Top AEW Star On Chris Jericho’s Future: “I Congratulated Him”

Speculations about Chris Jericho’s next move refuse to die.

Jericho’s contract with AEW ended on December 31, 2025, with some reports claiming that he would appear on the 2026 Royal Rumble show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

However, the 55-year-old wrestler was a no-show as the event concluded with everything the creative team had planned.

Now, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland has chimed in to share his opinion about Y2J’s future.

While speaking on the Adam’s Apple podcast, the 36-year-old revealed that he texted Jericho, congratulating him on anything that he was going to decide.

I actually texted Chris. I congratulated him on whatever his decision is going to be. Whatever his decision is going to be, I’m supporting him no matter what.

Reports About Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract Expiration Seemingly Inaccurate

Swerve Strickland’s comments come amid conflicting reports that Chris Jericho is still signed to AEW and that he was never a free agent, as reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.

Sapp had also claimed that news about Le Champion’s contract expiring on December 31 was inaccurate.

Whether it’s because his deal got frozen or they extended it, that I don’t know. But when I saw people outright saying, ‘Oh, his deal is officially up’—no. It was not officially up. It was presumably up, and that was incorrect.

He hasn’t been discussed a lot backstage in AEW. So it’s pretty interesting. His deal isn’t up. Jericho is still under contract to AEW at this stage.

Jericho, meanwhile, has kept himself busy with other projects, including an appearance on Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, which also stars Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman.

His band Fozzy’s “Eyes On You” tour also commenced recently.

H/T: Ringside News