As the wrestling world speculates on the future of Chris Jericho, AEW commentator Jim Ross has weighed in on the potential impact of the legend’s departure.
Jericho’s contract with AEW expired at the end of 2025, and while he remains listed on the roster page, his status is in limbo. Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross expressed his belief that if Jericho does leave, there is only one destination that makes sense.
“I think it’s WWE or nothing for [Chris] Jericho,” Ross stated. “But I think his goal, if it’s to leave AEW, he’s got a great deal. I’m under the impression, he’s got a great deal, then I think it’s WWE or stay where he is. I don’t think the TNA thing plays into it but I could be wrong. Money changes a lot of opinion, sentiment. I hope he doesn’t leave.”
Ross emphasized Jericho’s immense value to AEW, not just as an on-screen talent but as a backstage influence.
“He’s such a valuable member of AEW. He does a lot of things people don’t see, helping talent, counselling talent, coming up with ideas, and so forth. And I think Tony Khan needs guys like Chris Jericho to contribute ideas,” Ross said. “Him leaving would hurt the brand to a degree. No doubt. You can’t lose a talent like Chris Jericho and say that, ‘Oh well, we’ll just move on, it doesn’t matter.’”
Jericho was last seen in action at AEW Dynasty 2025, where he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido. Despite rumors that he might appear on the first Raw of 2026, he was absent from the show. With the Royal Rumble fast approaching on January 31 in Saudi Arabia, the window for a dramatic WWE return is wide open, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
