The wrestling world is waiting to see what Chris Jericho will do next. Jim Ross, the famous wrestling announcer, recently talked about rumors that Jericho might leave AEW. Ross sent a clear message: losing Jericho would be a very bad thing for the company.
For months, people have been talking about Jericho going back to WWE. Some thought he would show up on WWE Raw on January 5, 2026, but he did not. Even so, Jim Ross says Jericho is worth a lot more than just TV ratings.
Why Jim Ross Believes Jericho is Irreplaceable
Jim Ross says Jericho is not just a wrestler; he is a leader. Ross hopes Jericho stays because the team needs him. He explained that Jericho helps young wrestlers grow and knows how to lead the locker room. If Jericho leaves, AEW will have a hard time finding someone to take his place.
Jericho has helped stars like Darby Allin and MJF become famous. Ross also likes how Jericho changes his character to stay interesting. He has gone from “Le Champion” to “The Learning Tree.” If he goes, AEW loses a great coach and a smart creative mind.
The WWE Return Rumors: Fact vs. Fiction
People started talking about a WWE return because Jericho’s contract was supposed to end in late 2025. A WWE official even used a line from Jericho’s old song, which made fans excited.
However, we don’t know the full story yet. Today is January 9, 2026, and Jericho is still listed on the AEW website. Some experts say WWE hasn’t made plans for him yet, but in wrestling, anything can happen.
- Contract Status: It might have ended on December 31, 2025, or it might be paused because of an injury.
- WWE Interest: WWE likely wants him back for one last run or a surprise at the Royal Rumble.
- AEW Stance: Tony Khan, the boss of AEW, likes Jericho but hasn’t said if he has a new contract.
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The Impact on the AEW Brand and Global Perception
If Jericho goes back to WWE, it would change how people see AEW. Jim Ross says Jericho is famous all over the world, including the UK and Canada. He is a face that everyone knows.
Losing their first-ever champion to their biggest rival would be a big problem. Ross says you cannot just create a new star like Jericho overnight. It would make AEW look like they are losing their spot at the top.
What’s Next for Chris Jericho?
Jericho’s next choice will be a big deal for wrestling in 2026. He might go back to WWE for one last time, or he might stay and help AEW grow. Now, fans are watching the Royal Rumble to see if he shows up as a surprise.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.