Kurt Angle has praised Chris Jericho’s tenure in AEW, declaring it the reason he now considers Jericho the “greatest of all time,” putting him above the WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. Jericho has hinted at a wrestling return next year, with rumors suggesting a possible comeback to WWE to conclude his celebrated career.
Jericho’s AEW contract ends this year, marking the close of his five-year chapter with the company where he became the inaugural AEW World Champion and showcased his talent for developing new personas, as he did in WWE. At 55, Jericho is expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, potentially post-retirement, with reports indicating he has been offered such an honor.
Angle, who shared the WWE ring with Jericho, explained on the Kurt Angle Show in March 2022 why Jericho surpasses Shawn Michaels as the GOAT: he cited Jericho’s accomplishments in AEW and his longevity in the sport. Jericho is known as one of the most decorated wrestlers ever, with memorable bouts against Michaels, including at WrestleMania XIX.
Angle also highlighted Jericho’s creativity in reinventing himself—switching from Le Champion to Painmaker in AEW—and his ability to perform at a high level late into his career, even after more than three decades in wrestling. Beyond wrestling, Jericho has also served as an AEW commentator, a role he might continue after retiring from in-ring competition, possibly in WWE as well.
Jon Moxley, another AEW star and former WWE wrestler, echoed Angle’s view, calling Jericho’s career one of the strongest cases for the greatest wrestler of all time. Speaking to Bleacher Report Live in 2020, Moxley emphasized Jericho’s impact across multiple eras—from the ’90s through 2020—and his ongoing evolution in AEW.
Jericho’s career spans ECW, WCW, WWE, and AEW, showing remarkable adaptability and creativity. If he returns to WWE, his extensive knowledge and experience could be invaluable for mentoring younger wrestlers, as seen with Sammy Guevara in AEW.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans because Jericho’s potential return could bring a legendary presence back to the company, enhancing storylines and elevating new talent. His continued innovation and experience promise to influence wrestling’s future, bridging generations and driving the sport’s evolution.
