notifications from the company. Analyst Sean Ross Sapp recently proposed that Jericho might return for one last AEW run before transitioning to WWE, but nothing has been confirmed. Since Jericho’s hiatus began in April 2023, fans and insiders alike are eager to see whether he will make a farewell appearance or quietly leave the promotion.
Britt Baker Addresses Her Current Career Status During AEW Break
Britt Baker, the former AEW Women’s World Champion, has been off all AEW television since November 2024. Although rumors circulated that she had left the promotion, AEW President Tony Khan insists Baker remains under contract without specifying a timetable for her return. In a recent interview with Adam Glyn on SI Red Carpet, Baker expressed gratitude to her fans and confirmed she has not retired from wrestling.
“I just love that the fans are still talking about me. Keep the chatter up because I love it, and just stay tuned… I would not say I’m retired, no,”
she said.
MJF Defends AEW World Title Amid Challengers with Prominent Wrestling Lineage
Since reclaiming his AEW World Championship at Worlds End in 2025, MJF has successfully defended his title across AEW and independent circuits. Recently at Limitless Wrestling 2026, he retained the belt against Alec Price, and most recently at Hog’s No Turning Back event, he faced challenger Zilla Fatu. Despite interference attempts from Andrade El Idolo and an ambush involving Lance Anoa’i, MJF secured victory by applying his signature submission hold. With a high-profile defense scheduled against “Hangman” Adam Page at Revolution 2026, the Wolf of Wrestling continues to solidify his reign.
AEW Announcer Excalibur Contemplates Possible Return to In-Ring Competition
Excalibur, a staple of AEW’s broadcast team since 2019, has a rich wrestling background including stints at MPW, AWS, ROH, CZW, and as a founding member of PWG. Although retired from active competition since 2007, the Michigan native recently acknowledged an occasional temptation to wrestle again. He named Daniel Garcia and TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher as dream opponents but also recognized the physical toll wrestling has taken on him.
“But then I’ll stand up and my knees will crack and my lower back will twinge and I’ll say, ‘Oh, you know what? Maybe that itch is better left unscratched,”
he shared. Whether Excalibur will step back into the ring for AEW remains an open question.
What These Developments Mean for AEW’s Future
The situation with Chris Jericho exemplifies the uncertain trajectory of top AEW talent, highlighting the tension between established stars and roster transitions. Miranda Alize’s WWE tryout signals shifting opportunities for independent wrestlers, while Britt Baker’s ongoing hiatus adds further ambiguity regarding AEW’s women’s division. Meanwhile, MJF’s championship defenses underscore the promotion’s competitive core. Excalibur’s reflections show how even long-term contributors ponder life beyond the commentator role. Collectively, these stories illustrate a period of transition within AEW, with future signings, departures, and returns poised to shape the company’s direction in the months ahead.
Britt Baker gives an update since her hiatus for over a year from AEW television programming.
(credit: Adam Glyn) pic.twitter.com/l1Rj59QxxO
— gifadamus (@istomatoafruit) February 20, 2026
