Chris Jericho’s future in professional wrestling is currently unclear, as speculation continues about whether he will remain with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or join another major organization like WWE. The primary question revolves around whether Tony Khan, AEW’s president, might present an unexpected contract offer to retain Jericho.
Jericho has played a pivotal role in AEW since its beginning, being the promotion’s first-ever world champion and a key figure throughout its development. Despite this, his contract details remain undisclosed, and Tony Khan has publicly acknowledged Jericho’s importance to the company’s growth and success.
Potential Leadership Role Could Keep Jericho in AEW
One possible approach for Tony Khan to secure Jericho’s continued involvement might include offering him a position as a co-booker. This role would involve collaborating closely with Khan on the creative direction of AEW, leveraging Jericho’s extensive experience to manage storylines across both AEW and its affiliate brands. In this scenario, Jericho would maintain occasional in-ring appearances without the demands of regular on-screen commitments, enabling him to balance wrestling with other projects.
However, this proposal might face obstacles, as Tony Khan is known for his hands-on involvement in creative decisions and relies on a dedicated team for booking. Therefore, Jericho’s role might be more limited, potentially serving as a mentor or coach to the company’s younger talent rather than as a full-time creative partner.
Jericho’s Contract Status and AEW Roster Listing
Despite reports indicating that Jericho’s AEW contract expired on December 31, he remains listed on AEW’s official roster page. This detail has drawn attention, considering AEW promptly removes wrestlers from its roster once their contracts end. Fightful has noted that the company maintains a carefully updated roster, suggesting that Jericho might still be under contract or in negotiations.
No official statements have been made by AEW or Jericho about his current status, leaving fans and industry observers uncertain about his next move. The continued presence on the roster offers hope that discussions about his future involvement are ongoing but has yet to provide confirmation.
Implications for AEW’s Creative Direction and Future
Chris Jericho’s potential retention through a creative or coaching role would have significant implications for AEW’s future. His expertise and star power contribute not only inside the ring but also in shaping storylines and mentoring emerging wrestlers. If Tony Khan successfully negotiates a deal that balances Jericho’s desire for fewer in-ring appearances with meaningful backstage influence, it could strengthen AEW’s position amid growing competition from WWE and other promotions.
Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will influence AEW’s talent dynamics and creative strategy moving forward, with many watching closely to see if Jericho’s legacy within the company will continue to evolve.
Tony Khan on Chris Jericho’s AEW Status pic.twitter.com/pTRQgJ2RVy
— Adrian Hernandez (@AdrianRadio93) January 7, 2026
