TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 12: Chris Jericho enters the ring throughout the DDT Professional-Wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan on November 12, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Picture by Etsuo Hara/Getty Photographs)
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Chris Jericho shall be 55 in a month and he’s about to turn into the most important free agent in skilled wrestling. With rumors of a return to WWE flying, Jericho took to Instagram to make it clear to followers who could also be questioning about his profession, “IT AIN’T OVER YET,” the wrestling icon stated.
Jericho’s present contract with All Elite Wrestling is reportedly set to finish quickly and most count on him to land with WWE—presumably to complete his storied profession. For some, the most important query is not if Jericho will return to WWE, however when he’ll make his method again.
If I needed to guess, I’d say the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in January is probably going the earliest you’ll see him.
Why Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia is Chris Jericho’s Most Possible WWE Return Date?
Experiences point out Jericho’s present AEW deal expires close to the top of 2025, sparking hypothesis that he has been deliberately stored off AEW tv since April. Royal Rumble is occurring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January.
That ought to present the sizable stage that’s applicable for a star of Jericho’s caliber. In spite of everything, he’s completed it earlier than.
Ready till January also needs to clear any non-compete hurdles–although Andrade didn’t seem to have any issues when he appeared on AEW Dynamite on Wednesday simply weeks after being launched from WWE.
The Each day Mail spoke to Jericho in regards to the rumors and he was fairly candid.
When requested a couple of WWE return, Jericho acknowledged, “I would not be against it. We simply need to see what occurs. However the perfect factor that may occur is that you’ve got two nice groups which you could play for.”
Right here’s a have a look at the interview (h/t to Denise Salcedo of Busted Open).
As a result of Jericho is seemingly headed totally free company, some might count on he’s making an attempt to drive up his asking worth forward of negotiating a possible long-term take care of Tony Khan and AEW. However I do not see it going that method.
At this stage of Jericho’s profession, he is received no cause to play video games.
He’s one of many biggest performers in skilled wrestling historical past. From his precise in-ring work, which has slowed contemplating his age, to his good wrestling thoughts which seems as sharp as ever.
Everybody is aware of what he brings to the desk. It will not shock me if Jericho already is aware of how he needs to re-invent himself for a possible ultimate run with WWE.
He’s been Y2J. He’s had “The Checklist,” he’s worn face paint in Japan, been “Le Champion” in AEW. Regardless of the spin, it has at all times labored as a result of he is that good.
Jericho is enjoying the ultimate act of a legendary profession, and the final time he labored in WWE, the inventive was among the better of his life. That run elevated guys and gave him new life.
Maybe that’s the attraction for him now: new matchups, new inventive, and the simple draw of a ultimate WWE run and a assured Corridor of Fame induction. He’s already a cornerstone of AEW historical past; there’s nothing left to construct.
There’s no higher time for him to return to WWE.
Who Would Jericho Companion or Feud With on His WWE Return?
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 26: WWE Celebrity Austin Principle makes his entrance throughout Monday Evening Uncooked on the SAP Middle on February 26, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Picture by Michael Owens/WWE By way of Getty Photographs)
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In case your wheels are turning like mine, think about Jericho in a feud with CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, LA Knight or renewing acquaintances with Cody Rhodes.
Think about him with a faction and being the mouthpiece for promising younger guys like Austin Principle and Tony D’Angelo.
Theory is injured currently, however he has it. He simply must be paired with somebody who helps push him to the subsequent degree. Jericho is perhaps that man.
There’s a lot that may nonetheless be completed due to Jericho’s versatility. Later this 12 months, we’ll discover out, however all indicators level to The Ayatollah being one of many greatest surprises on the highway to WrestleMania 42.
