Chris Jericho Locked In With AEW Through 2023
Rumors and theories flying that Le Champion could head back to WWE don't hold up.
![Chris Jericho](https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2022/01/59580d94edf82b31-600x338.jpg)
Previous reports and fan theories that AEW original Chris Jericho could soon follow Cody Rhodes back to WWE appear to be just wishful thinking or baseless rumors.
It was reported Wednesday that a Reddit user theorized that Jericho's recent tease of a return on Twitter could be foreshadowing a trek back to WWE with the apparent dissolution of the Inner Circle and the possibility that WWE could be game for "stealing" AEW talent. Le Champion would make for a great challenger for Roman Reigns as well, the Reddit user reasoned.
However, that's all moot when you just get down to business. Fightful Select reported Wednesday that Jericho's three-year AEW contract might be expiring, but they've been told that there are "roughly two years remaining" on his deal, keeping him on the payroll at least through 2023.
This was backed up on Wrestling Observer Radio, which noted that AEW picked up a two-year option on Jericho.
So while fans might be trying to read into a wayward tweet and connecting the dots on a theory like Charlie in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the simple fact is that Jericho is apparently under contract for the remainder of this year and next.
Given that Tony Khan has said he doesn't release wrestlers from their contracts unless it's an extreme situation, it's unlikely we'll see a Y2J return in WWE anytime soon, so enjoy Le Champion in AEW.