Chris Jericho, a WWE legend and one of AEW’s original talents since its 2019 inception, has not appeared on AEW television for an extended period. Despite circulating rumors of his possible return to WWE, Jericho remains under contract with Tony Khan’s promotion. Reports indicate that Khan is currently paying Jericho to stay off AEW programming, effectively freezing his contract while the wrestler focuses on his personal life.
This situation was highlighted by Dutch Mantell, a former WWE manager, who explained in a recent episode of Story Time with Dutch Mantell that Khan chose to keep Jericho sidelined by compensating him to remain inactive. Mantell emphasized that it is Khan’s prerogative, funded by his own resources.
“All you can say is that Tony Khan wants to do it. His money. So we said, ‘Listen. Go over there and you know that house you live it? Go over there and be with your wife and be with your kids and whatever. Go out and eat or watch a movie or whatever and we could send you a cheque to sit over and do that’.” said Mantell.
Chris Jericho’s Notable Achievements in WWE’s History
Jericho’s accomplishments in WWE are extensive, having accumulated 26 championship titles throughout his career. His accolades include a single reign as the Undisputed WWF Champion, three terms as World Heavyweight Champion, and two runs as WCW/World Champion. Furthermore, he is a nine-time Intercontinental Champion.
The 55-year-old also claimed the United States Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship during his tenure in WWE. His future in professional wrestling remains uncertain as fans eagerly anticipate whether Jericho will compete again in a WWE ring within the year.
AEW’s Roster and Tony Khan’s Commitment to Former WWE Stars
All Elite Wrestling’s lineup features numerous former WWE talents such as Toni Storm, Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, Mercedes Mone, Ricochet, Adam Copeland, and Bobby Lashley. These athletes have made significant impacts in AEW, securing various titles and bolstering the company’s credibility based in Jacksonville.
Tony Khan has demonstrated strong faith in these wrestlers, a trend that is expected to continue as AEW grows. The handling of Jericho’s contract reflects Khan’s broader approach to managing high-profile talent amid competitive wrestling landscapes.
