As Chris Jericho’s AEW contract is expected to expire at the end of 2025, discussions about his future have intensified. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently shared his perspective on the latest episode of Busted Open After Dark, urging Jericho to consider a final run in WWE rather than continuing elsewhere or retiring.
Bully Ray’s View on Jericho’s Next Steps
Bully Ray initiated the conversation by questioning whether Jericho should remain in AEW. While some fans have suggested Jericho might retire and move into a backstage executive role, Bully dismissed this idea firmly.
“You just want Chris Jericho to retire because he’s going to be 55 and work behind the scenes. I’m sorry. I just don’t,”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Instead, Bully emphasized that even a limited return to WWE would be valuable, particularly highlighting the potential for Jericho to work with emerging star LA Knight.
“I would bring Chris Jericho back to the WWE just to work with LA Knight. If you told me that that was the only thing he was going to do for one year, that’s good enough a reason alone.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
The Power of Nostalgia and Fan Reception
According to Bully Ray, Jericho’s return to WWE could benefit greatly from nostalgia, which remains a powerful draw in professional wrestling. Bully pointed out how Jericho’s debut entrance at an event like the Royal Rumble would excite fans dramatically.
“The beauty about going back to the WWE is Chris Jericho could show up at the WWE at the Royal Rumble with the same exact entrance that he made his debut in the WWE with… and that place would go f—ing bananas. Some people do nostalgia really well… and it does work for certain wrestling acts.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
On the other hand, Bully expressed skepticism regarding Jericho’s ability to innovate within AEW and whether that fanbase would embrace such efforts.
“Do I think that Chris Jericho could do something different in AEW? Yes, I do. Do I think the fans will be willing to accept it? No. I think Chris will be swimming upstream in AEW.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Encouraging Jericho’s Farewell in WWE
Ultimately, Bully Ray advocates for Jericho to end his in-ring career where he achieved great success and recognition. He suggests that Jericho should fully embrace his legacy and conclude his wrestling journey with WWE.
“Lean into it or go do what you should do, ride off into the sunset in the WWE,”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
With Jericho’s longtime ties to WWE and his storied history there, a final run might not only satisfy fans but also allow the wrestler to conclude his career on a memorable and meaningful note. Fans are likely to watch closely as Jericho’s contract timeline approaches, wondering if this advice will shape his next big decision.
