Chris Jericho’s future in wrestling is stirring conversation again as Matt Hardy, renowned TNA World Tag Team Champion, broached the topic during a recent episode of his podcast,
“The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy.”
Hardy’s reflection on Jericho’s current status raises questions about what direction the multi-time champion’s career could take as his run in AEW nears a possible conclusion. The discussion comes amid heightened speculation from fans and industry insiders about the next phase in Jericho’s storied legacy.
Jericho’s AEW Journey and Current Perception Among Fans
Matt Hardy acknowledged the impact Chris Jericho has had on AEW from its inception, crediting him as one of the foundational figures of the promotion. Reflecting on Jericho’s contributions, Hardy emphasized how crucial Jericho’s involvement was to AEW’s rapid rise, particularly as its inaugural World Champion. Despite this legacy, Hardy noted a shift in fan sentiment regarding Jericho’s presence and AEW’s evolving brand identity. He described Jericho’s more recent segments, including “the Learning Tree” storyline, and his absence from television, as indicators that change might be imminent for the veteran performer.
“I just think he’s at that point where his run feels kind of done in AEW, for better or for worse. And it just kind of is what it is. He was obviously a huge focal point, and he is one of the early builders and architects of AEW. You know, without Chris Jericho coming in and giving them equity as their first World Champion, I don’t think AEW follows in the same direction that it did, initially. It doesn’t take off as fast as it did. So he was very beneficial to them. You know, he was like a pillar of their beginnings.”
– Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion
According to Hardy, the AEW audience has shown preference for younger, technically-oriented wrestlers, signaling a desire for change from established stars who focus more on entertainment than wrestling prowess. He suggested this trend has possibly contributed to Jericho’s reduced on-screen presence, as well as speculation about what lies ahead for him.
“The fan base right now is not necessarily into older performers that entertain as much as they wrestle. They want wrestlers. You know, ‘We’re the best wrestlers.’ That’s what it’s branded as, ‘Where the best wrestle.’ And Chris, obviously, with the the Learning Tree stuff which didn’t end up getting over huge. And everything else, and him being off TV for a while, and his deal coming up. I mean, Chris has always been really good at knowing when it’s time to go somewhere else and freshen up, put a new, fresh coat of paint on. And I think he’s willing to do that. And with WWE it’s not like he’s some young whippersnapper that’s going to come in and sign a five-year deal and do whatever. But I think he can come in, he can appear. He would be a massive star, especially if he’s utilized in the right way. He can have big matches that can mean something. I think he could pop over and do something at TNA, which should be cool. He’s never done that before.”
– Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion
The Possibility of Jericho Returning to WWE
Another avenue discussed by Hardy was the potential of Chris Jericho making a return to WWE. Hardy sees this move as a fitting stage for Jericho, albeit with a unique role suited to his career stage. While not expecting Jericho to join as a full-time performer, Hardy believes WWE could position him as a special attraction or an ambassador, utilizing his character and legacy for high-profile appearances. The suggestion aligns with Jericho’s ongoing commitments to his band Fozzy and other endeavors, making a limited but impactful WWE engagement a likely scenario.
“I think he would be an ambassador that could perform every now and then. But he is seen more as a novelty act, I think in WWE. I think that’s how it would be viewed as more. And I know he’s still looking to Fozzy. He’s got a bunch of dates coming up and whatnot. But I think there’s so much value and equity in Chris Jericho, and WWE will put him in a position to succeed.”
– Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion
Speculation on a TNA Debut and Industry Crossover
Hardy also mentioned the potential excitement if Chris Jericho were to appear on TNA programming, something the veteran has never previously done. With the recent WWE and TNA partnership opening new doors, Hardy speculated that a cross-promotional appearance could benefit both Jericho and TNA. Such a move would allow Jericho to “check off” a significant milestone in his extensive wrestling career and would likely draw additional attention to TNA as well.
“He’s never done it. He’s never done TNA. And with the WWE/TNA, partnership, I feel like he would be a great guy that could come and show up, just be on TNA programming. And it is a huge deal for TNA, and then he also gets to check that off his bucket list, that he has appeared for TNA.”
– Matt Hardy, TNA World Tag Team Champion
What Comes Next for Chris Jericho?
As Matt Hardy observed, Chris Jericho’s next move could redefine elements of the pro wrestling landscape. While his influential stint in AEW may be winding down, potential appearances in WWE as an ambassador, or even a debut in TNA, could allow Jericho to continue shaping the industry in new ways. His reputation as a wrestling legend and builder of modern organizations ensures that wherever he lands, his presence will spark both fan interest and industry discussion around the future of professional wrestling.
