Jim Ross: Chris Jericho Leaving AEW Would Hurt The Brand To A Degree
J.R. discusses Chris Jericho potentially departing AEW.
On January 5th, Fightful Select reported that, unlike other AEW departures, there was no internal memo that indicated that Chris Jericho had left the company yet. Jericho last appeared on AEW programming in April 2025 and is still listed on the company’s roster page.
Jericho’s potential future was discussed by AEW commentator Jim Ross on the newest recording of his Grilling J.R. podcast. Ross believes that Jericho leaving AEW would hurt the brand to a degree.
“He’s such a valuable member to 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.”
Before the first episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix in 2026, the brand’s General Manager, Adam Pearce, was promoting the show and said, “Who can break down the walls and claim the gold?”
In late December, Jericho was asked about potentially returning to WWE, and his comment can be read here.
If the quote in this article is used, please credit Grilling J.R. with an H/T to Fightful for the transcription.
