Credit: WWE.com
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently addressed the swirling rumors about AEW star Chris Jericho potentially making a comeback to WWE after his AEW contract expires later this year. While Flair expressed admiration for Jericho’s legendary contributions to professional wrestling, he remains skeptical that WWE will offer Jericho a grand farewell run akin to John Cena’s ongoing retirement tour.
Ric Flair Hopes For A Final WWE Run For Jericho But Has Doubts
In a candid interview with The Escapist magazine, Ric Flair was asked whether Chris Jericho deserves one last run with WWE. Flair was unequivocal in stating that Jericho has significantly impacted the wrestling business and absolutely deserves the sendoff. However, Flair cautioned that he does not believe WWE will provide Jericho with a high-profile run comparable to what John Cena received.
“Well, of course I do because Chris has meant a lot to the business,” Flair remarked. “But I don’t think he’ll get it. I’m sure he’ll go to the Hall of Fame… But I would doubt very seriously if he’d get the kind of deal that John Cena got. He had a level of popularity very similar to The Rock’s. It might be a bit of a stretch to see him back in there, but you never know.”
Flair’s remarks underline the reality that Cena’s farewell tour was exceptional, reflecting his unparalleled mainstream appeal, something Flair suggests Jericho may not match in WWE’s current perspective.
Jericho’s Stellar Career And WWE Legacy
Chris Jericho has been a transformative figure in the business for over three decades, making waves in major organizations including WWE, WCW, NJPW, and now AEW where he was the inaugural world champion. Jericho first made his WWE impact in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a multi-time world champion and one of the company’s most versatile performers.
The last time Jericho appeared in a WWE ring was the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble. Since joining AEW at its 2019 launch, Jericho has been a cornerstone of their roster, holding the AEW World Championship and the ROH World Title. This year, Jericho has taken time off AEW programming amid mixed crowd reactions but remains a top name in pro wrestling.
WWE’s Current Position On Jericho’s Future
WWE has remained relatively quiet on Jericho’s status, though insiders believe the company is assessing their potential interest carefully. According to a WWE insider, “While Jericho’s past achievements are respected, WWE will consider factors like current star power, marketability, and fan demand when contemplating a return. Jericho’s contract status and AEW’s openness will also impact negotiations.”
Meanwhile, AEW CEO Tony Khan indicated last week that Jericho remains “in the highest of standing” within AEW and ROH, suggesting that the door isn’t definitively closed on Jericho’s AEW future, even as speculation grows about his WWE return.
Flair’s Unique Perspective Given His Relationships With Both Jericho And Wrestle Promotions
Ric Flair’s perspective carries added weight given his shared history with Jericho across multiple promotions — WCW, WWE, and AEW. Although Flair’s appearances in AEW have been infrequent since his involvement in Sting’s retirement storyline, his views reflect an insider’s understanding of how performance legacy, contract politics, and company strategies intertwine.
A backstage source close to WWE commented, “Flair is respected for his candor and experience. His assessment resonates with WWE’s cautious approach to veteran returns that aren’t marquee stars like Cena or The Rock.”
What Could A Jericho Return Look Like?
Should Jericho return to WWE, insiders speculate the company might offer a limited run focused on nostalgia and marquee matchups rather than an extensive full-time role. This would align with current WWE trends to elevate emerging talent while giving legends shorter, impactful appearances.
An internal AEW executive suggested, “Chris commands respect everywhere, but legacy deals mean different things in different companies. Jericho could get a respectful sendoff, but WWE needs to weigh it against their product’s future direction.”