AEW CEO Tony Khan has publicly addressed the speculation surrounding Chris Jericho’s future, stating that he will take a “wait and see” approach. Jericho may be considering a return to WWE for a retirement run as Jericho has not been seen on AEW television since April.
Tony Khan Comments
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Khan was asked directly about Jericho’s status with the company, which the veteran star has been a part of since its beginning. Khan was complimentary of Jericho’s contributions and noted that he is welcome back in AEW anytime.
“I love Chris Jericho,” Khan said. “He’s a huge part of AEW, he’s been here since the beginning, and we’ll see what happens here in the coming months. Chris is always a welcome, big part of AEW, we’d always want to have here. So I am absolutely so grateful to Chris Jericho for everything he’s done.”
Retirement Tour Speculation
The former AEW star last wrestled for the company in April, abandoning his “Learning Tree” stablemates Bryan Keith and Big Bill after expressing profound disappointment in them. Furthermore, speculation was fueled recently when Jericho announced the talent list for his November 2026 cruise, which notably did not feature any AEW talent.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the impression within WWE is that Jericho will return for a retirement run and a Hall of Fame induction. Dave Meltzer wrote, “He’s either going to WWE or he wants people to think he’s going to WWE to up his price from each side”. Meltzer added that the widespread belief is that “Jericho is coming for a retirement tour and Hall of Fame induction”.
The report also noted that WWE sources believe Jericho’s return would be for a final run. Jericho’s current AEW contract is reported to expire at the end of 2025 or the start of 2026. Jericho last wrestled for WWE in 2018. Before officially joining AEW in 2019, he made several appearances for NJPW, where he was a one-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
What is the latest with Chris Jericho? @davidlagreca1 asked Tony Khan.#bustedopen247 pic.twitter.com/rX42wr9EqB
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) October 20, 2025
