Chris Jericho’s future is hanging in the balance, and now we’ve got even more context on what could be the final major move of his career.
On the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer broke down the chatter surrounding Jericho’s AEW contract expiring at the end of 2025. While Jericho himself hasn’t addressed the rumors directly, Meltzer noted that both AEW insiders and WWE sources are bracing for the possibility that Y2J could walk back into WWE.
“There has been a lot of talk regarding Chris Jericho this past week. Neither Jericho nor Tony Khan have said anything about this when asked but not denied anything either. Jericho’s contract expires at the end of the year. There are those in AEW who believe that he’s not going to be back and will start in WWE as a Royal Rumble surprise.”
Meltzer stressed that WWE’s belief they’re getting Jericho isn’t always a guarantee, since negotiations often involve mixed signals from talent. He reminded readers that WWE has felt “sure” about signing other AEW stars in the past, only for some to change their minds and stay put.
“The only thing we’ve heard from WWE is that they expect him, but keep in mind at this stage of everything if he’s looking to go there or negotiate with them, he’s going to give that impression. I can tell you we’ve heard the same about other AEW stars over the years that WWE was pretty sure they were getting, and some went and some stayed.”
When it comes to Jericho’s age and workload, Meltzer explained that what once made AEW attractive might not be as big of a factor now.
“He’ll be 55 at that point and the AEW schedule of doing fewer matches is no longer the edge that it was a year or two ago and WWE adapts and no doubt would use him for fewer dates than in the past because they don’t run house shows and he can be like Punk, who rarely wrestles television matches and only for something big.”
Meltzer closed by pointing out that a change of scenery might be exactly what Jericho needs to finish his career strong.
“Most wrestlers because of comfort don’t go back-and-forth but for career longevity switching companies every few years freshens you up.”
Jericho, who helped launch AEW back in 2019 and became its first World Champion, could be about to pull off one last legendary career twist. A WWE return—possibly kicking off with a Royal Rumble surprise—would instantly place him back in the spotlight on wrestling’s biggest stage.
Do you think Chris Jericho should wrap up his career with one final WWE run? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
