Chris Jericho’s AEW return is not a short-term arrangement. Tony Khan confirmed during the AEW Dynasty pre-show media conference call that Jericho has signed a new multi-year deal with the company, putting an end to months of speculation about his future that had fueled considerable interest from WWE and the broader wrestling landscape.
Khan had previously confirmed that Jericho was a free agent when he made his surprise return on the April 1 Dynamite in Winnipeg — saying only “AEW — I’m home” before departing — and that the specific date had been planned as far back as last year. The multi-year deal confirmation signals that whatever discussions took place during Jericho’s extended absence from television, the conclusion was a significant long-term commitment to AEW rather than a one-off return.
Chris Jericho Makes His AEW In-Ring Return at Dynasty Against Ricochet After Nearly a Year Away
At 55 years old, Jericho steps back into an AEW ring this weekend at Dynasty in Vancouver, facing Ricochet in a match he secured for himself via a clause in his new contract — announced live on Dynamite after signing the deal in the ring. His contract had reportedly been frozen during his absence following the expiration of his previous deal at the end of 2025. The Dynasty match against Ricochet marks Jericho’s first in-ring appearance in AEW since losing to Bandido at Dynasty in April 2025 — almost exactly one year between appearances. Dynasty takes place April 12 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, airing live on PPV.
