Backstage Update on Chris Jericho’s AEW Return & Contract Status

As noted before, Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite show in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada featured Chris Jericho making his surprise return to AEW. This was Jericho’s first appearance in AEW since April of 2025. During his lengthy time away from AEW, Jericho’s contract was believed to have been frozen and had originally been set to expire at the end of 2025.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that the general belief backstage at Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite show was that Jericho came to terms with AEW for a new deal.

Jericho reportedly was not present backstage until right before Dynamite went on the air. Jericho reportedly was driven right into the venue about two minutes before the show began and went right to the gorilla position for his ring entrance.

Johnson reported that Jericho had filmed filmed additional content for the company after he returned from the ring and took part in a photo shoot backstage.  Jericho reportedly made the rounds backstage and introduced himself to talents he did not know.