It’s “WWE Or Nothing” For Chris Jericho

This WWE legend feels Chris Jericho will return to WWE rather than go for another promotion if he were to leave AEW.

Chris Jericho’s possible return to WWE programming has been much anticipated. With all the hoopla surrounding it, it is yet to actually happen.

The rumour mill continues to bubble up with each passing week, and he was expected to return on the Netflix anniversary episode of Raw on January 5th, but, to the fans’ disappointment, he didn’t show up.

Jericho’s AEW contract status is also a mystery. Reports have suggested that his contract was to expire on 31st December 2025, but he is still listed on the AEW main roster page, unlike other departures whose names have been duly removed (Matt Taven, Alex Abrahantes).

The 55-year-old is close to the end of his career, and going on to retire in WWE, the promotion that made him, will bring his career full circle. WWE legend, former commentator Jim Ross (JR), feels that Jericho’s departure would be a great loss for AEW, though, because he is instrumental in things beyond just wrestling.

Jim Ross Praises Chris Jericho For Adding Value To AEW.

JR, who returned to commentary on the first AEW Dynamite show of 2026, feels that if Jericho leaves, his next destination would have to be WWE. But the legendary commentator feels he shouldn’t leave AEW. Speaking on his show, Grilling JR, the “voice of wrestling,” shared a lot of insights about Y2J and talked about how Jericho helped and counseled talent and came up with ideas.

I think it’s WWE or nothing for [Chris] Jericho. He’s happy. He’s got a lot of influence in AEW, basically, to simplify, he books his own angles. He works with the creative guys, and they communicate well. Chris [Jericho] doesn’t come empty-handed; he always got a plan. But I think his goal, if it’s to leave AEW, he’s got a great deal.

I’m under the impression, he’s got a great deal, then I think it’s WWE or stay where he is. I don’t think the TNA thing plays into it but I could be wrong. Money changes a lot of opinion, sentiment. I hope he doesn’t leave.

Him leaving would hurt the brand to a degree. No doubt. You can’t lose a talent like Chris Jericho and say that, ‘Oh well, we’ll just move on, it doesn’t matter. We got other guys that are ready to step up,’ and I hope that’s true. But, bottom line of it is that he’s got options, and that’s a smart guy.

AEW CEO Tony Khan was also heard saying in a podcast that Jericho was “instrumental” to his company’s history from the very beginning.

Chris Jericho was last seen on AEW TV as the leader of the faction The Learning Tree before disbanding it and leaving in April 2025 after smashing a few pieces of equipment.

h/t: wrestlingnews.co

Also read: Chris Jericho Allegedly Can’t Wrestle Again In WWE