Wrestling fans, brace yourselves: Chris Jericho has spoken, but the mystery of his next move remains as elusive as ever. In a recent podcast appearance, Jericho dropped hints that only deepened the speculation about his future.
During his conversation with Spencer Matthews on the Untapped podcast, Jericho covered a wide range of topics, reflecting on his storied career. However, the burning question on everyone’s mind—which wrestling promotion will he call home next—went unanswered. If anything, his cryptic remarks left fans more perplexed than before.
For months, the wrestling world has been buzzing with rumors about Jericho’s next step. His AEW contract has either expired or is on the brink of doing so, leaving the door wide open for possibilities. At 55, Jericho could easily re-sign with Tony Khan’s AEW, but a significant portion of fans are eagerly hoping for a return to WWE, perhaps even for one final, triumphant run.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In November, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that WWE has shown strong interest in Jericho, even pitching a retirement storyline. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE has offered Jericho a chance to hang up his boots in a memorable way. Yet, Jericho has given no indication that he’s ready to retire, leaving fans to wonder if this is a genuine offer or a strategic move to stir the pot.
While Matthews didn’t directly ask Jericho about his next signing, he did have the perfect opportunity to drop a hint. When prompted to name his personal Mount Rushmore of greatest opponents, Jericho’s response was intriguing. Instead of favoring one promotion over the other, he named wrestlers from both WWE and AEW, further muddying the waters.
And this is the part most people miss: Jericho’s list wasn’t just about opponents; it was a nod to the influences that shaped his career. He started by praising Shawn Michaels as the greatest of all time, citing his athleticism, character, and storytelling. He also credited Ricky Steamboat, Owen Hart, and the British Bulldogs as major inspirations.
When it came to his Mount Rushmore of opponents, Jericho included Shawn Michaels, Jon Moxley (both as Dean Ambrose in WWE and in AEW), and The Rock, with whom he shared undeniable chemistry. He also highlighted his rivalry with Kenny Omega, particularly their groundbreaking 2018 Wrestle Kingdom match in NJPW, which he believes played a pivotal role in AEW’s formation.
Here’s the kicker: While Jericho’s list was evenly split between WWE and AEW stars, he made it clear he’s still in fighting shape. “I’m probably in better shape than I was when I was 45,” he told Matthews. “I know I’m in better shape than I was a year ago.” This statement has only fueled speculation about his future.
So, what’s next for Jericho? Will we see him make a final run in WWE, or will he return to AEW? Is WWE’s retirement storyline offer a genuine opportunity, or a strategic move to create buzz? Let’s not forget the possibility of Jericho surprising us all by staying independent or exploring new horizons. One thing’s for sure: Jericho knows how to keep us guessing.
What do you think? Do you want to see Jericho back in WWE, or should he stick with AEW? Or do you think he’ll chart a completely different course? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the debate alive!
