# Chris Jericho AEW career and contract status > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chris-jericho-aew-career-and-contract-status > Updated: 2026-08-25T21:16:09.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3. Professional wrestler Chris Jericho has addressed his status and evolving role within All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Jericho previously clarified that his hiatus was due to contract transitions rather than a return to WWE, stating, “I helped create AEW... I have skin in the game with AEW.” He expressed satisfaction working under Tony Khan and noted that while WWE exists independently, he finds it more exciting to remain with the company he helped establish. Following his return, he participated in high-profile matches, including a victory at Grand Slam Mexico alongside Darby Allin and Mistico. Reflecting on the promotion's growth, Jericho noted that AEW no longer relies on him to anchor main event programs, as the roster has developed sufficient depth to lead the brand. Following a TNT Championship loss to Kevin Knight on AEW Dynamite, Jericho expressed a willingness to accept any role assigned by Tony Khan, whether opening shows or performing in mid-card matches, to utilize his 36 years of experience. He also advised younger wrestlers to avoid unnecessary physical risks, suggesting that high-risk stunts are not always required to maintain match quality. Recently, Jericho has moved toward a simplified presentation, stating he is moving away from elaborate gimmicks because his name alone carries his professional legacy. He also praised AEW EVP and World Champion Kenny Omega, calling him the “best big-show performer of the modern era” ahead of Omega’s scheduled title defense against Will Ospreay at AEW All In 2026. In a recent interview with The Wrestling Classic, Jericho reiterated that AEW should focus on elevating its next generation of talent. While describing himself as a foundational “MVP to the brand,” the 55-year-old former inaugural AEW World Champion emphasized that the business should prioritize building stars like Kevin Knight and Will Ospreay. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Chris Jericho says AEW should focus on next generation of stars Chris Jericho says AEW should focus on building its next generation of stars, such as Kevin Knight and Will Ospreay, rather than centering the promotion around his own career. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chris-jericho-praises-kenny-omega-and-discusses-aew-role ### 2026-08-15: Chris Jericho discusses AEW roster depth and veteran advice Chris Jericho says AEW has developed enough main-event talent that he no longer needs to carry top programs, while also advising younger wrestlers to prioritize safety over high-risk stunts. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chris-jericho-discusses-aew-roster-depth-and-veteran-advice ### 2026-08-08: Chris Jericho clarifies AEW contract renewal and WWE rumors Chris Jericho has dismissed rumors of a WWE return, confirming he renewed his contract with AEW due to his role in helping create the company. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chris-jericho-clarifies-aew-contract-renewal-and-wwe-rumors --- Cite as: Chris Jericho AEW career and contract status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chris-jericho-aew-career-and-contract-status