• “It’s WWE or nothing for Chris Jericho” – AEW Personality
The wrestling world is on high alert as Chris Jericho’s rumored free agency takes an unexpected turn. While many assumed the former AEW World Champion was a lock for a WWE comeback following the alleged expiration of his contract on December 31, 2025, new reports suggest a detour to TNA Wrestling could be in the works.
According to Andrew Baydala on the Final Bell Media podcast, Jericho is reportedly “very interested” in working with TNA. Baydala clarified that while he believes Jericho has already reached a formal agreement to return to WWE, the veteran is pushing for a short-term appearance or a “pit stop” in TNA first. This would be a historic statement for TNA, especially as iMPACT prepares for its landmark debut on AMC this Thursday, January 15.
The timing of these rumors is particularly interesting. Fans in Brooklyn were left disappointed when Jericho didn’t appear on RAW, despite RAW General Manager Adam Pearce using the phrase “break down the walls” in his social media preview and Corey Graves referencing Jericho’s “Learning Tree” gimmick during the main event.
Despite the absence, Jericho remains on the AEW roster page, with Sean Ross Sapp reporting that there has been no internal memo sent in All Elite Wrestling regarding Jericho’s departure.
According to AEW commentator Jim Ross, WWE is the only place Jericho will go to if he leaves Tony Khan’s promotion.
Here’s what Good Ol’ JR said on his Grilling JR podcast:
“I think it’s WWE or nothing for Jericho. He’s happy, he seems to be happy. He’s got a lot of influence at AEW. He basically, to simplify it, books his own angles and he works with the creator guys and they communicate well. And Chris don’t come empty-handed.
He’s always got a plan, but I think his goal, if it is to leave AEW, where he’s got a great deal, I’m under the impression he’s got a great deal, then I think it’s WWE or he stays where he is. I don’t think the TNA thing plays into it.”
• “Utter bullsh*t” – WWE HOFer Rips AEW For Not Using Britt Baker
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker has been absent from All Elite Wrestling TV since late 2024.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Baker remains under contract well into 2026, but her absence has stretched so long that a comeback no longer appears to be on the table.
Sapp noted that the last time he spoke directly with Baker, she indicated she was healthy – a conversation that took place quite some time ago. Despite that, there has been no creative movement internally, and no recent discussions about reintroducing her to AEW programming.
When asked whether anything had shifted behind the scenes, Sapp said he had not heard of any internal talks regarding Baker’s return beyond routine media inquiries. Based on what he’s been told, he does not expect her to be brought back.
On Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley said the following about Baker’s status:
“Has Britt Baker been so out of sight and out of mind that her wrestling career could be in jeopardy? I think the only place she’s safe right now is in AEW.
I’m going to take that back, if she showed up in the WWE, I don’t think people would know. I think she’d have to go through NXT. If she showed up in TNA, people would know her, and Britt Baker, as an addition to that Knockouts locker room, would be great.
I know exactly why (she’s not on TV), but I think all the reasons are complete, total, and utter bullsh*t. There’s no reason why Britt Baker should not be on my television. There’s no reason why Britt Baker should not be in an AEW ring. There’s no reason why Britt Baker should be on the sidelines.
Unless Britt Baker is hurt, which I don’t think she is, there is zero good reason why that girl should not be involved in certain storylines right now or be brought back.”
Also Read: Another Undisputed WWE Title Change Expected Before WrestleMania 42
