Chris Jericho has strong feelings on retirement, WWE return

Chris Jericho's future has been a topic of debate in recent weeks. He hasn't been seen on AEW programming since April, and he is reportedly in the final months of his contract with the company.

As such, fans have begun to speculate over a potential return to WWE for one last run with the entertainment giant. When speaking to The Daily Mail, Jericho quickly dismissed the notion of retirement and also appeared open to a move back to the WWE.

"I’m not going anywhere for a long while," Jericho said. "I’m still with AEW for right now. Would I go back to WWE? I wouldn’t be opposed to it. We just have to see what happens. The best thing that can happen is to have two great teams that you can play for, and that just makes everything bigger and more exciting."

A Chris Jericho return to WWE would make sense

Jericho has been with AEW since 2019. His presence was a huge boost to the young company and undoubtedly helped provide some early credibility. However, at this point, it's hard to see where he fits with the identity AEW is creating and how he could help elevate the brand. 

Moving to the WWE would give Jericho an opportunity to prolong his career. He could spend more time on the microphone, developing storylines and being an antagonist. WWE's matches are also shorter and aren't as heavy-hitting. At this stage in his career, and with his skill set, WWE feels like the right place for him to have his final few years in the business.

Tony Khan isn't sharing his thoughts on Jericho 

When speaking on his “What Happened When” podcast, AEW commentator Tony Schiavone weighed in on the current Jericho discussion.

“If there is smoke to that fire, it has not been thrown my way,” Schiavone said. “…I don’t ask because I don’t want to get blamed if it leaks. The less you know, the better. I was backstage with Tony Khan most of this entire trip (to the United Kingdom). Chris Jericho’s name was not mentioned, but that doesn’t mean anything. Tony a lot of times will make this — he’ll get on the phone with that person and not tell anybody.”