Chris Jericho’s AEW deal runs through December 2025, after which he will be a free agent at age 55. Jericho’s status has sparked widespread speculation about his next career move. While WWE reportedly expresses significant interest in re-signing Jericho, who previously starred in WWE for nearly two decades, Ross remains hopeful AEW will retain him[2][4].

Jericho’s impact in AEW has been monumental. He became the company’s first-ever AEW World Champion shortly after signing, lending immediate star power and credibility. Beyond his in-ring performances, Jericho played a key role in nurturing younger AEW talent and maintaining top-tier storylines, frequently using his “Le Champion” persona and leadership of the Inner Circle faction to elevate AEW programming during its formative years[1].

Recent years have seen Jericho transition from a constant in-ring presence to a mentor and occasional performer, with AEW’s growing roster giving him room to help younger wrestlers shine. This evolution has fueled speculation about whether Jericho might seek a “last run” in WWE, where he is a four-time world champion and nine-time Intercontinental Champion, or remain loyal to AEW, the promotion he helped build from scratch[2][3].

According to multiple insider reports and wrestling journalists, WWE is keen to bring Jericho back in 2026. Social media activity, such as Jericho liking a WWE return post, compounded these rumors. Sources suggest several current WWE wrestlers want Jericho to return, and WWE officials have reportedly begun discussing a deal to secure his services after his AEW contract concludes[2].

Despite this, Jim Ross expressed on his podcast and interviews that he wants to believe Jericho’s future lies with AEW. Ross emphasized Jericho’s deep relationship with AEW President Tony Khan and his integral role in AEW’s rise, highlighting that Jericho’s influence behind the scenes is as valuable as his in-ring work. Ross suggested that Jericho’s desire to help build the company and foster new talent could keep him loyal to AEW, at least for now[4].

This hopeful stance is supported by the understanding that Jericho has left “the door open” to multiple possibilities, keeping his options flexible. Backstage sources confirm Jericho remains on good terms with WWE but is not rushing into any decisions about his next contract, carefully weighing his legacy, creative opportunities, and personal goals[4][5].

The coming months will be pivotal in Jericho’s career trajectory. If AEW wants to keep one of its original megastars, it might have to offer Jericho a compelling role, potentially blending part-time wrestling with mentoring duties or creative input. Conversely, WWE may leverage nostalgia, star power, and lucrative contract offers to entice Jericho back for a memorable final run[1][2].

In conclusion, the wrestling world eagerly watches as Jim Ross leans toward Jericho staying in AEW post-2025, while many industry insiders anticipate a possible high-profile WWE return. For now, Jericho remains a key figure at the crossroads of wrestling’s two biggest promotions—a testament to his enduring star power and adaptability.

Sources: WWE.com reports, Fightful insider updates, Jim Ross podcasts, WrestleVotes, and Wrestling Inc. backstage reports.