Chris Jericho still has a home in AEW

Chris Jericho has been absent from AEW programming for most of 2025. The veteran talent is reportedly in the final stages of his contract with the company. There have been persistent rumors linking him with a return to WWE for one final run before walking away from the industry. 

However, Jericho has remained tight-lipped regarding his plans. He could just as easily re-sign with AEW as he could leave the company and head elsewhere. 

Tony Khan is keeping the door open for Chris Jericho

In a recent appearance on "Busted Open Radio," AEW president Tony Khan reaffirmed his willingness to extend his working relationship with Jericho.

"I love Chris Jericho," Khan said (h/t Fightful for the transcription). "He’s a huge part of AEW. He’s been here since the beginning and you know, I think we’ll see what happens here in the coming months but, Chris is always welcome, big part of AEW, we’d always want to have here."

Jericho could easily slide back into AEW's programming. In fact, given the current talent drain within the company due to injuries, his presence would likely be welcomed. And while his actual in-ring production isn't what it once was, there aren't many wrestlers better than him on the microphone. Using him to get some of the young talent over with the fan base would be a wise move. 

Chris Jericho was going stale with the AEW fan base 

Another reason why Jericho's return would be welcomed is because of how long he's been off television. To begin the year, his "learning tree" gimmick had grown stale with a fan base that had been overexposed to the longtime star. 

Now, with almost a year away, Jericho would likely be welcomed back. His ability to consistently reinvent his character should allow him to find a fresh angle that could captivate the fan base and kill some promo time until the likes of Will Ospreay return from injury. 

Nevertheless, Jericho has earned the opportunity to choose where and how he ends his career. If he feels he has done all he can in AEW, then he will leave as a key member of the company's founding years. If he chooses to stay, then there will be a role for him to play. 

Unfortunately for AEW fans, it's unlikely we will know anything more about Jericho's future until his decision has been made. Until then, all we can do is wait and see how things play out.