Chris Jericho has become the focus of renewed WWE return rumors following his absence from television since April 2025 and reports of his exit from AEW. The ongoing uncertainty about Jericho’s future has been amplified by his continued presence on AEW’s official roster page, keeping fans and insiders guessing about his next steps.
Wrestling analyst Vince Russo added fuel to these Chris Jericho WWE return rumors by suggesting that Jericho might be leveraging his situation for the best possible outcome. While Jericho’s AEW contract is reportedly finished, the confusion persists, leaving the wrestling community divided about whether he will remain with AEW or make a grand return to WWE.
Vince Russo Offers Insight on Jericho’s Strategy
The wrestling world has speculated that Jericho could be negotiating with both companies. Vince Russo, appearing on the Coach & Bro podcast, emphasized Jericho’s intelligence and tactical approach:
“Let’s be honest. If anybody knows Jericho, you are talking about a very, very smart, intelligent human being. What’s probably going on here is Chris is probably playing two ends against the middle, knowing damn well what he could get from Tony Khan,” said Russo. [H/T TJRWrestling]
This assessment from Russo points to the possibility that Jericho’s status is not as clear-cut as it appears, reinforcing the idea that he is keeping all his options open and maintaining leverage in discussions with both AEW and WWE leadership.
Tony Khan Responds to Jericho’s Roster Position
With speculation mounting, AEW President Tony Khan was questioned by Adrian Hernandez about why Chris Jericho remains featured on AEW’s official roster. Khan highlighted Jericho’s critical role in the company’s evolution, underlining their shared history:
“Well, first of all, I’m really grateful whenever I talk about people who have been here from the very beginning and think about that first show in Las Vegas. None of this would be possible without Jericho, who’s been instrumental in AEW from the start. I love Chris very much, and I would say that Chris is always a big part of AEW. This promotion is here to stay, and Chris Jericho is a huge part of our history. We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and Chris is an instrumental part of that,” Khan stated.
Khan’s remarks signal deep respect and appreciation for Jericho, but stop short of confirming any concrete plans for his continued involvement with AEW or return to the company’s programming.
Fans Await an Official Announcement
As debate persists across wrestling forums and social media, the mystery around Chris Jericho’s next move continues to captivate audiences. With neither AEW nor WWE providing clarity on his status, only time will tell whether the Chris Jericho WWE return rumors will result in a dramatic comeback or a new chapter elsewhere. Wrestling fans are left eagerly watching for an official update regarding the future of Y2J, whose legacy and impact remain significant in both organizations.
