4 WWE Legends Who Can Replace Chris Jericho in AEW

Chris Jericho has been an integral part of AEW since its inception in 2019. The Nueve is widely recognized as the first major star to put the Jacksonville-based promotion on the map, building on his already cemented legacy as a professional wrestling legend.

Despite his prominence, Y2J hasn’t appeared on AEW programming in quite some time. Jericho’s last appearance in Tony Khan’s promotion came during an episode of Dynamite in April, when he stormed off after expressing his displeasure with his stablemates and Learning Tree understudies, Bryan Keith and Big Bill. What’s even more intriguing is that the former AEW World Champion’s absence is not injury-related and, in large part, is due to his commitments with his group Fozzy, among others. During his hiatus, Le Champion was widely speculated to make a dramatic return to his old stomping grounds, WWE. To add to this, Jericho himself fueled this speculation by referencing the Stamford-based promotion in several of his social media posts.

According to multiple reports, Y2J’s contract with All Elite Wrestling will end by the end of December, meaning Tony Khan will either have to negotiate a new deal or find a way to fill the massive void in his company that Jericho’s departure would create. That said, in this article we will look at four WWE legends who could replace and step into the role of Chris Jericho in Tony Khan’s promotion.

#4. AJ Styles could replace Chris Jericho in AEW

AJ Styles’ current deal with WWE reportedly ends in February next year. The WWE legend previously said he plans to hang up his cleats in 2026. That said, February seems too early in the year for him to call time on his career, opening the door to a shocking finale in the Jacksonville-based promotion.

As AEW prioritizes in-ring storytelling, the Phenomenal One’s wrestling skills and veteran experience could be showcased to their full potential, putting on dream matches with Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, MJF and Darby Allin, or returning it with Jon Moxley and Adam Copeland.

Styles remains loyal to WWE and has shown no interest in signing with AEW. However, fans have long expressed their desire to see the former WWE Champion compete in All Elite Wrestling, and since the fan voice runs the business, a potential move next year cannot be ruled out.

#3. Goldberg

Earlier this year, the possibility of Goldberg joining AEW became a major talking point. The discussion arose from the former Universal Champion’s vocal displeasure with the way WWE handled his retirement match against then-World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, which took place during Saturday Night’s Main Event in July.

Since then, fans have speculated that Goldberg could end his career on a stronger note in the Jacksonville-based promotion. The 59-year-old had previously hinted at a possible return to wrestling, meaning a move to AEW for the star cannot be ruled out.

#2. Mick Foley

Among the four names under discussion, that of Mick Foley seems the most plausible in view of recent developments. The WWE legend left the Stamford-based promotion earlier this month under controversial circumstances, opening the door for the hardcore legend to take his talents to All Elite Wrestling.

A recent report revealed that Tony Khan was a big admirer of Foley, making the former’s arrival in AEW somewhat of a distinct possibility. Additionally, Foley had publicly mentioned his meeting with MJF regarding a potential feud that could lead to a fight between the two. If Foley ends up joining Tony Khan’s promotion, fans are salivating at the thought of him locking him up with the Salt of the Earth.

#1. John Cena

Go from most plausible to least plausible on this list. John Cena may have retired from in-ring competition, but he remains under exclusive contract with WWE, serving as the promotion’s brand ambassador. To add to that, Cena’s personal integrity would never allow him to move on from WWE’s archenemies in any capacity.

That said, wrestling is and always has been a fun activity, and it’s based on the motto of never say never. Tony Khan has expressed his immense respect for Cena in the past, and if he is able to pull off the Never Seen 17 appearing in AEW at any time, it would be considered the greatest power move in professional wrestling history.