• WWE Expected To Offer Top AEW Star “Several Million Dollars”
Chris Jericho’s AEW contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of 2025, and with the year coming to a close, rumors about his next move are starting to heat up. The former World Heavyweight Champion is expected to return to WWE for one final run next year.
It’s rumored that WWE expects Jericho to come back for a retirement tour and a Hall of Fame induction. The 54-year-old, who hasn’t appeared on AEW television since April, also said in a recent interview that he would be open to returning to WWE.
Fightful Select is reporting that Jericho has not been mentioned in AEW’s recent creative discussions. Multiple national and international promotions, including WWE, are reportedly interested in signing Y2J if he becomes a free agent.
One WWE source claimed Jericho could be offered “several million dollars” annually to return, though AEW is believed to be capable of matching that offer.
• WWE Wants To Bring Andrade Back
Following his release from WWE in September, Andrade made a surprise return to AEW on Dynamite’s six-year anniversary earlier this month. However, his second AEW run has only included one appearance so far, as he was quickly pulled from programming right after his return.
WWE reportedly sent a Cease and Desist letter to All Elite Wrestling to inform them that the former United States Champion is still under a non-compete clause with the company.
Under the new TKO-era WWE contracts, wrestlers who are fired for cause may be subject to a one-year non-compete clause. Andrade reportedly falls under this category, as his release was said to be connected to multiple violations of the company’s Wellness Policy.
PWInsider reports that several sources within the Mexican wrestling community believe that WWE is enforcing Andrade’s one-year non-compete clause as part of an effort to bring him back to the company. While no one in WWE has confirmed these discussions, that speculation continues to circulate among close-knit circles in Mexico.
Despite the ongoing contractual issues, Andrade remains advertised for a Big Time Wrestling event in Augusta next month.
