Major update on AEW star Chris Jericho's in-ring return to top promotion - Reports
Some interesting updates have emerged on AEW star Chris Jericho's in-ring return to a top wrestling promotion. The company in question is Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).
CMLL and AEW have been collaborating in recent months, with talent from both promotions crossing over to feature and compete on the other's programming. In the latest chapter of the partnership between the two companies, Chris Jericho shocked CMLL fans by showing up on their June 28, 2024 show and attacking Mistico, one of the promotion's top stars. The Lionheart blindsided the legendary luchador while wearing the latter's mask, which he afterwards removed to reveal his identity.
The Learning Tree alluded to his past history of performing in CMLL, where he competed between 1993 and 1995 and also held the NWA World Middleweight Championship. Jericho would challenge Mistico to a match at a future date, and the latter accepted the challenge. Now, further details have emerged regarding The Wizard's unexpected arrival at CMLL.
According to a recent report shared by Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, most people, especially the fans in attendance, had not anticipated Chris Jericho's appearance at the CMLL show in Arena Mexico. The Ocho was expected to arrive at the Mexico City-based promotion at some point, with timing supposedly being the primary consideration.
The report further speculated that the match between the former AEW World Champion and Mistico could potentially take place on CMLL's 91st Anniversary show in September, although no official announcement has been made regarding the bout yet. The two stars were expected to clash on the promotion's July 5 show, although that did not materialize.
Furthermore, Meltzer noted that Jericho has not appeared on AAA in recent years - despite his friendship with the promotion's booker Konnan, and despite the working relationship it shares with AEW - because of his considerable asking price.
Chris Jericho was on commentary duty on AEW Dynamite
The July 3, 2024 Beach Break edition of Dynamite saw Chris Jericho head down to the ring in the Wintrust Arena. The reigning FTW Champion grabbed a microphone to address the fact that he was pinned by HOOK during his trios match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 - notably, after being hit with a Judas Effect by the budding up-and-comer.
Jericho blasted The Cold Hearted Handsome Devil for using his finishing move, and called out Taz for openly celebrating his son's victory at the pay-per-view, which he claimed was in conflict with his duties as an announcer. Jericho then revealed that he had procured an executive order from The Young Bucks to have Taz removed from the arena for the rest of the evening as he replaced The Human Suplex Machine at the announcer's desk.
After HOOK, Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata defeated The Cage of Agony, Jericho's stable-mates Big Bill and Bryan Keith laid waste to the babyface trio. HOOK especially suffered the brunt of The Learning Tree's wrath, as he was put through a table by The Redwood and later suffered a fireball to the face from Jericho backstage.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Chris Jericho in AEW.