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Chris Jericho shocked the pro wrestling world last week when, on AEW Dynamite in Winnipeg, Canada, he returned to All Elite Wrestling programming after a hiatus of nearly a year.
Jericho had been absent from AEW since April 2025, when he lost the ROH World Championship to Bandido at AEW Dynasty. During that period, Jericho was heavily rumored to return to WWE, but that never happened.
Jericho’s previous contract with AEW was set to expire on December 31, 2025, which caused rumors about a WWE return to increase considerably. However, his contract was extended due to his long absence.
To put an end to any hopes from WWE, in addition to returning last Wednesday, Jericho is also very likely to have signed a new contract with AEW, motivated by a high financial offer.
For Jim Cornette, on his official YouTube channel, Jericho was an “idiot” for refusing a return to WWE for money.
“The question is whether he played one side against the other just to make more money, so congratulations to him. But if he was free, with no restrictions and able to leave, and didn’t take the chance to do something with WWE—like a farewell year and a Hall of Fame deal, with two or three important matches and some appearances that could generate millions—if he didn’t do that while having the option, then he’s an idiot.
Because not even AEW fans will want to see him wrestle there. Like you said, most of the stuff he does is crap. And he’s going to have to travel more, even if he doesn’t work as much, at least to receive Tony’s inflated paycheck. And after having made tons of money in his life, wouldn’t it be better to go out on top? While he could still do that a few times a year in WWE, with a lot of people watching, and still secure a Hall of Fame deal.”