Chris Jericho's reference quietly removed ahead of rumored AEW departure

Chris Jericho has been rumored to be leaving AEW. Amid these rumors, the company is slowly removing his references from TV.

During his time with AEW, Chris Jericho was part of many factions. He first started the Inner Circle, followed by the Jericho Appreciation Society. His latest faction in AEW was the Learning Tree, which also consisted of Bryan Keith and Big Bill. During their time in this faction, Bryan Keith was known as the Bad Apple, while Big Bill was referred to as Redwood. After Jericho walked out on them a few months ago, Bryan Keith and Big Bill continued to team up together and were still known by their nicknames.

However, during the most recent episode of ROH TV, when Bryan Keith and Big Bill made their entrance, the former reverted to his old nickname "The Bounty Hunter". This could be AEW trying to remove references to Jericho amid rumors of him leaving the company.

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Matt Hardy believes Chris Jericho will return to WWE to have one last run

Although Chris Jericho had a wildly successful run in AEW, he made a name for himself in WWE, where he wrestled for several years. Therefore, there have been many rumors that he could return to the sports entertainment juggernaut. It was also reported that his contract with Tony Khan's company will expire on December 31.

Speaking on his The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, the former WWE star said that Jericho could return to WWE for one final run just like John Cena did.

"I feel like if he came back to WWE, it'd be a huge moment, especially in a Royal Rumble, whatever, wherever that appearance would, it would be massive. And then I feel like there would be a good run he could do, even if it is his last run and he retires at the end of it, like Cena did. But I think they would honor him and do right by him. And I think it'd be a big deal for WWE, especially in the immediate future." (H/T Wrestling Inc.)

It will be interesting to see whether Jericho will return to WWE soon.

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Edited by Sunil Joseph