Bold claim: Jericho’s next move remains a mystery, and that uncertainty is the real story the wrestling world can’t stop talking about.
During a recent appearance on Spencer Matthews’ Untapped podcast, Chris Jericho touched on a wide range of topics from his storied career, but he didn’t give a direct answer about which promotion fans will see him in next.
If anything, his comments only blurred the lines further and left analysts guessing. For months, speculation has swirled around Jericho’s future as his AEW contract nears its end or has already expired. A re-sign with Tony Khan’s promotion is possible, yet many fans are hoping for a WWE comeback, perhaps even a final run in the company.
In November, rumors from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter pointed to strong WWE interest in Jericho, with Meltzer noting that WWE pitched a retirement storyline. There’s been no clear indication from Jericho about whether he’s ready to retire or keep competing.
Matthews didn’t press Jericho on his next destination, but he did invite a hint when he asked Jericho to name his Mount Rushmore of greatest opponents.
Rather than listing only WWE or AEW stars, Jericho offered a blend from both promotions. He started with his Mount Rushmore of inspirations:
- Shawn Michaels: Jericho called him the greatest in wrestling, praising him for his athleticism, character, and storytelling. He considers Michaels the peak of what he values in the sport.
- Ricky Steamboat, Owen Hart, and the British Bulldogs were also highlighted as major influences on his career.
When naming his Mount Rushmore of opponents, Jericho again drew from both sides of the industry. He included Shawn Michaels and praised Jon Moxley (formerly Dean Ambrose) for their work together in AEW and WWE, citing exceptional chemistry and intensity.
He recalled a fond working relationship with The Rock, noting that their matches and promos in the early 2000s were nearly flawless, despite The Rock’s limited availability due to movie commitments.
Jericho also reflected on his rivalry with Kenny Omega and their 2018 Wrestle Kingdom clash at the Tokyo Dome. He asserted that the match helped spark the creation of AEW, pointing to the surge in demand for non-WWE wrestling and Tony Khan’s subsequent plans.
Overall, Jericho’s greatest opponents list was evenly split between WWE and AEW stars, and his current fitness level hints that he remains ready for a comeback—wherever that may be.
So, what do you think? Should Jericho mount a final WWE run, or is AEW the better stage for his next chapter? Share your thoughts in the comments.