Booker T Weighs In on Chris Jericho’s Potential WWE Return: “It Could Definitely Happen”
Wrestling legend Booker T has sparked fresh speculation about Chris Jericho’s future by suggesting that a return to WWE is not only possible but a natural fit for the AEW star. In a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, the five-time WCW Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer addressed the ongoing rumors, emphasizing Jericho’s enduring talent and history with the company. As the wrestling world buzzes with crossover possibilities under WWE’s new creative direction, Booker T’s comments add fuel to the fire, highlighting the blurred lines between WWE and rival promotions like AEW.
Key Details of Booker T’s Comments
During the August 19, 2025, episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T delved into the swirling rumors about Jericho potentially leaving AEW after nearly five years with the company. He noted the abundance of “talk” surrounding Jericho’s WWE comeback, pointing to Jericho’s storied past with the promotion where he was a main event staple from 1999 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2018. Booker T described Jericho as an “original” talent whose skills transcend promotions, stating that he could “definitely see Jericho making a WWE return.” The discussion arose amid reports of Jericho’s AEW contract nearing its end and his recent teases on social media about new opportunities, though no official announcements have been made.
Jericho, 55, joined AEW in 2019 as one of its founding stars, helping launch the company with his debut at Double or Nothing. His tenure has included multiple world title reigns and innovative storylines, but recent creative frustrations and AEW’s shifting landscape have led to speculation. WWE, now under Triple H’s leadership since 2022, has seen successful returns of other AEW talents like Adam Copeland and has expressed interest in high-profile crossovers. Booker T’s podcast episode, available on YouTube, has garnered significant views, with fans dissecting his optimistic take on a potential reunion.
Voices from the Wrestling World
Booker T was candid about Jericho’s appeal, saying, “There’s been a lot of talk about Chris Jericho possibly coming back, and he would always fit in WWE. He’s an original, and I could definitely see Jericho making a WWE return.” This endorsement comes from a peer who knows the industry inside out, having competed against Jericho in iconic matches during the Ruthless Aggression era.
Jericho himself has remained coy, recently posting cryptic messages on X (formerly Twitter) about “exciting times ahead” without specifying details. AEW President Tony Khan has praised Jericho as a cornerstone but acknowledged the fluid nature of wrestling contracts. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter echoed Booker T’s sentiments in a recent report, noting, “Jericho’s ego and ambition make a WWE return plausible if the money and creative align.” On the flip side, some AEW loyalists argue Jericho’s innovations are better suited to the alternative promotion, but Booker T’s voice carries weight as a WWE insider.
Background Context
Chris Jericho’s WWE history is legendary: He arrived in 1999 as a cocky heel, feuding with icons like The Rock and Chris Benoit, and captured his first WWE Undisputed Championship in 2001. After a hiatus, his 2007 return as “Legacy” Chris Jericho led to multiple world titles and the creation of “The List,” solidifying his status as a 10-time WWE world champion overall. His departure in 2018 was amicable, paving the way for his AEW stint, where he became the face of the company and helped elevate talents like MJF and Orange Cassidy.
Booker T, real name Booker Huffman, brings credibility to the discussion as a WWE color commentator on SmackDown and a podcast host who often breaks down industry rumors. His own career spanned WCW, WWE, and TNA, giving him insight into what makes a wrestler “fit” in WWE’s ecosystem. The timing of these comments aligns with WWE’s recent surge in popularity post-WrestleMania 41 and AEW’s reported internal challenges, including talent releases and viewership dips. Rumors of Jericho’s return have circulated since 2023, intensified by WWE’s Netflix deal and global expansion, but contractual hurdles with AEW have kept it speculative until now.
Impact and Next Steps
If Jericho were to return to WWE, it could reshape the main event scene, potentially positioning him for a high-profile feud with stars like Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns, or even a mentor role for younger talent. For AEW, losing Jericho might signal a shift toward homegrown stars, but it could also boost WWE’s ratings and merchandise sales, given Jericho’s crossover appeal outside wrestling (from his band Fozzy to reality TV). Financially, a WWE deal could command eight figures annually, per industry estimates, making it a lucrative move for the veteran performer.
Next steps may include Jericho addressing the rumors at an upcoming AEW event like All Out in September 2025, or WWE dropping subtle hints on Raw or SmackDown. Fans can expect more podcast discussions and insider reports, with Booker T’s platform likely to follow up. Legal experts note that non-compete clauses in Jericho’s AEW contract could delay any move until early 2026, but negotiations are reportedly underway.
Conclusion
Booker T’s endorsement of Chris Jericho’s potential WWE return underscores the veteran’s timeless draw and the evolving dynamics of professional wrestling. As rumors continue to swirl, this could mark a pivotal moment for one of the industry’s most enduring figures. For wrestling enthusiasts, the takeaway is exciting: In a world of promotions and partnerships, icons like Jericho remind us that the ring is big enough for comebacks that captivate generations.