Tony Khan Breaks Silence on Jericho & Britt Baker: Will the AEW Originals Return?

Two of AEW’s most important cornerstones — Chris Jericho and Dr. Britt Baker — have been off TV for months, sparking heavy speculation heading into Full Gear weekend. Now, AEW President Tony Khan has finally provided answers… and while one response was vague, the other was far more encouraging.

Here’s the full breakdown of what Khan told Ariel Helwani on Tuesday — and what it means for AEW’s future.

Chris Jericho: Is Le Champion WWE-Bound or AEW-Returning?

Chris Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since April, when he dramatically walked out mid-show, leaving Big Bill & Bryan Keith hanging. Since then, rumors have swirled — especially with WWE reportedly sniffing around as Jericho’s AEW deal approaches its expiration.

When Ariel Helwani asked Tony Khan point-blank whether Jericho’s contract was ending soon, the AEW President chose his words carefully:

“I would rather not get into that… I absolutely hope we’ll get Chris back in.”

Khan praised Jericho as one of AEW’s first major signings and reminded fans that Jericho isn’t just an original — he was the inaugural AEW World Champion, helping launch the company over six years ago.

Khan also noted that Jericho’s contracts are date-based, and “when he’s in, he’s all the way in.”

Takeaway:
Khan sidestepped the contract question, which tells you everything: Jericho’s future is absolutely in play. WWE wants him. AEW wants him back. And Jericho has leverage on both sides.

The bidding war for Le Champion may be about to begin.

Dr. Britt Baker: A Much Clearer Answer from Tony Khan

While Jericho’s situation remains cloudy, Khan offered a far more definitive update on Dr. Britt Baker — one of AEW’s franchise players and arguably its first true homegrown star.

The former AEW Women’s Champion hasn’t wrestled since 2024 and hasn’t appeared on TV in 2025 at all. Reports this summer claimed she wanted an early contract release, but Khan previously told The Takedown on SI that those rumors were false.

On Tuesday, he doubled down:

“Britt Baker is somebody that I love and respect… I’ve had really good talks with Britt.”

Khan then implied a lingering medical concern has contributed to her extended absence:

“Britt is gonna be back… I hope soon, but it’s gonna be the right situation. I wanna make sure she’s one hundred percent.”

He made it clear Baker is still a central part of AEW’s identity and future plans:

“She can come in and still be a huge part of AEW — and I expect she will.”

Takeaway:
Britt Baker’s return feels imminent. It’s no longer if — it’s when. And based on Khan’s tone, AEW seems committed to reintroducing her in a major storyline, not a cold comeback.

🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Tony Khan’s responses tell a very clear story:

• Britt Baker is AEW’s priority. They’re waiting for the perfect moment, and they want her healthy. Expect a major return angle — likely tied to the direction of the Women’s Division post–Full Gear.
• Jericho is a wild card. The fact Khan dodged the contract expiration question suggests negotiations are ongoing — or that WWE is genuinely trying to lure him back. Jericho is still a ratings mover, a promo machine, and a legacy act with crossover appeal. AEW wants him, but the future is uncertain.

With both stars absent for extended periods, Full Gear week was the perfect time to calm fans’ concerns. Khan did that for Britt… but Jericho’s situation remains a cliffhanger.

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