Tony Khan Confirms WWE’s Interest In Chris Jericho: “He Had A Choice”
Tony Khan recently commented on Chris Jericho’s decision to remain with AEW amid interest from WWE.
After losing the ROH World Championship to Bandido at AEW Dynasty, Jericho disbanded his faction, The Learning Tree, and went on a hiatus. During his time away, he toured across the UK and the U.S. with his band Fozzy, worked on multiple television projects, filmed two shows, and managed his Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager cruise.
His extended absence led to speculation that he might be done with AEW, with rumors of a WWE return gaining traction. Jericho’s original AEW deal was believed to have expired in December 2025, further fueling the talk.
WWE also added to the speculation by referencing Jericho on programming, including Easter eggs on weekly shows and nods to his iconic “Break Down the Walls” theme, with Adam Pearce teasing a possible return.
Reports from Fightful Select and the Wrestling Observer noted that Jericho had talks with WWE. However, on April 1, 2026, episode of AEW Dynamite, Jericho shocked the wrestling world by returning to AEW in his hometown of Winnipeg.
He made his surprise appearance during a contract signing segment between Kenny Omega and MJF on AEW Dynamite. Rather than getting involved in a physical brawl, Chris Jericho took the microphone and simply told the live crowd, “Winnipeg, I am home.”
The moment officially confirmed his return to All Elite Wrestling and put an end to rumors about a possible move to WWE.
Following his return on Dynamite, it was revealed that Jericho had signed a multi-year contract extension that includes both an in-ring role and a position as a creative advisor to Tony Khan.
It was later revealed that WWE had offered Jericho a short-term retirement tour, while AEW presented a more favorable deal with significant creative freedom.
Tony Khan Is “Glad” Chris Jericho Chose AEW Over WWE
Speaking on the Coach & Bro Show, Tony Khan said Jericho ultimately chose to stay because of his love for AEW. Khan confirmed that WWE did approach him while he was a free agent, but said he’s glad Jericho decided to remain with AEW.
“I do know Chris Jericho had a choice, and he wanted to be in AEW. He would be the best person to ask, but I know that I’ve been in communication with Chris, and he definitely told me he wanted to be in AEW—and very specifically in Winnipeg on that day.”
“We had that circled back for a long time, going back to last year. It was a choice that Chris made, that he’d rather be in AEW than anywhere else.”
“I can’t say for sure, Coach, exactly what his mind was, but I know definitely he has been consistent—he loves AEW and wants to be here, and I’m glad he chose AEW.”
“Because that’s a choice he made, because he was a free agent.”
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