Chris Jericho has taken a hiatus from All Elite Wrestling following his loss to Bandido at the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view in April. The former ROH World Champion expressed visible frustration after the defeat and has since been absent from weekly AEW programming. On AEW Dynamite following the pay-per-view, Jericho appeared in a segment where he smashed a television with his baseball bat—signaling his displeasure after dropping the title. He also confronted Big Bill and Bryan Keith, indicating that he was dissatisfied with their performance. While Jericho did not make any public statements on-air about his departure, the angle suggested that he was stepping away for the time being.
Chris Jericho Balancing AEW Absence with Fozzy Tour Commitments
Jericho’s absence from AEW television coincides with his touring schedule as the frontman for the rock band Fozzy. The band is currently on the road, and Jericho has resumed his musical obligations during his time off from wrestling. His break from AEW was planned in advance, and not the result of injury or creative fallout.
According to a report from Fightful Select, Chris Jericho has approximately 6 months remaining on his AEW contract. Sources close to the situation indicated that Jericho personally felt it was the right time to take a step back from weekly television. This pause allows him to focus on outside commitments while giving AEW a chance to reset his character’s direction.
Chris Jericho’s AEW Future Still Up in the Air
Jericho has been one of AEW’s most important and consistent stars since the company’s inception in 2019. As the first AEW World Champion, he played a key role in establishing the promotion’s identity and main event scene. His contributions include leading factions such as The Inner Circle, The Jericho Appreciation Society and The Learning Tree.
Now, with six months left on his deal, speculation is likely to continue about his long-term plans—whether that involves re-signing with AEW, transitioning to a part-time role, or stepping away from wrestling altogether.
“Of course I would consider going back to WWE” – Chris Jericho
At the Horror Rock and Wrestle Fest event in April, Chris Jericho revealed that he’s open to returning to WWE in the future. Here’s what the former Undisputed Champion said:
“I would have considered a return to WWE before things changed. Once again, there are two teams you can play on, which is amazing, and it’s one of the reasons why I wanted to take a chance and go to AEW in the first place, it was a real gamble.
Of course I would consider going back [to WWE]. I would also consider not going back there too. It just depends on what the situation is and what’s going on with me at the time.”
Chris Jericho’s AEW Salary Expected To Go Down With A New Contract
According to Sean Ross Sapp on the Fightful Select Q&A, Chris Jericho’s current All Elite Wrestling contract will expire at the end of this year, with his new deal likely coming with reduced salary:
“Jericho, by the end of the year when his deal is up, will probably be on an altered deal. This will be one of his first deals that goes down in money in quite a while.”
Also Read: “Please Don’t Die” – Chris Jericho To Top AEW Star
