The Wrestling World's Mystery: Jericho's Next Move
In a recent podcast appearance, Chris Jericho left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. While he spoke extensively about his legendary career, the one question on everyone's mind remained unanswered: where will Jericho wrestle next?
The Speculation Game
Jericho's AEW contract status has been a hot topic for months. With the contract potentially expired or nearing its end, the wrestling community is abuzz with speculation. Will he re-sign with Tony Khan's AEW, or will he make a triumphant return to WWE, perhaps for a final, memorable run?
WWE's Interest
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported WWE's strong interest in Jericho back in November. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE even pitched a retirement storyline to Chris, but whether he's ready to retire remains unclear. This adds an intriguing layer to the mystery surrounding Jericho's future.
Clues and Confusion
During the podcast, Matthews didn't directly ask Jericho about his next move, but Jericho had a chance to drop hints when asked to name his Mount Rushmore of opponents. Surprisingly, he named wrestlers from both WWE and AEW, refusing to commit to either promotion.
He began by discussing his "Mount Rushmore of inspirations," naming Shawn Michaels as the greatest of all time for his athletic, character, and storyline prowess. Jericho also mentioned Ricky Steamboat, Owen Hart, and the British Bulldogs as significant influences.
When asked about his Mount Rushmore of opponents, Jericho included Shawn Michaels and Jon Moxley, citing their work together in both WWE and AEW. He also praised The Rock for their perfect chemistry during their brief time together in the early 2000s.
The AEW Connection
Jericho then spoke about his rivalry with Kenny Omega and their historic match for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at the Tokyo Dome. He claimed this match played a pivotal role in the formation of AEW, as it showcased the demand for wrestling outside of WWE and led to Tony Khan's decision to create AEW.
A Potential Comeback?
Despite the even split between WWE and AEW stars on his greatest opponents list, Jericho's comments about his physical shape suggest he's still considering a potential run somewhere. He told Matthews he's in better shape now than he was at 45, and even better than a year ago.
The Final Question
So, where do you stand? Do you want to see Jericho's final run in WWE, or a return to AEW? And here's the controversial part: could Jericho be considering a different promotion entirely? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss and speculate together!
