For the past few months, wrestling fans have been asking one big question – what is going on with Chris Jericho’s AEW contract? Rumours were flying that he could return to WWE in early 2025.
Some reports even suggested he might show up on the January 5 episode of Raw. But that never happened. Now, as we move further into the year, Jericho is still listed on AEW’s official roster. So what is really happening behind the scenes?
Chris Jericho Still Under AEW Contract
Chris Jericho remains officially signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite strong rumours about a possible WWE return, there has been no official move.
Earlier reports claimed that Jericho’s AEW contract would expire at the end of 2025. Because of that timeline, many fans believed he could appear on the January 5 episode of WWE Raw. However, that date passed without any surprise appearance.
As of mid-February, Jericho’s name is still featured on AEW’s roster page. In most cases, that clearly means a wrestler is still under contract with the company.
Why Was Jericho’s Contract Possibly Extended?
According to wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful, Jericho is believed to still be fully under contract with AEW. Sapp mentioned that people around Jericho think his deal may have been “frozen” when he took time off in mid-2025.
A contract freeze usually means that time away from television does not count towards the remaining contract period. This can happen for several reasons.
Possible reasons for an extension include:
- Contract being frozen during time off
- Injury-related time added to the deal
- A quiet re-signing with AEW
- Other private terms in the agreement
Sapp also clarified that he has not personally seen Jericho’s contract. So, at this stage, nothing can be confirmed 100 percent. What is clear is that Jericho’s future plans are being kept very private.
Would Chris Jericho Really Return to WWE?
There have been talks that Jericho would be open to returning to WWE. However, one reported concern is that signing with WWE could limit his outside projects.
Jericho is known for balancing wrestling with other ventures like music, podcasts, and live events. WWE contracts sometimes come with stricter rules about outside appearances. That could be one reason why he has not rushed into a return.
Interestingly, Jericho’s popular Jericho Cruise – which usually features several AEW stars – does not currently list AEW talent for its upcoming edition. Some fans believe this could be a hint that Jericho was at least considering a move away from AEW. However, nothing official has been announced.
AEW and WWE Contract Freezes: Not a New Story
Both AEW and WWE have, in the past, frozen or extended contracts when talent took time off. This practice is not new in professional wrestling.
If a wrestler wants to leave once their contract ends, they usually have that right. However, freezes and extensions can delay that move. In Jericho’s case, it appears he may need to wait until he is fully free and clear before making any big career decisions.
Here’s a simple overview of the situation:
| Topic | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Chris Jericho Contract | Still under AEW |
| WWE Return Rumours | Speculated but did not happen |
| Contract Expiry Date | Not officially confirmed |
| Possible Extension Reason | Freeze, injury time, or new deal |
| Future Plans | Being kept private |
What This Means for WrestleMania 42
Many fans imagined what Jericho’s road to WrestleMania 42 could have looked like if he returned to WWE. A surprise appearance, a dream match, or even a Hall of Fame moment would have created massive buzz.
But for now, those ideas remain only fantasy booking. Until Jericho’s contract situation becomes clear, a WWE return seems unlikely in the immediate future.
The wrestling world moves quickly, and situations can change at any time. For now, Chris Jericho remains part of AEW, and fans will have to wait patiently for any official announcement about his next move. Whether he stays loyal to AEW or eventually returns to WWE, one thing is certain – Jericho always keeps the wrestling world talking.
