Jim Ross Thinks It’s WWE Or Nothing For Chris Jericho If He Leaves AEW

On a recent episode of his podcast “Grilling JR,” Jim Ross discussed Chris Jericho’s future in wrestling amid WWE return speculation. Jericho is heavily speculated to be joining WWE after reports that his AEW contract expired at the end of 2025.

Ross was asked about the notion of Jericho potentially going somewhere else like TNA and thought that the star is “WWE or nothing” if he leaves AEW. Here are the highlights:

On Jericho’s Future:

“I think it’s WWE or nothing for Jericho. He’s happy, he seems to be happy. He’s got a lot of influence in AEW. Basically to simplify it, he books his own angles. He works with the creative guys, and they communicate well. Chris don’t come empty-handed; he always got a plan.

“But I think his goal, if it is to leave AEW where he’s got a great deal. I’m under the impression [that] he’s got a great deal, then I think it’s WWE or stay where he is. I don’t think the TNA thing plays into it. But then, I could be wrong. Money changes a lot of opinion, sentiment.”

On Jericho’s Importance to AEW:

“I hope he doesn’t leave. He’s such a valuable member of AEW. He does a lot of things people don’t see as far as helping talent and counselling talent, coming up with ideas and so forth. And I think Tony Khan needs guys like Chris Jericho around to contribute ideas.”

On Jericho Leaving AEW:

“I think Jericho is such a valuable member of AEW. Him leaving would hurt the brand to a degree, no doubt. You can’t lose a talent like Chris Jericho and say that, ‘Oh well, we’ll just move on. It doesn’t matter, we got other guys that are ready to step up.’ And I hope that’s true. But bottom line of it is that he’s got options, and that’s a smart guy.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit the Grilling JR podcast with an h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.