A recent Tony Khan AEW star return update reveals that Chris Jericho, an All Elite Wrestling original and former World Champion, is currently waiting for creative directions to make his much-anticipated comeback to in-ring competition. Jericho, absent since his loss of the ROH World title to Bandido at the Dynasty PPV, has concluded his latest Fozzy tour and is standing by for guidance from AEW’s leadership.
Chris Jericho Ready for Return as Fozzy Tour Ends
Jericho, a key figure in the Jacksonville-based promotion, has not competed on television for almost two months following his defeat in April. As reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the conclusion of Fozzy’s latest tour leaves Jericho ready for a potential AEW return, yet an official announcement about his in-ring status remains pending.
While Jericho’s availability clears one hurdle, both the wrestler and Tony Khan’s team are aligning on plans for his storyline direction. Although there is no formal word from either side, his fans await the creativity that will define his next televised chapter. Notably, Fozzy has announced a future tour slated from February 6 to February 21, 2026, hinting that Jericho might again be absent from AEW broadcasts during those dates, which adds intrigue to the evolving narrative surrounding “The Learning Tree.”
Ongoing Developments in the AEW and Warner Bros. Relationship
All Elite Wrestling’s strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery remains in focus, especially as the media landscape undergoes major shifts. In October 2024, AEW and WBD secured a multi-year media rights agreement, strengthening the wrestling promotion‘s broadcast future. However, an industry shake-up is expected by mid-2026, with the media giant rumored to split into two leading companies, which has sparked questions about AEW’s long-term home on American television and streaming platforms.
Tony Khan Speaks Candidly at Cannes Lions Festival
Tony Khan, president of All Elite Wrestling, addressed speculation about the promotion’s future during his recent appearance at the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Responding to rumors on the fate of AEW alongside Warner Bros. Discovery’s reorganization, Khan emphasized the strength of the promotion’s relationships with major media executives:
“That’s a great question. I know that AEW, for both sides of where Warner Bros. is going, we have great relationships with everybody at the top, both on Global Networks and Streaming & Studios. Mr. Zaslav himself put our deal together. Gunnar, who will be running Global Networks, also was very involved in our deal as the CFO. The two of them, and [Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer] Bruce Campbell, really negotiated this deal with AEW, and myself, and my team.”
—Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan’s remarks underline the direct involvement of key figures including Mr. Zaslav, Gunnar, and Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell, reflecting confidence in AEW’s media positioning despite the upcoming Warner Bros. transition.
Potential Impact on AEW Talent and Programming
As AEW manages both evolving media relationships and pivotal talent returns, the focus remains on maintaining momentum, continuity, and fan engagement. Chris Jericho’s future on AEW programming rests in Tony Khan’s creative vision, while the company’s broadcasting landscape could see changes with the prospective division of Warner Bros. Discovery.
With Jericho ready to return as soon as plans are set, and Tony Khan reaffirming strong relationships at the executive level, AEW is positioned to navigate both creative and business uncertainties in the near future. Fans and stakeholders will continue to watch closely as new developments emerge for both the wrestling promotion and its star performers.
