Why did Chris Jericho ditch WWE & re-sign with AEW?

The former World Champion was anticipated to return to WWE in early 2026.

Chris Jericho’s highly speculated return to the WWE was one of the most talked-about points before the first Raw of 2026. The rumors and speculations continued throughout the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber.

Despite Jericho being listed on the AEW roster, fans continued to speculate on every tiny tease on WWE programming. Additionally, it was also reported that Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling may have been extended because of the time he missed in 2025.

However, fans were still hoping for Jericho’s WWE return. These speculations came to an end last week, when Jericho made his AEW return on the April 1 episode of Dynamite in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Jericho’s return has made it clear that he’s staying with AEW, meaning WWE fans hoping for a comeback may have to let that idea go. But what’s the real reason behind Jericho choosing to re-sign with AEW instead of returning to WWE?

Chris Jericho prioritized a better deal over a retirement run in WWE

Sean Ross Sapp, during a recent Fightful Select Q&A, addressed the speculations surrounding Jericho’s contract following his return. Sapp confirmed that Jericho has signed a new deal with All Elite Wrestling after his last deal was extended due to inactivity.

“Has Jericho signed a new AEW contract? Yes, he has signed a new deal. They had extended the old one due to inactivity, but he’s there for the foreseeable future. I’m working to find out a lot of the details, but he wants them very close to the vest.”

Sapp noted that Jericho was free to explore his options and did engage in talks with WWE, fueling speculation about a possible return. However, AEW ultimately presented a stronger offer, which secured the deal and kept Jericho with the company for the foreseeable future.

“Can you elaborate on what happened with Jericho? I see people saying he chose AEW over WWE, but hasn’t he been under contract this whole time to AEW? Did he sign a new deal? Did he talk to WWE? Yes, he did talk to WWE… But AEW offered more money and a more favorable deal.”

Details of the WWE deal

Speaking of WWE’s deal, Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that within wrestling circles, there’s a growing belief that a move to WWE is no longer on the table, with Jericho expected to remain in All Elite Wrestling for the foreseeable future.

Metlzer also noted that WWE only wanted to bring Jericho for a retirement tour and farewell. The plan was to build 2026 around the retirements of AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, and presumably Jericho.

“We had been told that WWE only wanted to bring him in for a retirement tour and farewell, At one time, we were told that the 2026 year would be built around retirements for AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, and presumably Jericho.

But even though there were teases by Pearce and another by CM Punk, we had been told repeatedly that you should not believe any of the stories going around involving WWE and Jericho.”

Jericho is currently confirmed for an appearance on the upcoming April 8 edition of AEW Dynamite, which emanates from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and is set to address his return.

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