Backstage News On The Length Of Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract And If He Can Work WWE Or NJPW Events

chris-jericho

Earlier this week, All Elite Wrestling landed a major talent signing in Chris Jericho, the former WWE Champion who recently lost his IWGP Intercontinental Title to Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Following Jericho’s Title loss, all eyes were on Y2J’s future in pro wrestling, which we now know will be with AEW. But the question lingers – how long will Jericho work for AEW?

In a recent interview with Busted Open, Jericho revealed that one of the key factors in signing with AEW is that the company is negotiating a TV deal, indicating Y2J plans to appear on the promotion’s TV show once it begins airing.

all elite wrestling
Photo: All Elite Wrestling

According to a new report from The Wrestling Observer NewsletterChris Jericho has signed a three year exclusive deal with All Elite Wrestling, locking the former WWE star up with the promotion until 2022. The Observer report added, “[Jericho] was still in negotiations with WWE as late as the end of December. His deal signed was for three years exclusive, meaning no big show WWE appearances during that time frame.”

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Despite Jericho’s AEW contract prohibiting him from making any appearances with WWE, The Observer notes he does have a clause in his contract which will allow him to continue working with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Jericho reportedly enjoyed his stint with NJPW and wants to continue working with the company, and reports indicate the company is currently discussing a possible Jericho vs Hiroshi Tanahashi feud for sometime in 2019.

chris jericho
Photo: Twitter.com

As for Chris Jericho’s cruise concept, which debuted in October of 2018 with the Rock ‘N Wrestling Rager At Sea, he will be free to continue hosting the cruise events, with AEW likely supplying talents for the cruises.

It’s worth noting that while Jericho ended up signing with AEW over WWE, the offer made by AEW was said to be “significantly” better than anything WWE offered him, which was likely a major reason why Jericho picked All Elite Wrestling over WWE.

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