“Its time for him to retire”- Wrestling fans react as top AEW star teases WWE return after almost 7 years

Former AEW World Champion breaks silence on potential WWE return amidst rumors of his contract expiring this year.

“Its time for him to retire”- Wrestling fans react as top AEW star teases WWE return after almost 7 years

Chris Jericho to return to WWE? [via- AEW]

The current landscape of professional wrestling in America is arguably the best it has been in decades. With two promotions, AEW and WWE, engaged in fierce competition, wrestlers now have multiple options to choose from. Recently, one of AEW’s first signings, Chris Jericho, spoke in detail about the possibility of rejoining the rival company in the future.

During a recent appearance at the Horror Rock and Wrestle Fest event, Jericho refused to rule out a return to WWE. The former World Champion highlighted the success of AEW, reflecting on how far along the promotion had come since its inception. However, Jericho affirmed that he would consider a WWE comeback under the right circumstances. After all, the veteran is allegedly in the final year of his current AEW contract.

So yeah I would consider going back there, I’d consider not going back too, depends on what the situation is, we’ll see.

Chris Jericho via Horror Rock and Wrestle Fest
YouTube video

The last time fans saw Jericho live on WWE programming was at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in 2018. Following that, Y2J left the company after a dispute with then-chairman Vince McMahon. The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla went on to wrestle for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) before joining Tony Khan‘s company a year later.

Jericho would also become the inaugural AEW World Champion, bringing in new eyes to the product. Since then, the 54-year-old wrestler has been a mainstay for the promotion as he continues to be one of the prominent stars on weekly television.

A Chris Jericho return would be an interesting turn of events, to say the least. Over the past few months, WWE has signed several ex-AEW wrestlers, including Rey Fenix, Penta, and Ricky Saints. Moreover, Jericho would join CM Punk and Cody Rhodes among the big names to have returned after initially leaving WWE.

Wrestling fans reject idea of a Chris Jericho WWE return

Without a doubt, Chris Jericho is one of the most decorated wrestlers of all time. However, his reputation has taken a significant hit over the past few years, with fans growing frustrated with the legend. As such, not many were pleased at the possibility of Jericho returning to WWE. In fact, some users even called for the former World Champion to retire.

Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho [via- WWE]

One fan suggested that this was Jericho’s way of luring a higher pay and contract extension from Tony Khan. Meanwhile, another user claimed that they would be open to Y2J returning only for a WWE Hall of Fame induction.

On the contrary, a few fans hoped to see the 54-year-old back with his “List” persona, which was popular during his final run. Regardless, only time will tell what lies ahead for the nine-time Intercontinental Champion and his future.

Chris Jericho loses ROH World Title in controversial finish at AEW Dynasty

In October 2024, Chris Jericho won the ninth world title of his career after defeating Mark Briscoe for the ROH World Championship on an episode of Dynamite. Since then, Jericho had successfully retained his title, mostly with the help of The Learning Tree. Last night, Jericho’s shenanigans cost him dearly as he squared off against Bandido at AEW Dynasty.

Chris Jericho loses title at AEW Dynasty
Chris Jericho loses title at AEW Dynasty [via- AEW]

The match, which had a mask vs. title stipulation imposed, featured a controversial ending. Initially, Jericho had retained his championship after hitting Bandido with a baseball bat. However, the latter’s family had alerted the referees about Jericho’s antics, which led to the match restarting.

Bandido was finally able to put away the veteran, celebrating the title win with his family. Of course, this convoluted finish was not met well with fans, who lambasted Jericho for not putting over Bandido in clean fashion.

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