Professional wrestling’s offseason just got way more intriguing. Reports surfaced this week that Chris Jericho is “very interested” in working with TNA Wrestling. Even amid all the buzz about a possible WWE return and uncertainty surrounding his future with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
The mere idea that one of the most decorated stars of the last 30 years could show up in Impact Zone uniforms instead of WWE or AEW gear has ignited social feeds and pro wrestling forums like never before. Here’s everything we know right now, and why this could be one of the most unpredictable wrestling stories of the year.
Chris Jericho’s Current Contract And Free Agent Status Explained
Chris Jericho’s AEW journey has been nothing short of historic. He helped launch the company in 2019 and quickly became one of its most prominent faces. He captured the AEW World Championship and elevated numerous rising talents along the way.
However, Jericho hasn’t been seen on AEW television since April 2025, and his contract reportedly expired on December 31, 2025. Despite his absence from shows, his name still appears on AEW’s official roster page, leaving fans and insiders divided over whether he is truly a free agent.
Complicating matters further, AEW CEO Tony Khan recently praised Jericho’s contributions publicly and insisted that the door is always open. This indicates that there’s no bitter split behind the scenes, at least from AEW’s perspective.
Khan’s public affection for Jericho highlights how valuable he is to the promotion, even if the two sides haven’t announced a new deal. This ambiguity surrounding Jericho’s contract has fueled industry speculation about where he might land next.
Why WWE Was Considered The Most Likely Landing Spot
Before the TNA news broke, the dominant narrative in wrestling media was that WWE was positioning itself for a Chris Jericho return. There were even subtle teases on WWE programming that many interpreted as intentional nods to Jericho’s iconic WWE entrance theme “Break the Walls Down”.
Insiders have claimed WWE has shown serious interest in bringing Jericho back, even offering a retirement-oriented storyline that could make his final run feel meaningful. Reports suggest financial incentives could be substantial, with WWE reportedly prepared to pay “several million dollars” per year for the veteran’s services.
WWE legend Booker T weighed in, saying it would be fitting for Jericho to end his career in WWE, adding emotional weight to the idea. Still, as of early January 2026, no official WWE contract or appearance has been confirmed.
Chris Jericho did not show up on the January 5 WWE Raw episode, despite rumors he might. And a separate report suggests WWE hasn’t fully factored him into creative plans yet. That lack of confirmation has left fans wondering: if not WWE, then what?
The Surprising Twist: TNA Interest Adds A New Layer
This week’s shocker comes from Final Bell Media insider Andrew Baydala. He claims that Chris Jericho is very interested in working with TNA Wrestling, a place he has never competed in during his long career.
What makes this news even more electrifying is that TNA is about to debut its flagship show on AMC, aiming to reestablish itself as a major player in the U.S. wrestling market. The promotion has been teasing big surprises for this launch, and fans have speculated that unexpected appearances could be part of the strategy.
Jericho’s interest in TNA could be seen as a gamble, but it makes sense when you consider the landscape. TNA is looking to redefine itself in 2026 after years of ups and downs. The addition of an international star like Jericho, even on a part-time basis, could instantly boost credibility and viewership.
It’s also a very Jericho move. Throughout his career he has constantly reinvented himself, finding new ways to stay relevant whether as a champion, leader of factions, podcaster, musician, or cruise host. Jericho has never been afraid to chase the unconventional path.
How Fans And Industry Figures Are Reacting Right Now
Reaction to the TNA news has been wild and polarized. On social platforms, some fans are ecstatic, imagining Jericho in matches with TNA’s current roster and elevating talents that deserve the spotlight.
Others see it as a detour before a WWE run or retirement story. Industry veterans are also weighing in. Jim Ross recently stated that WWE is the only logical destination for Jericho if he leaves AEW. Though he acknowledged the situation is complicated and evolving.
Meanwhile, Tony Khan stood firm in his praise of Jericho’s impact on AEW, suggesting that any departure would be significant for the brand. At the same time, the intrigue over Jericho’s absence and lack of creative involvement with AEW has made the wrestling world more fascinated than ever about his next move.
What Could A TNA Run Look Like And What It Means For The Wrestling Landscape
If Jericho were to actually sign with TNA, it would be one of the most unexpected moves in wrestling history. Hits like this rarely happen in the modern era when top names typically sign with either WWE or AEW.
In TNA, Jericho could serve multiple roles. He could compete in high-profile matches and feuds to elevate emerging stars, and work as a mentor figure. He could even star in angles designed to boost TNA’s viewership on AMC. The promotion has already hinted at surprise appearances and crossovers that could signal big shifts.
For TNA, Jericho would be a prestige signing, not just a cameo. It would mean AMC and Impact Wrestling are serious about investing in big moments to compete in a crowded wrestling market. From Jericho’s perspective, TNA could give him creative freedom without the rigid expectations found in WWE. It could also offer a platform to shape his final chapter on his terms, rather than being relegated to a predictable WWE retirement tour.
The Bottom Line
As of today, Chris Jericho’s future remains a beautiful mystery. He might go to WWE for a grand finale, land in TNA as a surprise centerpiece, and continue with AEW if negotiations get interesting. He could also craft a hybrid approach that lets him work several promotions.
What’s clear is that January 2026 could be one of the most exciting transitional periods of Jericho’s career. The wrestling world is watching every development closely.
