Key Highlights
- Chris Jericho’s AEW contract expires on December 31 at midnight.
- Jericho’s final match with AEW was on April 6 at AEW Dynasty, losing the ROH World Championship to Bandido.
- The wrestling legend is expected to return to WWE after a seven-year absence.
- Jericho may make his WWE debut as early as January 5, one year after Monday Night Raw’s move to Netflix.
New Chapter for Chris Jericho: AEW Era Comes to an End, WWE Return on the Horizon
The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation surrounding Chris Jericho’s future. After nearly three years with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the legendary performer may be leaving the promotion sooner than many had anticipated.
AEW Departure and WWE Return?
According to reports, Jericho’s AEW contract expires on December 31 at midnight. This development comes after Jericho’s last appearance with the company on April 6 at AEW Dynasty, where he lost the Ring of Honor (ROH) World Championship in a Title vs. Mask match against Bandido.
The news has sent shockwaves through wrestling fans, who have seen Jericho as a cornerstone figure within AEW since his surprise signing before the company held its first event in 2019. His departure marks an end to an era that saw him become a two-time Ring of Honor World Champion and lead influential factions such as The Jericho Appreciation Society, The Inner Circle, and The Learning Tree.
WWE’s Next Move
The speculation surrounding Jericho’s future has been ongoing for months. Industry insiders have suggested that the 55-year-old is planning to return to WWE after more than seven years away from the company. Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel reports that not only will Jericho be leaving AEW, but his WWE debut may come sooner than many had expected.
McCarthy notes that WWE is considering debuting Jericho at the one-year anniversary of Monday Night Raw’s move to Netflix on January 5, 2026.
This date was previously seen as a potential logical debut for Jericho in Saudi Arabia during the Royal Rumble event. However, the timing suggests that WWE might be eager to capitalize on the nostalgia and fan interest surrounding Jericho’s return.
WWE is reportedly loading up the January 5 show with several high-profile matches. Bron Breakker will challenge CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a prime-time showcase of talent. This move signals that WWE intends to make a significant impact with Jericho’s arrival, positioning him as a key figure for their upcoming roster.
Jericho’s Impact on AEW
Despite his imminent departure, Jericho’s time with AEW was undoubtedly successful and impactful. His initial match at the company’s introductory press conference in January 2019 set the stage for a rapid rise to prominence. Within months, he had become AEW’s first world champion, defeating Kenny Omega in the main event of the first AEW pay-per-view.
Jericho also captured the ROH World Championship twice and led several influential factions that helped shape the narrative and entertainment value of the promotion.
His final bout on April 6 at AEW Dynasty, while ending his tenure with a loss, underscored the respect and admiration he commands in the wrestling world.
The decision to end Jericho’s AEW run after less than three years suggests that both parties have reached an agreement on moving forward. While Jericho’s return to WWE is eagerly anticipated by fans, it also leaves a void within AEW that may reshape the company’s future direction and strategy.
Conclusion
The Next Chapter for Jericho
The wrestling landscape is set to change significantly with Chris Jericho’s impending move from AEW to WWE. His career spans multiple decades and has left an indelible mark on both companies, making his return a highly anticipated event in the world of professional wrestling.
