Chris Jerichos future in AEW has been under serious speculation ever since he disappeared from television back in April 2025.
Rumors swirled around everything from creative burnout to the possibility of a massive WWE return. Now, Jericho himself is offering a glimpse into where his loyalties currently standand it came during an unexpected appearance on NHL on TNT.
On October 30, Jericho posted Instagram Story clips, where he casually addressed both WWE and AEW during a conversation comparing the drama of wrestling with hockey rivalries. While the segment was mostly light-hearted, Jericho dropped a line that seemingly confirmed he still considers himself an AEW talent.
While discussing his iconic ladder match with Shawn Michaels and comparing it to current AEW rivalries, Jericho said:
That key phrasewhere I work nowseems to shut down the idea that Jericho has secretly left AEW or is in the middle of a quiet exit. It also comes at a time when his podcast has notably shifted away from AEW topics, and his annual Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise in early November 2026 has dropped AEW branding altogether.
According to a previous reports, several promotionsincluding WWEhave kept tabs on Jerichos contract situation. WWE sources believe Jericho could command several million dollars annually to return, but AEW is reportedly capable of matching that figure.
At least two other national-level wrestling promotions are said to be interested in bringing Jericho aboard in some capacity, though none are looking to get into a serious bidding war. One promotion reportedly sees it as a fruitless venture given his market value and Tony Khans desire to keep him.
Jericho signed a three-year AEW extension in October 2022, placing the expiration window between November and December 2025just weeks away. But despite his absence from AEW programming, sources claim he hasnt asked for time off, and theres no indication that AEW is trying to freeze his deal.
Meanwhile, WWE executives havent initiated any creative talks regarding Jerichos return. However, one company higher-up acknowledged that recent fan reactions to Jerichos name and signature moves being referenced on WWE programming were extremely positive.
Still, Jerichos recent comments could mean moreor lessthan they seem. He may have simply referred to AEW as where I work now because his contract hasnt officially expired, or he could still be handling media duties on the companys behalf until it does. The former AEW World Champion is known for playing mind games with fans and the media alike, and this might be another example of that. So while his where I work now remark sounds like confirmation of his AEW allegiance, it could just as easily be Jericho keeping everyone guessing until his next big move is revealed.
Do you think Chris Jericho should stay with AEW or ride one more wave back to WWE? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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