Chris Jericho’s Wrestling Future Heating Up — WWE and AEW Expected to Battle With Big Money Offers
Chris Jericho’s legendary career may soon enter another high-stakes chapter.
The former WWE and AEW World Champion — and one of the most influential names in modern wrestling — is reportedly set to become one of the industry’s hottest free agents when his AEW contract expires at the end of 2025, and both major promotions are expected to line up with big-money offers.
Jericho’s AEW Hiatus and Contract Status
Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW Dynamite since April 9, when his on-screen “TV Time” segment went off the rails following a heated confrontation with Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Since then, “The Nueve” has remained absent from television, claiming in storyline that he wouldn’t return until his protégés proved themselves as winners — a condition that hasn’t exactly been met.
Behind the scenes, though, Jericho’s absence appears tied to timing and long-term planning rather than any creative fallout. According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Jericho’s current AEW deal — initially believed to end this fall — actually runs through the end of 2025, unless frozen or renegotiated.
“Chris Jericho’s contract is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2025, barring the possibility of an extension,” Sapp reported. “We’ve not heard of him being brought up creatively in AEW, but his creative typically is discussed directly with Tony Khan.”
AEW President Tony Khan recently spoke about Jericho’s importance to the company, calling him “a welcomed, big part of AEW,” while stopping short of confirming any long-term plans.
“We’ll see what happens here in the coming months,” Khan said on Busted Open Radio. “But Chris is always a big part of AEW. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done.”
WWE Reportedly Watching Closely
While Jericho’s AEW future is uncertain, Fightful notes that WWE officials are keeping an eye on the situation. The reaction to Jericho references and chants on WWE programming hasn’t gone unnoticed, and one staff member reportedly called it “a good sign for his interest.”
If Jericho hits free agency, insiders expect him to draw multi-million dollar offers from multiple promotions, including WWE — and AEW is said to be capable (and willing) to match any competing deal.
At 54 years old, Jericho remains one of the most bankable names in pro wrestling, with crossover appeal spanning four decades, from Y2J to Le Champion. His future may ultimately depend on what drives him more: money, creative control, or legacy.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Chris Jericho’s next move could be one of the defining business stories of 2025. He’s not just a star — he’s a franchise player with influence that transcends companies. If AEW can keep him, it reinforces their identity. But if WWE brings him back, it would be a full-circle moment — and a major symbolic win for Triple H’s era.
Whether he stays with AEW or shocks the world by walking back through WWE’s doors, one thing’s certain: Chris Jericho still moves the needle.
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