AEW Fans Blamed For Chris Jericho’s Possible WWE Return

Chris Jericho could be on his way back to WWE, and if he is, are the AEW fans to blame for his exit?

John Cena and AJ Styles did battle in a heartwarming bout at Crown Jewel, with both men bringing the curtain down on their respective careers in the near future. Cena’s retirement is more imminent as he hangs up his boots in December, but Styles has made clear at 48 years old that he won’t be wrestling past the age of 50.

Cena and Styles both paid tribute to their respective rivals from their career by borrowing moves during the match. Cena made the fireflies come alive in Australia when he dropped Styles with Bray Wyatt’s Sister Abigail. Frankie Kazarian, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Rusev, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and The Miz all had their moves used in the bout. And it was noted that of the AEW contingent, only Jericho was named by the commentators.

That has only poured fuel on the fire as questions remain over Chris Jericho’s future in the wrestling business.

Chris Jericho On His Way Back To WWE?

Chris Jericho’s AEW deal expires at the end of 2025, and his absence from the company has led many to believe that he won’t be back in Tony Khan’s ring. A return to WWE has got many fans excited, with a possible surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble looking like a possible return date for the company’s first-ever Undisputed World Champion.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the current state of play with Jericho’s future and thinks that if he ultimately leaves AEW, it’ll be down to the company’s fans:

He’s a free agent at the end of the year. With the amount of money that the top guys in wrestling can make right now, he was making a lot of money either way.

I think that [WWE] think he’s going. Whether he is or not remains to be seen. It’s gotta be in play. He’s not on AEW television; if he was staying, he’d probably be on AEW television right now. I don’t want to say that he’s for sure going, I don’t know that’s the case. I don’t think Tony’s [Khan] gonna put him on TV until there’s a commitment that he’s staying. And he’s not on TV, so there you go. It’s been talked about on the WWE side for months that his contract is up at the end of the year.

If he does go, the reason would be the AEW fans, for better or for worse. I think he was never planning on going back [to WWE], always leaving the door open because obviously he should. He knows the lay of the land; he’s a smart guy. You never burn that bridge.

Chris Jericho is not a popular figure with many AEW fans for a variety of reasons. Some want to see younger stars in featured spots that he has long occupied, while others are not fans of Jericho’s political leanings.

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