After months of speculation, it would appear that Chris Jericho is not making a return to the WWE.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Jericho had not been factored into WWE’s creative plans at any point.
“We’re told that there absolutely have been talks between Chris Jericho and WWE in recent months,” Fightful Select reported. “However, at no point has creative been set for him that we’ve heard about.”
It’s worth noting that Jericho was never planned for WWE’s Netflix anniversary episode, nor for a return at Elimination Chamber or the Royal Rumble. All three of those events had varying levels of speculation as to whether Jericho would appear.
He was never planned for the WWE Raw on Netflix anniversary, the Royal Rumble, or the Elimination Chamber.
With the WWE now out of the picture, it’s believed that Jericho will be heading back to AEW. He could even appear on the April 1 edition of Dynamite.
“Sources in AEW do have a growing belief that he will return to the company, especially with the nature of the trademark making more sense there,” Fightful Select’s report noted. “We’ve not heard anything regarding a WWE return at this stage. There has been a lot of chatter internally about Jericho possibly returning tonight.”
Chris Jericho Recently Trademarked “Cornerstone”
Interestingly, Jericho recently trademarked the phrase “Cornerstone.” Given his importance to AEW during the formative years of the company, it’s fair to assume this could be another one of his gimmicks/part of creative.
The last time we saw Jericho on AEW programming, he was operating as The Learning Tree. However, that gimmick often fell short and failed to get over with the fanbase. Yet, the Jericho Appreciation Society was certainly more of a hit.
Jericho certainly still has something left to offer AEW. His absence will work in his favor, as he’d previously grown stale with the fanbase. Now, he can come back with a fresh gimmick and re-insert himself into weekly television with very little friction.
It also helps that AEW has a swath of fresh, new young talents who could potentially join Jericho in a faction.
Chris Jericho Still Has Some Years Left In Wrestling
During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Jericho noted that he still has some years left in the wrestling business.
“What worries me about the guys working today is here I am at 55, 35 years in, with still some career left to go,” Jericho said. “I don’t know if it’s a year, two years, four years—I’m not sure. But I don’t know how many of the guys working now will have the option to go 35 years.”
Jericho likely has some time remaining on his current AEW contract. If he can get back over with the crowd, Tony Khan would likely offer an extension, too. Therefore, Jericho could be doing his thing for at least two years, if not longer.
With the experience Jericho brings, his presence is beneficial, both on screen and behind the scenes. Now that his immediate future appears to be set, it will be fun seeing how his latest character arc will play out.
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