Imagine the wrestling world on the edge of its seat as one of its biggest icons prepares to switch allegiances after a groundbreaking chapter—Chris Jericho's time with AEW might just be wrapping up, paving the way for a triumphant return to WWE. If you're a fan who's followed his career, this news hits like a plot twist in your favorite storyline, leaving you wondering: what's next for the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla?
For months, whispers in the wrestling community have grown louder about Jericho potentially ending his seven-plus-year stint with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the upstart promotion that's shaken up the industry since its launch. At 55 years young, this veteran performer hasn't graced AEW screens since April, when storylines hinted at a temporary hiatus. For newcomers to wrestling, AEW is like the rebellious younger sibling to WWE, offering high-octane matches and fresh narratives outside the traditional powerhouse structure.
Earlier reports suggested WWE—the granddaddy of professional wrestling entertainment—was brainstorming ideas for Jericho's comeback, and now those plans appear to be accelerating. According to Alex McCarthy from Wrestling Intel, Jericho isn't just departing AEW; his re-entry into WWE could happen much earlier than fans anticipated. McCarthy dropped this bombshell on Saturday evening, revealing that Jericho's contract with AEW runs out precisely at midnight on December 31. Many enthusiasts pegged the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, kicking off late January, as the ideal spotlight for his return. But here's where it gets exciting—and maybe a bit unexpected—McCarthy indicates WWE is eyeing the one-year anniversary of Monday Night Raw streaming on Netflix, set for January 5 in Brooklyn, New York. To amp up the hype, that episode features Bron Breakker taking on CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, making it a can't-miss card. Our sources at The Takedown on SI have independently verified that several top executives at AEW believe Jericho's chapter there is closed, and he's WWE-bound.
Wrapping Up a Stellar AEW Legacy
Even as Jericho's AEW journey nears its end, it's impossible to overlook the massive impact he made. Picture this: before AEW even ran its first show, Jericho stunned everyone by jumping ship and appearing at their launch press conference back in January 2019. He wasted no time climbing to the top, main-eventing the inaugural AEW pay-per-view by beating Kenny Omega—a move that symbolized the promotion's bold ambitions—and soon after, he claimed their first-ever world title. For those new to the scene, pay-per-views are like wrestling's Super Bowls, packed with marquee matches that define careers.
Over the years, Jericho's resume in AEW reads like a highlight reel. He snagged the Ring of Honor World Championship—not once, but twice—while steering iconic groups like the Jericho Appreciation Society, The Inner Circle, and The Learning Tree. These factions are essentially wrestling's version of rock bands or crews, where loyalty and drama fuel the feuds. His swan song in AEW came on April 6 during the Dynasty event, where he dropped the ROH title to Bandido in a high-stakes Title vs. Mask showdown, blending athleticism with personal risk in a way that's pure wrestling magic.
And this is the part most people miss: Jericho's last WWE appearance was, fittingly, in Saudi Arabia at the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble—a massive spectacle that felt like a full-circle moment. In WWE lore, he's etched his name as one of the all-time greats, boasting multiple world titles and an impressive nine Intercontinental Championships. These belts aren't just props; they're symbols of excellence, earned through grueling rivalries and unforgettable performances that have entertained generations.
But let's not forget the bigger picture in wrestling today. For more on the pulse of the industry, check out how MJF reclaimed the AEW Men's World Championship for a second time at Worlds End, or Jon Moxley's gritty victory over Kazuchika Okada in the 2025 AEW Continental Classic. The Worlds End event itself was a whirlwind of action, with full results highlighting MJF's title win and Moxley's triumph. And in an exclusive chat, Tony Khan shared insights on what it would take for women's matches to headline an AEW pay-per-view—could this be the push the division needs?
Now, here's a controversial take to chew on: Is Jericho's move back to WWE a betrayal of AEW's innovative spirit, or a savvy business decision that could revitalize WWE's roster? Some fans argue it undermines the alternative promotion he helped build, while others see it as the natural evolution for a legend chasing one last hurrah. What do you think—will this return reignite Jericho's fire, or has time caught up with the Lionheart? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're Team AEW forever or excited for the WWE reunion!
