WWE Allegedly Won’t Re-Sign Former Undisputed Champion

The first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion, Chris Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to run through the end of 2025, but he has been absent from AEW programming since April 2025, following his loss of the ROH World Championship at AEW Dynasty.

His absence has sparked speculation about his wrestling future. Reports indicate AEW does not currently have plans for his return. Amidst his absence, there have been rumors about his return to WWE. The Stamford-based company reportedly has “significant interest” in bringing him back once his AEW deal expires.

Sources say Jericho has discreetly gauged WWE’s interest in a reunion, and some WWE talent are eager for his return. However, while the Stamford-based company is interested, no official talks or creative plans have been finalized. Jericho’s future remains uncertain, with insiders noting it’s still “far too early to tell” if he will return to WWE or re-sign with AEW.

Ric Flair Believes WWE Won’t Bring Back Chris Jericho

Ric Flair recently had an interview with The Escapist, where he weighed in on Jericho’s potential return to WWE. The Nature Boy stated he believes the Triple H-led promotion will not bring him back to give him a last run in the company like they did with John Cena.

He said that the reason behind his thinking is that The Demo is not as big a star as The Never Seen 17. Flair admitted that he would love to be wrong, as he does want to see Jericho back inside the WWE ring.

Well, of course I do because Chris has meant a lot to the business. But I don’t think he’ll get it. I’m sure he’ll go to the Hall of Fame. I mean, he’s been a Hall of Fame athlete, human being wrestler, everything. But I would doubt very seriously if he’d get the kind of deal that John Cena got. I could be wrong. I would enjoy it. But John had a level of popularity very similar to the Rock’s. He was huge. Everyone loved him. It might be a bit of a stretch to see him back in there, but you never know. [H/T The Escapist]

Elsewhere on the Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, Mantell said that he thinks Jericho could return to WWE, but not as an active wrestler, but as a manager or an agent.

If it were me, I would be interested in him as an agent and/or a manager, or some kind of mouthpiece. In the ring, I think his better days are behind him, and I think we’ll even tell you the same thing.