Chris Jericho’s Contract Status: Why The “Frozen” Deal Changes Everything

The wrestling world loves a good mystery, and right now, few are as intriguing as the status of Chris Jericho. For months, the rumor mill has been spinning out of control. Will he return to WWE for a Hall of Fame induction? Is he secretly retired? Is he starting his own promotion? But according to new reports, the answer might be much more bureaucratic—and much more complicated—than fans expected.

The Situation: Where is Chris Jericho?

To understand the contract freeze, we have to look at the timeline. Jericho, one of AEW’s founding pillars and arguably its most recognizable mainstream star, hasn’t been seen on AEW television for many months. The expectation was that Jericho’s deal would expire at the end of 2025, making him one of the hottest free agents in the industry.

There was no “Thank You, Chris” graphic from AEW. No press release. No podcast announcement. Instead, Fightful and other wrestling news outlets reported a different reality: Jericho is still listed on the internal AEW roster. The reason? The company appears to have frozen his deal during his time away.

What Does a “Frozen” Contract Mean?

In professional wrestling, contracts aren’t always as simple as “start date” and “end date.” They often contain clauses that allow the promotion to extend the agreement if the talent is unable to perform for a significant period.

This usually happens for two reasons: Injury Time & Administrative Holds. This administrative posture changes the narrative completely. He isn’t a free agent navigating the open market; he is an asset that AEW still controls.

Why This Matters for WWE Speculation

The timing of this news is critical because the WWE rumor mill has been working overtime. Recently, a mysterious tease on WWE Raw led many fans to believe a Chris Jericho return was imminent.

If Jericho’s AEW deal is truly frozen, those teases are likely just that—teases. Or, perhaps, strategic plays by WWE to gauge interest. Legally, if Jericho is under a frozen contract, he cannot negotiate with WWE, appear on their programming, or even accept a Hall of Fame induction without AEW’s express permission.

This puts a damper on the “retirement run” storylines many fantasy bookers had written. If AEW holds the cards, Jericho’s final chapter—whenever that may be—will happen on Tony Khan’s terms, not Triple H’s.

The Strategic Play by AEW

Why would AEW freeze the contract of a veteran who hasn’t been on TV in nearly two years? It comes down to leverage and value.

Jericho is more than just a wrestler; he’s a brand. Keeping him on the books preserves options for AEW. They might be planning a surprise return, a transition into a full-time commentary or creative role, or simply ensuring that a competitor doesn’t get a massive pop at their expense during WrestleMania season.

It’s a chess move. By keeping the contract active, AEW controls the narrative. They prevent a “defecting to the enemy” headline and keep the door open for one last run or a proper send-off that benefits their history, not their rival’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Chris Jericho free to sign with WWE right now?
A: Nope.Jericho is still under contract with AEW.

Q: Why would AEW “freeze” a contract?
A: Its a common tactic for promotions to freeze contracts. Its done to recoup lost time due to either an injury or a hiatus.

Q: Has Jericho retired from wrestling?
A: Nope.

What Comes Next for Le Champion?

So, where does this leave us? We are currently in a holding pattern.

Until we get an official statement from Chris Jericho or AEW, we have to assume he is off the market. The “frozen” designation implies that there is still business to be done between the two parties. Whether that business is a contract buyout, a return to the ring, or simply running out the clock remains to be seen.

For now, fans should keep their eyes on the dirt sheets and their expectations in check. The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla isn’t going anywhere just yet—literally.