Chris Jericho’s AEW status and return update have become the center of speculation after the wrestling veteran took a sudden hiatus from All Elite Wrestling in April, with fans expressing concern following his dramatic weight loss seen during recent public appearances. The absence has fueled rumors about whether Jericho, a cornerstone of the company and a former WWE champion, is set to make a comeback soon.
Jericho’s Hiatus Since April and Last AEW Appearance
Chris Jericho last appeared before fans on the April 9 episode of AEW television, where tensions within his stable, ‘The Learning Tree,’ boiled over. During that segment, Jericho publicly confronted his teammates Big Bill and Bryan Keith, berating them for failing to secure the tag team titles and for not stepping in to support him at AEW Dynasty, where he attempted to defend the ROH World Championship against Bandido. Following this volatile exchange, Jericho made it clear to his stablemates and viewers that he intended to step away from AEW for an unspecified period.
Despite his hiatus, Jericho has maintained communication with fans about his situation. He recently posted a photo on X, relaxing and acknowledging his attendance at the Washington State Summer Convention. The snapshot shocked many, as supporters noted that at 54 years old, Jericho looked nearly unrecognizable due to his substantial weight loss, intensifying discussion about his return status and overall wellbeing.
Speculation Swirls Over AEW Comeback Timeline
As a vital force in AEW’s locker room, Jericho’s continued absence has prompted growing questions about his role moving forward. Many wondered if the veteran and popular personality was even still tied to the promotion. For now, it appears Jericho remains associated with AEW, although writers have not yet devised a storyline for his return.
Regarding his time away, Jericho’s extracurricular ventures were also noted. He spent a portion of his break touring with his rock band, Fozzy, and engaged in television work, taping undisclosed shows during his hiatus. The most telling insight came from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, who addressed Jericho’s current situation directly.
His Fozzy tour is over. So it’s like right now he’s done some TV work while he’s been gone, a couple of TV shows that were, he filmed, but, as far as, coming back to AEW there’s, you know, nothing on the table right now, but I think he’s you know, as far as is he ready and available? I mean, technically he’s always been available, even when he tours. Wednesday’s opened, but, you know, I think that he felt that it was time for a break. And so that’s that. So that’s the deal with them.
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
While Meltzer clarified that Jericho’s Fozzy commitments have ended and that Jericho is technically ready for AEW, no creative plans or concrete return dates have been proposed. The sense is that Jericho himself believed it was the right moment for a personal break, leaving the future open to interpretation.
Jericho’s Recent Public Engagements and Fan Response
Amidst ongoing uncertainty, Jericho has appeared at various events, most recently making an appearance at Crusherfest in Milwaukee. Each public sighting has sparked conversation among attendees and fans on social media, with speculation not just about his AEW future, but about his health and what such visible changes in appearance could signal.
Key figures in the wrestling community, such as Bryan Keith and Big Bill, remain part of the narrative due to their on-screen entanglement with Jericho during his final appearance on AEW programming. AEW writers and company officials have not provided further comments regarding Jericho’s next move, nor have they hinted at what storyline could mark his eventual comeback.
What This Means for AEW and Wrestling Fans
Chris Jericho’s status has created a tense atmosphere among fans, as one of the company’s most enduring names remains on the sidelines with his return date unclear. Given his leadership and star power within AEW, as well as his deep roots in the wrestling world from WWE and his association with the band Fozzy, Jericho’s absence is being felt both in ongoing storylines and backstage morale. His significant weight loss and public profile continue to keep speculation high. Until AEW officially announces a direction for his character or a date for his return, the situation remains uncertain, with the wrestling world eagerly awaiting further developments about Chris Jericho’s AEW status and return update.
