Chris Jericho’s future with AEW has been a topic of conversation recently. Jericho hasn’t been seen since April and is reportedly in the final few months of his current contract.
As such, there’s some belief that the veteran star is potentially gearing up for one final run in WWE. When speaking on his “What Happened When” podcast, AEW commentator Tony Schiavone weighed in on the current Jericho discussion.
“If there is smoke to that fire, it has not been thrown my way,” Schiavone said. “…I don’t ask because I don’t want to get blamed if it leaks. The less you know, the better.I was backstage with Tony Khan most of this entire trip (to the United Kingdom). Chris Jericho’s name was not mentioned, but that doesn’t mean anything. Tony a lot of times will make this — he’ll get on the phone with that person and not tell anybody.”
Jericho has been a staple of AEW programming since joining the company in January 2019. However, his “Learning Tree” gimmick failed to get over with the fanbase. Since being off TV, there has been little mention to Jericho and no hints of an impending return.
Some Within AEW Don’t Expect Jericho To Return
According to a recent report from Dave Meltzer, there are members of the AEW roster who don’t expect Jericho to return to the company. Those same talents are expecting to see him debut at the Royal Rumble next year.
Jericho has had three previous spells with the WWE. The first came in 1999, the second in 2007, and the third and currently final time in 2011. At 54 years old, if Jericho did re-sign with AEW or with WWE, it would likely be his last contract.
Considering the differences between the two companies, WWE’s style may suit Jericho’s final years, allowing him to excel on the mic without punishing his body anywhere near as much.
Jericho Recently Fueled Speculation
A lot of the rumors surrounding Jericho’s future with AEW began to circulate after he liked an Instagram post stating that the WWE had interest in bringing him back to the company.
A source expects a WWE deal to be completed for him when his AEW contract finishes.
– @WrestleVotes Radio
There hasn’t been any update as to whether that rumor has any substance behind it. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop the rumor mill from heating up, especially given how important Jericho has been to AEW’s rise in recent years.
Still, with his career winding down and AEW now in a strong position, now could be the perfect time for Jericho to part ways with the company. Tony Khan has assembled arguably the most talented roster in professional wrestling, full of emerging talent and rising stars entering their prime.
There’s not much more for Jericho to accomplish in AEW, or wrestling for that matter. So, allowing him to go back to the WWE for one last run, and one last goodbye to their fanbase, would be a fitting end to a legendary career.
Whether WWE will see things that way will remain to be seen. But, one way or another, Jericho will find a home in professional wrestling, at least for now.
Tony Schiavone Speaks on Chris Jericho’s Future With AEW