Chris Jericho Confirms Departure from AEW for WWE Return: The Details Inside

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Recent reports suggest that Chris Jericho may be considering a departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as his current contract nears its expiration at the end of the year. Speculation is mounting regarding a possible return to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for the veteran performer.

Khan Comments on Jericho’s Status

During an appearance on the Busted open radio show, AEW Chief executive Officer Tony Khan addressed the situation, expressing his deep appreciation for Jericho’s contributions to the company.He emphasized Jericho’s pivotal role in establishing AEW as its inception.

“I Love Chris Jericho. He’s a huge part of AEW,” Khan stated. “He’s been here since the begining.I think we’ll see what happens here in the coming months. But Chris is always a welcome,big part of AEW we’d always want to have here.”

Khan further highlighted Jericho’s important achievements within AEW, including becoming the inaugural AEW World Champion and later capturing the title on nine occasions. He underscored his gratitude for Jericho’s dedication and impact on the promotion’s history.

“I absolutely am so grateful to Chris Jericho for everything he’s done,” Khan continued. “And you mentioned that AEW book looking at the history; Chris Jericho is a huge part of that history. … Somebody who’s now a nine-time world champion,and has won several of those championships here with us.”

A Look at Jericho’s Career Trajectory

Jericho’s wrestling career spans over three decades, beginning in 1990. He achieved widespread recognition during his tenure with WWE from 1999 to 2008, were he became a six-time World Champion.In 2019, he transitioned to AEW, where he quickly ascended to become a central figure, solidifying his legacy as one of the industry’s most versatile and enduring performers. His ability to reinvent his persona and connect with audiences has kept him a relevant force in professional wrestling for years.

Promotion	Years Active	World Championship Reigns
WWE	1999-2008, 2016-2018	6
AEW	2019-Present	9

Did You Know? Chris Jericho is also a successful musician, fronting the band Fozzy, which has released several studio albums and toured extensively.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about contract expirations and potential moves is crucial for fans following the dynamic world of professional wrestling.

The future remains uncertain, but Khan’s comments suggest AEW is keen on retaining the experienced Superstar.Updates on Jericho’s decision are expected in the coming months.

What are your predictions for Chris Jericho’s next move? Do you think he will return to WWE, or will he remain with AEW?

The evolving Landscape of Professional Wrestling

The professional wrestling industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the emergence of AEW as a viable competitor to WWE. This increased competition has provided wrestlers with more opportunities and leverage in negotiating contracts. The ability of performers like Chris Jericho to move between promotions demonstrates the changing dynamics of the business.

Frequently asked Questions about Chris Jericho

• What is Chris Jericho’s current contract status with AEW?

  Chris Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to expire at the end of the year, leading to speculation about his future.

• Has Chris Jericho expressed interest in returning to WWE?

  While Jericho has not publicly commented on a potential return to WWE, rumors and reports suggest it is indeed a possibility.

• What has Tony Khan said about Jericho’s future?

  Tony Khan has expressed his gratitude for Jericho’s contributions to AEW and stated that he would welcome Jericho remaining with the company.

• How many world championships has Chris Jericho won?

  Chris Jericho has won a total of 15 World Championships across multiple promotions, including 6 in WWE and 9 in AEW.

• What other ventures is chris Jericho involved in?

  Besides professional wrestling, Chris Jericho is a musician and fronts the band fozzy.

Share your thoughts on Chris Jericho’s future in the comments below and share this article with your fellow wrestling fans!

What specific creative differences led to the breakdown in contract negotiations between Chris Jericho and AEW?

the Shocking Announcement & Timeline

On October 22, 2025, Chris Jericho, the six-time world champion and wrestling icon, officially confirmed his departure from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and impending return to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The news, initially broken by Wrestling Observer Newsletter‘s Dave Meltzer, sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community. Jericho’s contract with AEW expired on October 15th, and negotiations for a new deal reportedly stalled due to creative differences and Jericho’s desire for a different challenge.

Key dates leading to the announcement:

* October 15, 2025: Chris Jericho’s AEW contract officially expires.

* October 18, 2025: Rumors begin circulating online regarding Jericho’s potential WWE return.

* October 21, 2025: Reports surface indicating stalled contract negotiations between Jericho and AEW.

* October 22, 2025: Chris Jericho publicly confirms his departure from AEW and WWE return via social media.

Why Return to WWE? Jericho’s Motivations

Jericho’s decision wasn’t solely about financial gain, though a lucrative WWE contract is undoubtedly part of the equation. Several factors appear to have influenced his move:

* Creative Freedom & Mainstream Exposure: WWE offers a significantly larger platform and potential for mainstream exposure, especially with their expanding media partnerships.

* Generational Appeal: Jericho has repeatedly expressed a desire to work with WWE’s newer generation of stars, including Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Bron Breakker. He sees an opportunity to elevate thes talents while simultaneously revitalizing his own career.

* Unfinished Business: despite a successful run in AEW, Jericho never fully closed the book on his WWE career. A desire to revisit past rivalries and potentially win another championship likely played a role.

* the “Forbidden Door” Swings Both Ways: Jericho was instrumental in opening the “Forbidden Door” allowing talent from other promotions to appear in AEW. His return to WWE demonstrates the cyclical nature of the wrestling industry.

What to expect: Potential WWE Storylines for “Le Champion”

Speculation is rampant regarding Jericho’s potential storylines upon his return. Several possibilities are being discussed:

* Feud with Cody Rhodes: A rematch with Cody rhodes, stemming from their rivalry in AEW, is highly anticipated.This storyline has built-in history and emotional investment.

* Mentorship Role: Jericho could take on a mentorship role with younger WWE talent, utilizing his decades of experience to help them develop their characters and in-ring skills.

* Championship Pursuit: Jericho will undoubtedly target a WWE championship, potentially challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship or even the Undisputed WWE Worldwide Championship.

* The Jericho recognition Society (JAS) Reunion? While unlikely in its entirety, WWE could explore bringing in former JAS members to align with Jericho, creating a new faction.

AEW’s Response & The Future of the Company

AEW has released a brief statement thanking Jericho for his contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavors. The departure of a cornerstone talent like Jericho undoubtedly leaves a void, but AEW is well-positioned to move forward.

* Focus on Existing stars: AEW will likely lean more heavily on established stars like Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, and MJF.

* Growth of New Talent: The company will need to accelerate the development of younger talent to fill the gap left by Jericho’s departure.

* Continued Partnerships: AEW will likely continue to explore partnerships with other promotions to bring in fresh faces and storylines.

* Impact on Viewership: Monitoring AEW’s television ratings in the coming weeks will be crucial to assess the impact of Jericho’s departure.

Jericho’s Legacy: A Career Defined by Reinvention

Chris Jericho’s career is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself. From his debut in WCW to his groundbreaking run in WWE as the “Millennium Man” and his pivotal role in launching AEW, jericho has consistently defied expectations.

* WWE (1999-2008): Established himself as a main event player, winning multiple championships and feuding with legends like The Rock and Triple H.

* NJPW (2013-2018): Expanded his global reach and showcased his versatility in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

* AEW (2019-2025): A founding member of AEW, Jericho played a crucial role in establishing the company as a legitimate competitor to WWE. he won the AEW World Championship and consistently delivered compelling storylines.

His return to WWE marks another chapter in a remarkable career, and fans are eager to see what he accomplishes in his second run with the company. The wrestling world will be watching closely.

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