Dave Meltzer Reports That there Is Talk About Chris Jericho Potentially Leaving AEW For WWE

Chris Jericho could be at a major career crossroads as speculation heats up about his AEW contract status and the possibility of a WWE return.

The former AEW World Champion, who was the company’s first-ever titleholder back in 2019, has been absent from AEW programming since April. His last appearance came at AEW Dynasty, where he dropped the ROH Championship to Bandido. On the following episode of Dynamite, Jericho told his Learning Tree protégés, Big Bill and Bryan Keith, to hold things down in his absence — and he hasn’t resurfaced since.

Now, with Jericho’s current deal reportedly running through December (unless it was extended during his time off), the rumor mill is churning. Over the weekend, Jericho “liked” an Instagram post teasing a potential WWE return, sparking even more fan speculation.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed both Jericho’s contract situation and WWE’s interest. “There’s lots of talk there about Jericho,” Meltzer noted, pointing out that many fans and insiders are even speculating about a Royal Rumble appearance if he does make the jump.

From WWE’s perspective, Meltzer explained, Jericho would be an instant shot in the arm. “A guy from AEW that goes to WWE is going to be over like crazy,” he said.

Of course, AEW President Tony Khan won’t want to lose one of his top stars without a fight. Meltzer suggested Khan could throw big money at Jericho to keep him, but acknowledged that WWE would likely match or exceed whatever AEW is willing to offer. The main difference would come down to creative freedom — Jericho has historically had more leeway with his storylines in AEW, while WWE’s structure may be more restrictive, albeit with a more tailored schedule.

At 53, Jericho has nothing left to prove, but the idea of him returning to WWE — even for one last run — would be a massive moment. Whether it’s a Rumble surprise, a WrestleMania story, or simply one more chapter in a legendary career, the wrestling world will be watching closely as December approaches.