3 replacements for Chris Jericho in AEW if he decides to return to WWE

Chris Jericho has been an important part of AEW since its inception. The veteran was the inaugural AEW World Champion and a two-time ROH World Champion.

Jericho initially achieved immense success in the Jacksonville-based company. However, as his age increased, his in-ring work declined. Y2J's current All Elite Wrestling contract is set to expire in the middle of December. It has been rumored that he will not extend this deal and might jump ship.

Chris Jericho would certainly be welcomed by WWE with open arms. After all, he spent years in the Stamford-based company and has many friends there.

Thus, if the 54-year-old star indeed rejoins World Wrestling Entertainment, Tony Khan must bring in a worthy replacement.

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Here are three replacements for Chris Jericho in AEW if he decides to return to WWE.

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#3. John Cena

John Cena is in the final year of his wrestling career. If Chris Jericho returns to WWE within a few weeks, Triple H will certainly look to book a match between Cena and the former AEW World Champion. Even though The Cenation Leader has made up his mind to say goodbye to the business, there is a famous saying in professional wrestling: Never say never.

Tony Khan might shock the world by signing Cena after the latter is done with World Wrestling Entertainment. The AEW President is a massive fan, and during a recent interview with Z100 New York, he showered John with praise.

"I’ve never actually met John Cena, but I have a ton of respect for him as a wrestler. He seems like a wonderful person. Everybody I know who has worked with John Cena has only the very best things to say about him. He’s known for being the utmost professional," Khan said. [H/T: Vice]

Only time will tell what the future holds for Cena, and he would undoubtedly be an upgrade from Jericho.

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#2. Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross' time in WWE was polarizing. He achieved significant success in NXT. However, his booking on the main roster was poor. Even though he was adored by fans, Triple H hardly pushed him. He and his wife/valet, Scarlett, left the promotion earlier this year after they were not offered new contracts.

Kross is a generational talent and a good replacement for Chris Jericho in All Elite Wrestling. Tony Khan could sign him and give him a strong push. He has the look of a megastar and can potentially become a world champion and Hall of Famer someday.

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#1. AJ Styles would be a massive upgrade from Chris Jericho

Earlier this year, AJ Styles revealed that his in-ring career is on borrowed time. Even though he didn't announce the exact date, he admitted that he will retire soon. The Phenomenal One's WWE contract will reportedly expire in February 2026.

Tony Khan must do everything in his power to sign the TNA legend once his deal with WWE ends. He would fit in AEW like a glove and could have 5-star matches with names such as Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, "Hangman" Adam Page, MJF, and more. Moreover, he would definitely be an upgrade from Y2J.

Edited by Sanchari Bhattacharya