Why Chris Jericho Leaving AEW Is Not a Big Deal

Jericho's AEW first World Champion

When rumors first surfaced that Chris Jericho might be on his way out of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the wrestling internet exploded. Headlines framed it as a seismic event—one of AEW’s founding figures, a former world champion, and one of wrestling’s most decorated performers, possibly walking away from the company he helped put on the map. Yet the reality is far less dramatic. Jericho’s exit, should it become official, would mark the end of an era—but not a crisis. In fact, AEW might be better positioned than ever to move forward without him.

A Legacy Already Cemented

When Jericho debuted at AEW’s inaugural Double or Nothing in 2019, his signing was monumental. His victory over Kenny Omega and later capture of the AEW World Championship legitimized the company in its infancy, for a start-up promotion competing with WWE. Jericho’s star power provided instant credibility. He was AEW’s first “household name,” the bridge between mainstream fans and the next generation of talent.

But that was five years ago. Since then, AEW has grown beyond the need for a single face. The company’s roster is now packed with global stars—Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay—who can anchor programming without relying on Jericho’s veteran presence. The infrastructure he helped build is sturdy enough to stand on its own.

The Creative Decline

Jericho’s influence in AEW has been a double-edged sword. His early work with The Inner Circle provided some of AEW’s most memorable storylines and matches. However, as time went on, his creative output became increasingly self-indulgent. Feuds with the Jericho Appreciation Society and constant reinventions of his “character” often came off as vanity projects that cluttered television rather than elevating younger stars.

While he deserves credit for putting over names like Orange Cassidy and Ricky Starks, many fans and critics alike have noted that his segments began to feel formulaic—talking-heavy promos, bloated multi-man tags, and musical or comedy skits that overstayed their welcome. In a company that thrives on fresh, athletic matchups and innovative storytelling, Jericho’s presence has recently felt more like a relic of the late-2000s “sports-entertainment” style he once helped redefine.

AEW’s Evolution Beyond Jericho

AEW’s biggest strength today is its depth. The rise of international talent like Ospreay and Takeshita, the elevation of homegrown stars like Darby Allin and MJF, and the resurgence of the women’s division under Toni Storm and “Timeless” storytelling have all pushed the company into new creative territory.

Even behind the scenes, AEW is increasingly shaped by younger minds. Bryan Danielson, for example, has reportedly taken on a growing leadership role in creative discussions, focusing on match quality and long-term narrative structure. The company’s focus on the Continental Classic and international partnerships with NJPW and CMLL signal a shift toward a more globally competitive product—something Jericho’s mid-card factions and overlong promos no longer fit neatly into.

The Business Side: Minimal Impact

From a business standpoint, Jericho’s exit wouldn’t dent AEW’s numbers. Ratings have already stabilized around consistent audiences, and pay-per-view buys in 2024 and 2025 have been driven less by legacy acts and more by marquee wrestling matches. The most-watched AEW programs in recent months—like MJF’s world title storylines and the Continental Crown tournament—have succeeded without Jericho in a central role.

Furthermore, AEW’s merchandising strategy has evolved away from relying on a single star. In 2019, “Le Champion” shirts and bubbly memes were everywhere; by 2025, AEW’s top sellers are names like Swerve, Toni Storm, and The Elite. Jericho’s brand, wnce synonymous with AEW, is no longer the economic engine it uonce was

The Natural End of a Cycle

Jericho leaving AEW isn’t a betrayal or a setback—it’s simply the natural conclusion of a professional cycle. His contributions were essential in establishing AEW’s credibility. But as with every era in wrestling, evolution requires change. WWE legends like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker all eventually stepped aside to make room for new blood; AEW now stands at that same crossroads.

If Jericho heads to commentary, podcasting, touring with Fozzy, or even a short-term WWE return, it wouldn’t tarnish his AEW legacy—it would complete it. His mission to make AEW matter has already succeeded.

A Company Ready to Stand Alone

AEW was once defined by the veterans who gave it legitimacy. Now, it’s defined by the talent who make it the most dynamic wrestling product on the planet. The company’s future lies with wrestlers who bring new energy, not nostalgia; with booking that emphasizes competitive storytelling, not recycled angles.

So yes, Chris Jericho leaving AEW would mark the end of a chapter—but not the end of the book. The promotion he helped build is thriving precisely because it no longer needs him to survive.

Look for a follow-up article soon!