As speculation continues to swirl around Chris Jericho and a possible return to WWE, Tony Khan is making one thing unmistakably clear: Jericho’s place in All Elite Wrestling history is secure.
Just hours after RAW aired, Khan appeared on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez and was asked directly about Jericho’s current status. Rather than address contract timelines or future bookings, Khan focused on Jericho’s foundational role in AEW and what he continues to mean to the company.
“First of all, I’m really grateful when I talk about people that have been here from the beginning,” Khan said, referencing AEW’s launch era. He pointed specifically to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas, the promotion’s inaugural pay-per-view. “None of it would be possible without Chris Jericho, who has been instrumental in AEW from the very beginning,” Khan said. “I love Chris very much.”
Khan went on to emphasize that Jericho remains deeply tied to the promotion's identity. “Chris is always a big part of AEW, and I think this promotion is here to stay,” he added.
Khan doubled down moments later, saying, “Chris Jericho’s a huge part of our history. And we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and Chris is an instrumental part of it.”
Since AEW launched in 2019, Jericho has been one of its most visible and influential figures. As the company’s first world champion, he helped establish credibility early on while also working closely with rising talent.
Over the years, Jericho has been associated with the development of several newer stars, including MJF, Sammy Guevara, and Bandido, among others.
At the same time, Jericho’s reduced presence on AEW programming in recent months has fueled ongoing rumors about what’s next. Jericho has already confirmed he plans to wrestle again in 2026, though he has not yet named a promotion.
“You never know,” Jericho said recently when asked about a WWE return.
Industry voices have since connected the dots, with many pointing to the Royal Rumble in early 2026 as a logical setting for a surprise appearance. The timing would align closely with Jericho’s outside commitments, including tour dates with his band, Fozzy.