Chris Jericho, a celebrated figure in professional wrestling, has recently been surrounded by rumors regarding his possible return to WWE. According to WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long, Jericho’s presence in the ring remains impactful, even if he experiences losses. This observation highlights the unique ability Jericho has to maintain his status and fan support, fueling ongoing speculation about his future in the Stamford-based promotion.
Currently a top star in AEW, Jericho continues to impress audiences with his microphone skills and wrestling charisma. During a recent appearance on Sportskeeda’s The Wrestling Time Machine hosted by Mac Davis, Teddy Long shared insights into Jericho’s resilience and how he handles setbacks in the wrestling world.
Teddy Long on Jericho’s Skill in Protecting His Wrestling Persona
Teddy Long praised Jericho’s savvy approach to his wrestling career, emphasizing the veteran’s exceptional ability to recover quickly from defeats and preserve his momentum with fans. Long said,
“Chris Jericho, I love him. Great guy man. And one thing about Chris Jericho, Chris Jericho knows how to protect himself. He knows how to get out there, and he knows how to keep somebody from burying him. So like I said, he is the only guy, you could beat him 1 2 3 right in the middle, and he would get right up and get his heat back. People would forget all about how he got beat.” —Teddy Long, WWE Hall of Famer
This ability to rebound immediately helps Jericho stay relevant, regardless of match outcomes, presenting a strong case for why a WWE return could still be a significant event.
Bill Apter Weighs in on Jericho’s Wrestling Career Longevity
While Jericho’s talents are widely recognized, veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter expressed a different perspective regarding the longevity of Jericho’s in-ring career. Apter suggested that Jericho may have only a handful of matches left before transitioning to a different role within the industry.
Apter’s comments on The Wrestling Time Machine also proposed alternative ways Jericho could remain influential without wrestling regularly. He stated,
“I think more importantly than him wrestling in WWE, he needs may be to join a group (…) Not The Judgment Day. But maybe to come out with Heyman and The Oracle (…) I don’t know. I think his wrestling days may be limited. But do bring him in, his incredible creative mind.” —Bill Apter, Veteran Wrestling Journalist
This view hints at the possibility of Jericho contributing to WWE in a creative or managerial capacity rather than continuing as a full-time competitor.
What the Future May Hold for Chris Jericho
With such high-profile opinions circulating, the speculation about Chris Jericho WWE return rumors remains intense. Both Teddy Long and Bill Apter recognize Jericho’s significant influence in wrestling but differ on how he might best serve the business moving forward. Whether Jericho returns as a competitor or takes on a new role alongside prominent WWE figures like Paul Heyman and The Oracle will be a key point of interest for fans and insiders alike.
The excitement around Jericho’s next steps underlines his lasting impact on pro wrestling and suggests that whatever path he chooses, his presence is unlikely to be overshadowed anytime soon.
