Chris Jericho AEW return promo took center stage after Ortiz, a notable former partner, made a dramatic return to AEW television after 18 months away. This comeback unfolded during the Zero Hour pre-show segment preceding AEW Worlds End on December 27 in Chicago, Illinois, marking a powerful moment in the ongoing wrestling storylines involving several well-known allies.
Ortiz, who once stood beside Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Mike Santana, and Jack Hager as part of The Inner Circle since 2019, became a fixture in AEW’s tag landscape until the stable dissolved in 2022. Following the group’s end, Ortiz and Santana continued their partnership briefly before heading their separate ways. In early 2024, Ortiz joined Eddie Kingston in a tag team loss to Bryan Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli on AEW Collision, an encounter that saw Ortiz sidelined by a torn pectoral muscle. After a stint as a coach in the fall, Ortiz wrestled in pre-show matches, including a bout against Hook, but his return to broadcast TV has been highly anticipated by fans and insiders alike.
The Dramatic Rescue of Eddie Kingston
Ortiz’s televised comeback was set in motion when Eddie Kingston faced Zack Gibson, representing one half of the Grizzled Young Veterans, at Zero Hour. Despite Kingston earning a hard-fought victory, he fell victim to a brutal post-match assault by the tag team duo. Ortiz made a surprise appearance, intervening just in time to halt the attack and lend aid to his long-standing ally, the “Mad King.” This timely rescue instantly reignited the tension between Ortiz and the villainous Grizzled Young Veterans, drawing the attention of the AEW audience and signaling a renewed rivalry on the horizon.
Fiery Backstage Confrontation Sets Stage for New Rivalry
Shortly after the dramatic intervention, Ortiz joined Kingston in a backstage segment to issue an impassioned warning to their adversaries. Addressing the Grizzled Young Veterans, Ortiz delivered a blistering message:
18 months I’ve been sitting on the sideline watching scum like the Grizzle Young Vets run rampage all over AEW. Disrespect. You call yourself veterans, and then you have the audacity to treat a true veteran the way you’ve been treating him (Eddie). But guess what? I’m hungry. I’m healthy. And I’m ready to eat some food. And you best believe, Grizzle Young Vets, that I’m coming with that fire.
His words underscored the frustration and hunger that had been building during his prolonged absence. The energy and conviction of Ortiz’s promo set an unmistakably intense tone for the feud to come.
Ortiz further emphasized the burning motivation shared between himself and Kingston:
“We’ve been dying for war … We’re not the same without a fight.”— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW)
In this statement, the wrestlers hinted at their restless anticipation for in-ring combat, vowing to pursue the Grizzled Young Veterans with renewed aggression and purpose.
Chris Jericho’s Contract Status Fuels WWE Speculation
While Ortiz’s in-ring return dominated headlines, Chris Jericho himself became a focal point of speculation about his AEW future. Reports surfaced suggesting Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling may be expiring this month, and some fans are openly wondering if a WWE return could be next for the veteran superstar. These rumors gained traction after Jericho commented during a live episode of his YouTube show, The Winnipeggers. When asked by a viewer if he might go back to WWE, Jericho responded simply: You never know.
This ambiguous answer has only intensified curiosity in the wrestling world, adding another layer of intrigue to AEW’s turbulent roster and storyline dynamics.
Potential Impact on AEW’s Tag Team and Main Event Scene
The return of Ortiz not only changes the dynamics of his ongoing feud with the Grizzled Young Veterans, but it also reinvigorates AEW’s tag and faction storylines. With the “Mad King” Eddie Kingston and Ortiz now focused on a common enemy, the company’s fans can expect fierce confrontations and possibly the reformation of a formidable alliance. The fallout from this impassioned return promo may also signal new rivalries or reshuffle alliances within the broader landscape of AEW, keeping audiences engaged and speculation lively as the promotion moves into the new year.
Simultaneously, questions surrounding Chris Jericho’s next move—whether he remains with AEW or entertains opportunities elsewhere—are sure to keep both AEW and WWE followers on edge, eager for updates about the next chapter in the storied wrestler’s career.
"We've been dying for war … We're not the same without a fight."
EXCLUSIVE: @Ortiz_powerful made his return to AEW, saving long-time friend Eddie Kingston from the hands of the Grizzled Young Vets! Now, they're angry and hungry for a fight – anytime, anywhere! pic.twitter.com/OZ7JVI4hru
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 28, 2025
