Chris Jericho’s absence from AEW tv since April has had followers whispering about every thing from inventive burnout to a WWE return. Now, we lastly have an replace on why he’s been lacking—and why it might nonetheless result in him strolling away from AEW.
In line with Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Choose’s October 19, 2025 Q&A, the rationale Jericho hasn’t been on AEW programming is fairly easy—for now.
“Chris Jericho has merely been off TV. That’s it. His contract isn’t up for numerous months, and it was time for him to be off tv for some time, and that’s what occurred. Tony Khan nonetheless loves Jericho and wish to see him again.”
However that doesn’t shut the door on a potential exit—as a result of all indicators round Jericho’s subsequent main venture level in the wrong way.
The 2026 version of Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea was just lately introduced for November 7–11. What stood out instantly? No AEW branding. No AEW wrestlers. No point out of the corporate anyplace within the promotional supplies. That hasn’t gone unnoticed. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez referred to as it out bluntly:
“Jericho Cruise has been introduced for 2026. No one from AEW on the boat. No references to AEW.”
Dave Meltzer added that WWE sources imagine Jericho is on his method again to WWE—and stated it’s no coincidence he hasn’t been on AEW TV for months.
“He’s been prepared for a pair months… After which nothing occurred. After a couple of month after the tour ended and he didn’t come again, I began considering: Tony’s most likely not bringing him again and possibly figures he’s going to WWE.”
Again in October 2022, Jericho signed a brand new three-year AEW deal, as reported by Selection. That contract is ready to run out between November and December 2025—simply weeks earlier than the cruise units sail. If Jericho isn’t already making ready for a return to WWE, he’s doing an ideal job wanting like he’s.
Including much more gasoline, Jericho hasn’t been reviewing AEW matches on his podcast and seems to be shifting focus away from the corporate. He’s staying obscure by design. When requested just lately on Busted Open Radio what comes subsequent, he teased the unknown:
“We don’t know, proper? We’ll simply should see.”
At this level, the cruise appears like a stage being set for one thing totally different—and along with his AEW contract winding down, Jericho could also be charting his exit behind the scenes.
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