Jim Ross expressed his desire for Chris Jericho to remain with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) despite ongoing speculation linking the veteran performer to a potential return to WWE.Ross shared his thoughts on a recent episode of his podcast, Grilling JR, acknowledging the rumors but emphasizing Jericho’s critically important contributions to AEW’s success as its inception in 2019.
The future of “Le Champion” is a key storyline for both AEW and WWE as the wrestling landscape shifts.Jericho’s presence is pivotal to AEW’s continued growth, providing star power and in-ring experience. A move back to WWE would represent a major acquisition for the company,possibly bolstering its programming and drawing viewership. The situation impacts AEW’s ability to maintain its momentum and WWE’s efforts to reclaim dominance in the professional wrestling world.
Ross stated, “I’m hoping Chris stays with AEW. He’s been so good for us, he’s been a foundational part of what we’re doing, and I think he enjoys it.” He further elaborated that Jericho’s versatility-as both a performer and a commentator-makes him an invaluable asset. ross acknowledged Jericho’s history with WWE, where he achieved considerable success, but underscored the unique possibility Jericho helped build within AEW.
Speculation regarding Jericho’s possible WWE return intensified following reports on wrestling news websites and social media platforms in early september 2024. These reports suggested that WWE officials had expressed interest in bringing Jericho back to the company, potentially as a performer or in a backstage role. Jericho himself has addressed the rumors, often fueling them with ambiguous statements during interviews and on social media.
Jericho debuted with AEW in January 2019, becoming the first AEW World Champion.He has since held multiple championships within the promotion and consistently delivered memorable matches and storylines. His longevity and adaptability have cemented his status as one of the most respected and recognizable figures in professional wrestling.
