Chris Jericho Makes Surprise AEW Return After Year-Long Absence

Chris Jericho made a stunning return to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on Wednesday night after months of speculation about his future with the company.

Jericho hadn't appeared on AEW programming in nearly a year. He was last with The Learning Tree faction before losing the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship to Bandido at last year's AEW Dynasty pay-per-view.

The surprise appearance came during "Dynamite" in Winnipeg, Canada, interrupting a contract signing between Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Kenny Omega. "Winnipeg … AEW … I'm home," Jericho declared.

Jericho joined AEW in January 2019 and became the company's first world champion at their inaugural Double or Nothing event. He also held the FTW Championship and is a two-time Ring of Honor world champion.

Speculation had mounted over possible WWE return at Royal Rumble, but Jericho instead chose to rejoin his original AEW family.