Chris Jericho remains locked in with All Elite Wrestling after an extension tied to his time away from the ring in 2025. Wrestling insider Dave Meltzer revealed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Jericho’s deal was frozen during his absence, a common practice in pro wrestling contracts that pushes back the expiration date.

“I would be 95% sure that that’s true,” Meltzer said. “I’ve heard things along those lines. And the fact that nobody has said that it’s not true… usually when something like that’s not true, somebody will say it. And nobody has.”

The clarification comes days after WWE’s RAW episode on February 22 featured a mystery box labeled “Do Not Open Until 2-28.” Fans immediately speculated Jericho’s involvement, given his WWE history and status as a two-time world champion there from 1999 to 2005 and briefly in 2017-2018. Social media buzzed with return theories, but reports from Fightful Select quickly dismissed the connection.

Jericho, 54, still appears on AEW’s official roster page. Company sources told Fightful there are no internal discussions of his exit. The contract freeze means any previous end date—speculated by fans to fall soon—has shifted forward, delaying potential free agency.

Meltzer explained the mechanics. “The whole idea of freezing a contract… if you’re out for a period of time, they can add that time back on. That’s standard in wrestling contracts,” he said. Jericho missed several AEW events early in 2025 due to injury recovery and other commitments, qualifying him for the adjustment.

Jericho joined AEW in 2019 as its first big signing, helping launch Dynamite and winning the world title twice. His current role includes in-ring work and backstage leadership. Meltzer noted Jericho’s standing with fans has evolved. “It’s probably better for his career at this point to be in a place where the fan base is more accepting of him,” he said, contrasting AEW’s reception with WWE’s mixed modern response.

A WWE Hall of Fame induction might tempt Jericho someday, but Meltzer downplayed its pull. “A couple years ago, I would have thought that he would just stay in AEW until the end. I don’t think going back for the Hall of Fame is that big of a deal to him personally.”

The RAW teaser builds suspense for WWE’s post-Elimination Chamber shows, but Jericho’s camp shows no signs of movement. AEW President Tony Khan has praised Jericho’s loyalty in recent interviews, though no official contract details are public. Insiders say extensions like this keep top talent stable amid TV rights negotiations.

Fan forums and podcasts continue debating Jericho’s path. Some point to his 2017 WWE return for a high-profile match with Kevin Owens as precedent. Others argue AEW’s creative freedom suits his veteran style better. For now, the evidence points to Jericho staying put.

WWE has not commented on the teaser or Jericho rumors. AEW lists him for upcoming tapings, including Dynamite on March 5 in Toronto.