Time For Chris Jericho To Return To WWE Says Dave Meltzer

Chris Jericho’s future in AEW seems to be increasingly uncertain, and it’s been suggested that the best thing he can do is return to WWE.

Chris Jericho is an AEW original, joining the company on its launch in early 2019. Jericho seemed destined to be a lifer in WWE, but the door was opened to other things when Jericho faced off with Kenny Omega in New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom in 2018.

Jericho returned to WWE after that bout for the first Saudi Arabia show, but he was back in NJPW two months later and never looked back when AEW was formed. Chris Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Champion at All Out 2019 and has remained an integral part of the roster, heading up groups such as Inner Circle and the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Chris Jericho has not been seen in AEW since losing the ROH World Title to Bandido at Dynasty in April 2025. Jericho’s deal with AEW ends in December 2025, and it seems he’s open to leaving Tony Khan’s promotion. Now it’s even been suggested that’s what he should do.

Royal Rumble Return For Chris Jericho?

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed Jericho’s situation and explained why the move right now for him should be to head back to WWE to get rid of some of the issues that have plagued him in AEW in recent times:

Jericho’s actually a really big story. His contract’s up at the end of the year, and there’s certainly been lots and lots of talk about WWE. I know from a WWE standpoint that there is lots of talk there about Jericho. People are speculating about the Royal Rumble. Nobody has officially said anything, nor will anyone officially say anything. From a timing standpoint – all things being equal from Jericho’s standpoint, it’s time to go to WWE.

The stuff that has been plaguing him, like fan response, he goes to WWE…a guy that goes from AEW to WWE is going to be over like crazy. It’s new again, so from that standpoint, especially for a guy that’s always looking to revitalise his career, it’s the move.

While Jericho could be on his way out, one WWE Hall of Famer is open to joining AEW to form an on-screen connection with their daughter.

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