Chris Jericho hasnt appeared on AEW television since April, and fans havent stopped speculating why. Some think hes taking a break. Others believe hes quietly setting up a WWE return. Now, AEW President Tony Khan is finally addressing the situationoffering praise without confirming whether Jericho will actually be back.
During a recent interview on Busted Open Radio, Khan was asked directly whether Jericho would be returning to AEW soon. While he didnt give a yes or no, Khan made it clear that Jericho will always be welcome.
Khan then doubled down on Jerichos legacy in the company, calling him a foundational piece of AEW history.
He pointed out that Jericho wasnt just a top star, but a legitimate champion who helped carry AEW in its formative years.
Despite the praise, theres still no sign of Jerichos return on AEW programming. That silence has been fueling even more speculationespecially after the 2026 edition of Jerichos Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea was announced with zero AEW branding. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez pointed it out bluntly:
Dave Meltzer added that backstage chatter in WWE indicates Jericho may already be preparing to walk.
Jerichos current AEW contract, signed in late 2022, is set to expire between November and December 2025, according to reports from Variety. That would give him just enough time to finish out the yearand potentially rejoin WWE just ahead of the Road to WrestleMania.
When asked recently about his next move during Busted Open Radio, Jericho played coy, We dont know, right? Well just have to see.
Tony Khans comments dont confirm Jerichos returnbut they do make one thing clear: if Jericho wants to come back, the door is open. At the end of the day, Jerichos silence speaks just as loud as Tony Khans praise. With his AEW contract nearing its end and WWE reportedly watching closely, it feels like somethings coming. Whether thats a return, a retirement, or a shocking jump back to WWEits Jericho, so expect the unexpected.
Do you think Chris Jericho will return to AEW or is he heading back to WWE as his contract winds down? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
