A new report from Fightful Select indicates there is interest from other national and global promotions in signing Chris Jericho, should he become a free agent after his current deal with AEW expires in December.
WWE is specifically open to the idea in bringing Jericho back to the company.
One WWE source claims that the 54-year old Jericho would “almost 100%” be on the level for a lucrative, multi-million dollar offer if he were to return. The same source, did say that AEW is in a place financially to match or exceed an offer by WWE. At this time, no formal discussions or creative ideas have been confirmed with WWE, multiple higher-ups in the company have been talking privately about the value to the company Jericho would be if they brought him back, especially when it comes to programming focused on nostalgia.
Fightful Select also notes there has been no internal indication within AEW about Jericho being asked about taking on a backstage or creative position within the company. It was added that sources did stress Jericho continues to have a high amount of creative input over his storylines and regular discussions with Tony Khan as it relates to the long-term direction of his character. Those who are familiar with the situation described to Fightful Select that Jericho’s relationship with Khan and AEW management remains “strong” and there has been no disagreements, conflicts or dissatisfaction with either side behind the scenes.
Chris Jericho recently began advertising his 2026 Rock n Wrestling Rager at Sea Cruise, which takes place November 7 through November 11, setting sail from Miami, Florida to the Bahamas. Since 2020, Jericho has included AEW talent on each cruise. However, there are no AEW talent advertised for next year’s cruise.
Jericho signed with AEW back in 2019 and was the company’s inaugural World Champion. He has also held the ROH World Championship and the now retired FTW Title. He has not been on AEW programming since the April 9 episode of Dynamite, after dropping the ROH World Championship to Bandido in a title vs. mask match at the April 6 Dynasty pay-per-view. During a Learning Tree segment on the episode, he congratulated Bandido and then destroyed the set, telling Big Bill and Bryan Keith he was disappointed in them and that it until things change, it was best for him to just leave.
Tony Khan has spoken several times publicly that Jericho is a huge part of AEW and that he would like to have Jericho back in the company.