Chris Jericho’s future is suddenly one of the hottest stories in the industry, and the countdown to the end of his AEW contract in late 2025 has already kicked off a bidding war. What looked like a quiet stretch for Jericho has now turned into a high stakes chase—one that could reshape both AEW and WWE depending on where “The Ocho” chooses to land.

Tony Khan recently made it clear that AEW wants Jericho back, saying the door is always open and that Jericho remains a core part of the company’s identity. But WWE isn’t standing on the sidelines. According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE has already put a major offer on the table, including a potential “retirement storyline” crafted specifically for Jericho’s return. The money is said to be massive, and WWE sees value in ending Jericho’s career where it began.

The twist? AEW can reportedly match the money. And that makes the situation even more unpredictable.

Jericho hasn’t been on AEW television since April, but he’s kept himself in the conversation by breaking his silence in surprising ways. His praise for TNA’s Bound For Glory crowd—calling them “WWE level” and saying TNA looked like “the second biggest company in the world”—sent shockwaves through fans who weren’t expecting such direct respect from a top AEW name. And his comment comparing AEW’s 2300 Arena production to an old Tony Condello taping didn’t go unnoticed either, hinting at frustrations behind the scenes.

Behind closed doors, the belief is simple: Jericho is weighing legacy, money, creative control, and the final chapter of a career that spans four decades. WWE wants the last word. AEW wants to keep the legend they helped reintroduce. TNA’s praise from Jericho sparked speculation, but they’re not expected to be a real contender in the bidding.

As Jericho stays quiet and off TV, the industry waits. If he jumps, it could be the biggest endgame signing of 2025. If he stays, it tells fans he believes AEW still has his next major story in them.

Either way, the veteran isn’t done shaking up the business—and the next move might be his most impactful yet.