Chris Jericho Explains Absence From AEW TV and Praises Tony Khan

Chris Jericho confirmed he never left All Elite Wrestling (AEW), despite a year-long absence from television. Speaking on the Beef Vegan podcast, Jericho stated he remained with the company while he and management resolved specific internal matters and transitioned directly from one contract to another.

The veteran wrestler addressed the speculation surrounding his status with the promotion, clarifying that his time away from the screen was not a departure from the organization. According to Jericho, he and AEW were simply figuring out certain details during that period.

Chris Jericho’s Contract Transition and AEW Loyalty

Jericho detailed the logistics of his employment, noting that the gap in his television appearances coincided with the end of one contract and the immediate start of another. He emphasized his personal investment in the promotion, citing his role as a founding member of the company.

You weigh all your options, but I have skin in the game with AEW. I helped create AEW, and I was never gone. I was just off TV for a while, while we figured out some stuff. Basically, I ended one contract and went straight to the other one. I like Tony Khan as a boss. I like AEW as a company and the growth that we’ve done. I helped start the company. WWE existed before I was there. It exists after I was there. AEW will exist after I’m there, but it didn’t exist before I was there. It’s more exciting to be with the company that I helped create. Chris Jericho via Beef Vegan podcast

Jericho’s comments highlight a distinction between his tenure at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and AEW. He noted that while WWE’s existence was independent of his presence, AEW’s origin is directly tied to his involvement, making his continued tenure more rewarding.

Relationship with Tony Khan

During the interview, Jericho expressed satisfaction with the leadership of AEW President Tony Khan. He explicitly stated that he likes Khan as a boss and expressed approval of the growth the company has achieved since its inception.

Career Longevity and Fozzy

Beyond his contractual status, Jericho discussed the physical and mental demands of competing in professional wrestling at 55 years old. The interview also touched upon his musical pursuits, specifically whether his band, Fozzy, would record another album.