Jim Ross has addressed the swirling rumors regarding Chris Jericho’s future, suggesting that his departure from AEW would significantly hurt the brand. For several months, the former World Champion has been heavily linked with a return to WWE.
While speculation reached a fever pitch with many expecting a re-debut on the January 5, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw, Jericho ultimately did not appear. Speaking on the latest edition of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross shared his candid thoughts on the veteran’s potential exit.
“I think it’s WWE or nothing for [Chris] Jericho. He’s happy. He’s got a lot of influence in AEW, basically, to simplify, he books his own angles. He works with the creative guys, and they communicate well. Chris [Jericho] doesn’t come empty-handed; he always got a plan. But I think his goal, if it’s to leave AEW, he’s got a great deal. I’m under the impression, he’s got a great deal, then I think it’s WWE or stay where he is. I don’t think the TNA thing plays into it but I could be wrong. Money changes a lot of opinion, sentiment. I hope he doesn’t leave.”
Ross noted that Jericho’s value extends far beyond what fans see on television. “He’s such a valuable member of AEW. He does a lot of things, people don’t see, helping talent, counselling talent, coming up with ideas, and so forth. And I think Tony Khan needs guys like Chris Jericho to contribute ideas,” Ross stated.
He warned that losing such a figurehead would be a blow to the promotion. “Him leaving would hurt the brand to a degree. No doubt. You can’t lose a talent like Chris Jericho and say that, ‘Oh well, we’ll just move on, it doesn’t matter. We got other guys that are ready to step up,’ and I hope that’s true. But, bottom line of it is that he’s got options, and that’s a smart guy.”
Jericho’s contractual status remains a mystery as of early January 2026. While many reports suggested his initial deal was set to expire on December 31, 2025, he remains listed on the official AEW roster page. Furthermore, unlike recent confirmed departures like Matt Taven and Alex Abrahantes, there has been no internal memo circulating within AEW regarding Jericho’s exit.
AEW President Tony Khan recently commented on the situation during an appearance on the Unlikely podcast with Adrian Hernandez, praising Jericho as “instrumental” to the promotion’s history from the very beginning. Jericho himself has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, where he was last seen in a storyline where he “flipped out” on his stablemates Big Bill and Bryan Keith.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Grilling J.R. with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full episode of Grilling J.R. on official podcast platforms or follow Jim Ross on social media for his latest updates.
