Chris Jericho’s Old Comments on Post-Retirement Plans Resurface Amid WWE Return and AEW Exit Rumors
Chris Jericho once revealed he wants to remain in pro wrestling after he calls time on his career, and that might be in WWE rather than AEW. Jericho continues to be one of the hottest topics of discussion amid reports suggesting he is likely to return to WWE once his AEW contract expires at the end of the year.
Chris Jericho on His Post-In-Ring Career Plans
Chris Jericho enters the arena for his match with Hook at AEW Dynasty 2024.
Jericho hinted that a final run back in WWE could be on the cards when asked about the rumours in September, saying he “wouldn’t be opposed” to a return. Those comments came amid growing speculation over his future with AEW, with many now expecting the 55-year-old to jump ship once his deal is up.
AEW President Tony Khan hasn’t ruled out Jericho remaining in AEW, and he even suggested he wants the former AEW World Champion to have his final matches in the promotion. He has been with the company since 2019 and has been one of their biggest stars until this year.
Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since early 2025, and his absence has inevitably led to the assumption he might be done. But competing in the ring wasn’t the only role he has played during his six-year spell, as he’s also been a leader in the locker room and worked on commentary.
If Jericho is to return to WWE for one final run, he may well be eyeing a move to a commentary booth once he retires. He spoke about his plans once he stops wrestling back in December 2020 on an episode of his Saturday Night Special:
“I don’t know when I’m going to retire. But when I do, I would love to continue being involved in commentary and being a consultant. I don’t want to be an Executive Vice President, I don’t want to be a writer. I’d love to be a consultant.”
Jericho has served as a color commentator on AEW programming sporadically in the latter stages of his run with the promotion. He predominantly worked alongside Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.
The former WWE star, who left in 2017 also planned to continue touring with his band Fozzy:
“And obviously, [touring with] Fozzy, man. That’s the best thing about being with Fozzy, we can do this until we’re 77-years-old like The Stones. Also, I would continue doing stuff like Saturday Night Special, and Talk Is Jericho, and there’s a lot of cool acting things coming up too. So, I will be entertaining you until the day I leave this mortal coil.”
Chris Jericho on commentary for WWE
Jericho is reportedly eyeing a WWE farewell tour, similar to the one John Cena held this year before retiring. He then wants to take his place in the WWE Hall of Fame once the tour has concluded.
It could be interesting to see him take on a commentary role in WWE, as he is still one of the best talkers in the business. But WWE currently have their three brands’ commentary teams set, although Corey Graves replaced Pat McAfee as Michael Cole’s partner on SmackDown earlier this year.
Mark Henry Urges WWE To Bring Chris Jericho Into Creative Team
Jericho’s stance on becoming a consultant rather than a writer wouldn’t rule out a possible role alongside WWE’s higher-ups. It feels more likely he’d take on a role like William Regal’s, who is the company’s Vice President of Global Talent Development.
Mark Henry thinks Triple H and his fellow decision-makers should use Jericho in an office-based role because of the influence he can have on the younger generation. The WWE Hall of Famer told TMZ:
“If you can get Chris in the office, do it in a heartbeat, pay the man whatever you want, and he’s going to elevate the talent they have all these young people that are coming up.”
A Jericho return to WWE isn’t confirmed or guaranteed, but if he were to head back for a retirement run, he could be a helping hand down in the Performance Center. Many stars are shining in NXT, but learning from the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion, especially his mic skills, could benefit bright prospects tenfold.
