Bad News For WWE Fans Following Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract Update

Speculations about Chris Jericho jumping ship to WWE have prevailed since mid-2025.

Then, on December 31, a source claimed that Y2J was officially a free agent after his AEW contract had expired. However, later reports refuted this claim; furthermore, Jericho has been listed as one of the talents on the Jacksonville promotion’s website to this day.

The latest wave of excitement surrounding the 55-year-old wrestler gained speed after the Raw episode, where general manager Adam Pearce received a huge crate with the direction that it was not to be opened until February 28.

The date is specific due to the Elimination Chamber PLE being hosted on the day, indicating a mystery revelation during the event.

Looking at the size of the box, fans immediately jumped to speculating that it could easily accommodate a human being, meaning Chris Jericho could be inside it.

Even former WWE head writer Vince Russo hoped that it was Jericho or some superstar sharing a similar legacy inside the crate, or the storyline would be a big miss for the Stamford promotion.

New Chris Jericho Contract Update Dashes WWE Fans’ Hopes

Despite the many signs indicating that Chris Jericho is still under contract with AEW, WWE fans keep hoping for a miracle.

During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer claimed that Y2J’s AEW contract may have been extended due to his missing several months of in-ring action and appearances.

I would be 95% sure that that’s true. I mean, I’ve heard things along those lines. And the fact that nobody has said that it’s not true… usually when something like that’s not true, somebody will say it. And nobody has.

The whole idea of freezing a contract… if you’re out for a period of time, they can add that time back on. That’s standard in wrestling contracts.

A couple years ago, I would have thought that he would just stay in AEW until the end. I don’t think going back for the Hall of Fame is that big of a deal to him personally.

Meltzer, however, concluded that fan sentiments could be the final force that could see his contract be waived, leading to him appearing on WWE TV.

It’s probably better for his career at this point to be in a place where the fan base is more accepting of him.

H/T: Ringside News