Chris Jericho To Stay in AEW? Report Gives Update Amid WWE Return Talk

Jericho added fuel to the flames regarding a possible AEW exit in early September when he said that he wouldn't be opposed to a WWE return. He left the promotion in 2018 and arrived in their biggest rival company a year later as one of its biggest stars.

The 54-year-old has competed elsewhere during his AEW career, including in Japan with NJPW. It seems that if he were to leave AEW, he would have other options besides WWE.

Fightful Select reports that Jericho's name "has not been brought up in recent creative discussions" and that "multiple national and global companies, including WWE, are interested in working with him." His contract expiration date has been of interest with the Royal Rumble being WWE's next PLE after this.

Tony Khan spoke highly of Jericho recently, and there is a chance he could stay with AEW if they decide to meet WWE financially. A source is believed to have suggested that WWE is prepared to offer him "several million dollars," but that AEW could match it.

Jericho is in a strong position to make a handsome sum of money with what will likely be the last contract of his pro wrestling career. There have been suggestions that he would be looking to replicate John Cena's Farewell Tour if he were to return to WWE before entering the Hall of Fame.

"A Big Deal" - Matt Hardy Backs Chris Jericho WWE Return

Matt Hardy gave his verdict on Jericho's future and he believes the former Undisputed WWE Champion is best off returning to WWE. The current TNA and NXT Tag Team Champion feels he's done all there is to do in AEW (via The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy):

"I think the AEW fanbase has had their share of Chris Jericho in many, many ways and I think creatively he’s done pretty much everything he can do there. Unless they want to put him into the main mix but I don’t think the fanbase would be up for that... Chris has always been really good at understanding when it’s time to go away or take time off and come back and recharge."

Hardy added:

"And I feel like the time is right, if he came back to WWE it’d be huge moment, especially in a Royal Rumble, whatever that appearance would be it would be massive... Even if it is his last run and he retires at the end of it, I think they would honor him and do right by him and I think it’d be a big deal for WWE in the immediate future."

Jericho has been handed more creative freedom during his AEW run, but he left WWE before Triple H took over creative duties. Hardy suggested he'd be used appropriately if he were to return under this regime:

"I think if you use him smart, you put him in a position to succeed, you have a smart booker who knows what they’re doing with him, I think he’s a huge contributing factor to any company."

Jericho has said in the past that one of his priorities if he were to return is to revive his rivalry with Kevin Owens. But he could also be involved in AJ Styles' retirement run with the duo sharing a past feud and friendship.