Tag: Chris Jericho

Tony Khan: I love Chris Jericho ‘very much’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Chris Jericho’s status remains a mystery seven days into 2026.

The end of 2025 marked the end of Jericho’s AEW contract, though he is still listed on the promotion’s roster page at the moment. There is no official confirmation as to whether he will be remaining with AEW or returning to WWE. A WWE return has been heavily rumored and there was speculation that he could show up on Raw this Monday, but Jericho did not appear on the episode.

Tony Khan did not offer much new information when asked about Jericho during an appearance on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez. Instead, Khan spoke about how much he loves Jericho and how important Jericho has been to AEW.

“First of all, I’m really grateful — when I talk about people that have been here since the beginning and talk about that first show [Double or Nothing 2019] in Las Vegas — none of it would be possible without Chris Jericho, who has been instrumental in AEW from the very beginning,” Khan said.

“I love Chris very much. And I would say that Chris is always a big part of AEW, and I think this promotion is here to stay. Chris Jericho’s a huge part of our history. And we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and Chris is an instrumental part of it.”

Jericho was AEW’s inaugural World Champion and was a fixture on AEW television until April 2025, when he took a break from the promotion amid negative crowd reactions he was receiving.

If Jericho does come back to WWE, it would reportedly be for a retirement run and Hall of Fame induction. WWE is holding the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia at the end of this month, so there is sure to be a lot of speculation about a surprise Jericho return if he has not popped up anywhere by then.

WOR: New Year’s Dash, RAW report, Jericho, tons of news

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Frogman LeBlanc, New Year’s Dash and all the matches and angles set up for the future of New Japan, who might be leaving the company, ratings, the RAW report, Jericho, CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Frogman Leblanc passes away, news & notes from NJPW New Year Dash, Saya Kamitani taking time off
19:24: Mistico booed at CMLL events
27:41: Ratings
32:13: WWE Raw recap
58:41: Q&A

Right Click Save As

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker World title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 5, 2026
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York 

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk successfully retained his world title over Bron Breakker in an excellent main event, worth checking out if you missed it. There was a bunch of interference at one point, but they got everyone out of the way with enough time. 

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky won the Women’s tag titles, while Becky Lynch regained the Women’s Intercontinental title. 

Je’Von Evans signed with Raw during a commercial break. 

Chris Jericho was not on the show.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole and Corey Graves (wearing a Hellfire Club t-shirt) welcomed us to a sold-out Barclays Center for a Stranger Things-themed edition of Raw. The graphics were all Stranger Things-related, and the establishing shot of New York was made to look like the Upside Down. There were also cars and other show gimmicks around the stage. 

Bron Breakker (and The Vision), CM Punk, Liv Morgan and Judgment Day, Becky Lynch, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley were shown arriving as the Stranger Things song played. 

(It was sort of funny—and fitting—seeing Breakker sternly march through the back ready for his first-ever world title while the Stranger Things track played.) 

Tonight’s sold-out crowd is 14,728. 

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Asuka & Kairi Sane (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

After all the Stranger Things stuff, they went to commercial break 10 minutes into the show and just 39 seconds into the first scheduled match of the night. 

Ripley took control by hitting a cannonball off the apron ahead of the break, but when they returned, Sane pulled Asuka to safety on another attempt, and they drove Ripley into the barricade to take over. 

Ripley fought back and tagged in Sky, whose offence included a slingblade. That prompted Graves to mention Hiroshi Tanahashi and his retirement, which was nice. The heels got the advantage of Sky anyway, and Sane hit a leaping footstomp to Sky’s back while she was draped over the top rope—leading to another break barely 8 minutes in. 

Ripley got the hot tag and hit Sane with a Razor’s Edge, and Sky tagged back in. Sky followed with a flying dropkick for a nearfall. Crowd wanted a title change. 

Ripley gave Sane a Rip-tide as Sky set up for a moonsault, but Asuka shoved Ripley into Sky to knock her off the top, and followed with a Codebreaker on Ripley. Asuka tagged in and gave Ripley a German suplex (as Ripley yelled, “Oh, shit!”). Asuka and Sane double-teamed Ripley until Sky made the save and dumped Sane from the ring. Sky tagged in and hit Asuka with a running meteroa into the bottom rope. 

Ripley tagged in and hit Asuka with a Rip-tide, and Sky followed with a moonsault. Sky wiped out Sane with a dive, and Ripley covered Asuka for the pinfall win. New champs. The fans popped big. 

Match result: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defeated Asuka & Kairi Sane to win the Women’s Tag Team Champions (16:27) 

A pretty good, exciting match with a happy finish to kick off the new year. 

********

There was a video package for Punk vs. Breakker set to ‘This Land’ by Des Rocs. 

Adam Pearce congratulated the new tag team champs backstage. After they left, he was confused upon seeing a Demogorgon. 

Gunther approached Pearce next. Pearce advised Gunther that there were a lot of eyes on the show tonight, and a lot of eyes on Gunther, including from those in the locker room. He advised Gunther to mix in a little respect in his promo tonight. Gunther chuckled.

The next segment had a chapter title card like Stranger Things. It was Chapter Two: He who remains. (I assume they did this earlier, but I didn’t see it.) 

Gunther and AJ Styles segment

Gunther entered. He said he was told by management to show some respect, but people should be respecting him, the one man who made John Cena tap out. 

AJ Styles interrupted. The fans chanted for Styles as he got in Gunther’s face. Gunther called himself the greatest wrestler in this company (the crowd booed that), and that included Styles, because he was the man who made Cena tap out like a little bitch. Gunther wondered what “little AJ” was going to do about it. 

Styles smacked Gunther in the face. Gunther got in Styles’ face but didn’t retaliate. Styles wasn’t surprised and said, “That’s what I thought—nothing.” Styles chucked the microphone at Gunther and left the ring.

******** 

There was a video package for the Women’s IC title match. 

Ivy Nile told Pearce she didn’t plan on going to the back of the line and wanted the winner of tonight’s IC title match. Pearce wasn’t in the mood and told her that we’ll see. Nile reiterated that she would not go to the back of the line. (Someone should tell her it’s not a long line.) 

Gunther confronted Pearce and wanted Styles. Styles jumped in and told Gunther they could fight right now and asked if he would just stand there like a bitch. Gunther ignored Styles and demanded a match for next week. Pearce made it official. Styles was glad. 

******** 

The next title card was Chapter Three: It’s Not Just Her Saying It. 

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch 

Lynch wore gear inspired by her character in the upcoming Star Trek show. 

Lynch tried yanking Dupri off the apron, but Dupri countered by doing a pointless cartwheel. Dupri hit a boot to take control, but Lynch took control during a break by yanking Dupri off the middle rope. 

They returned from break, and there was a modest and brief “Y2J” chant. Dupri fired up and applied an ankle lock, but Lynch got a rope break. They traded come counters until Lynch hit a middle rope superplex and transitioned into a DDT for two. Lynch hit a back suplex, but Dupri came back with one of her own and a flying crossbody for two. 

Lynch set up for a powerbomb out of the corner, but Dupri slipped out and applied an ankle lock (this did not look good). Lynch tried flipping out of it, but Dupri held on while lying on the mat. 

Dupri’s back was down, so Lynch leaned backward, grabbed the bottom rope, and pinned Dupri for the win. Lynch is a two-time IC champion. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Maxxine Dupri to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (11:37) 

This was not good at all, but the right person won. Moving on. 

********

Je’Von Evans signs with Monday Night Raw 

Pearce entered and showed a video for Je’Von Evans, who joined Pearce on the stage. Pearce officially signed Evans to a Raw contract, and the fans applauded. 

The good: doing this on the stage made Evans feel special. The bad: this happened during a commercial break. 

After the break, they aired a commercial for season two of WWE: Unreal. 

********

The Usos segment 

Jimmy and Jey Uso entered in the crowd and remained there. Jimmy had them cut Jey’s music, but played it back for the fans before they cut their promo. 

The Usos shouted out Styles and Dragon Lee for their match, but that was last week and last year. 2026 was the year of the Usos. This was a warning shot to every tag team in the game. Standing in front of you was the best tag team in the game. They’d be waiting right here for anyone who wanted to run up on them. 

********

Stephanie Vaquer walked through the back and passed The Creed Brothers, who were hanging out in a Scoops Ahoy boat from Stranger Things. 

Chapter Four: To Kiss a Devil 

Stephanie Vaquer segment 

Vaquer entered in a walking boot for an in-ring interview with Jackie Redmond. Cole said Vaquer suffered an ankle injury during last week’s successful title defence. 

Vaquer spoke about her special year—winning four titles, including the world title. She became emotional as she talked about her accomplishments and thanked everyone for their support. She spoke in Spanish about her title defence last week over Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. She pointed to her walking boot and said the injury would not stop her. 

She posed with the belt, but was attacked from behind by Rodriguez. Rodriguez repeatedly slammed Vaquer’s injured foot against the mat before hitting a Tejana Bomb. 

Rodriguez grabbed a chair and was about to Pillmanize her leg, but Pearce and other officials ran out to stop it. The crowd booed as Rodriguez confidently walked to the back. 

Officials helped an upset Vaquer to the back during a break. 

After the break, only two medical staff members remained with Vaquer to help her walk. Rodriguez charged right back in and attacked Vaquer again. Pearce, who left Vaquer on her own, ran in and screamed at Rodriguez. He threatened to fine her until she had nothing left. 

******** 

Backstage, Rey Mysterio gave Dragon Lee words of encouragement and said he would be champion again. Dragon Lee appreciated the advice and left to speak with Styles. 

Penta approached Rey to say he was happy to come back early to help him against the Vision (I guess they haven’t talked since that segment ended). Rey thanked him for having his back. Rey said Penta understood the tradition, honour, and respect of lucha libre, everything the Vision wanted to destroy. Penta told Rey he would always be there for him. 

Elle Duncan was ringside. 

Lyra Valkyria (w/ Bayley) vs. Liv Morgan (w/ Roxanne Perez)

This went through a break, and the crowd was relatively quiet until a wild-looking spot about 7 minutes into the match. Valkyria set up for Nightwing, but Morgan countered into what was likely supposed to be a Codebreaker. It basically was, but Valkyria took the move almost like a DDT, so she landed right on her head. It likely sounded and looked worse than it was for Valkyria, fortunately. 

Morgan distracted the ref, so Perez dropped the rope on Valkyria. Bayley went after Perez, but the ref stopped her, so Perez used that distraction to chuck Bayley into the timekeeper’s area. Bayley “snapped,” grabbed a chair, and chased Perez through the ring and to the back. 

Valkyria was not paying attention to her opponent, so Morgan flew in and hit Oblivion for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Liv Morgan defeated Lyra Valkyria (8:56) 

Valkyria has not won a match since October, and she wasn’t presented like she deserved to win this one. 

********

CM Punk interview 

Redmond interviewed CM Punk backstage. Redmond said some thought Breakker could win the title tonight with one spear. 

Punk said everyone had an opinion. They would rather talk about him, because if they talked about themselves, nobody would pay attention. Breakker could claim spear 1-2-3 if he wanted. But if Punk was the underdog, you were underestimating him, and that meant a GTS and a nap. It could happen to anybody, but tonight, it was Bron. 

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Logan Paul and Austin Theory during a break. It doesn’t really matter what they said. Logan got a ton of heat, while the monotonous Theory got none. 

The only thing announced for Raw in Germany next week (2 pm ET/11 am PT start time) is Gunther vs. AJ Styles for the first time ever. 

******** 

Chapter Six: The Best vs. The Badass.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)

Punk wore a Rick Steiner-inspired Varsity Club jacket with “CM” on the front. This was his first official title defence since winning the title back on November 1st.

They wrestled back and forth through an early break until Bron sprinted the ropes and clobbered Punk with a clothesline. Bron held control until Punk tried a desperation GTS, but Bron countered into a back suplex. Bron remained in control until Punk again tried a GTS, but Bron countered into a gutbuster for two. 

Punk spilled out of the ring, and Bron saw his opportunity to hit a running spear, but Punk cut him off with a clothesline ahead of a break. Punk followed with a clothesline off the barricade and a flying crossbody in the ring for two. Punk hit a running lifting knee strike and tried another, but Bron drove him into the middle turnbuckle and hit a standing moonsault for two. 

After a break, Bron went for a Frankensteiner, but Punk did not come down for it, and Bron almost fell on his head. This was not the planned spot, and they did not show a replay (instead, they randomly replayed Bron’s standing moonsault). Punk did know well enough to follow up with a flying elbow drop for two. 

Punk went back to the top, and Bron successfully hit the Frankensteiner. Bron got him up for a press slam, but Punk countered into a DDT. Punk hit a lifting knee strike, a clothesline, and a flying elbow drop. 

Punk called for a GTS, so it was time for interference. Paul Heyman jumped on the apron, so Punk chased him off. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed ran out and leaped on the apron, but Punk chased them all off, too (all right in front of the referee). 

Bron shoved Punk into the referee, who fell out of the ring, and Theory took the opportunity to hit Punk with a curb stomp. Bron made the cover for a nearfall. 

Penta, Rey and Dragon Lee all appeared from the crowd (after Penta’s music played) to attack the Vision and chase them away through the arena. 

That left Bron and Punk alone in the ring. Bron went for a spear, but Punk dodged it, and Bron went shoulder-first into the post. Punk followed with a GTS, which for sure felt like the finish, but Bron kicked out. The crowd was super into this sequence. 

Punk followed with a rare piledriver (“didn’t get all of it,” Cole said) for a two count. Punk went for another GTS, but Bron countered into a Fujiwara armbar. Punk slipped into a cover, but Bron reapplied the hold. Punk reversed that into an Anaconda Vice. Bron simply sat up to counter the hold to Punk’s surprise. Bron followed with a gutbuster and clothesline for a nearfall. 

Bron called for a GTS and went for the move, but Punk countered into an STFU. Bron got a rope break, so Punk went to reapply the move but became distracted by Heyman on the apron again. Punk punched Heyman. 

Bron tried to spear Punk, but Punk dodged it, and Bron spilled out of the ring. Punk went for a suicide dive, but Bron punched him in the face, and Punk splatted on the outside. Punk gathered himself by the announce desk, so Bron put him through it with a wild flying clothesline off the apron. 

Bron shoved Punk into the ring, dropped his straps, and went for a spear, but Punk got his knee up to block it. Punk followed with a GTS for the pinfall win. The crowd went nuts. 

Punk posed with his title belt as the show ended. 

Match result: CM Punk defeated Bron Breakker to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (26:34)

This was awesome. Both guys needed a match like this. Bron showed he can have a main event singles match, and Punk looked like a rightful world champion—and he got his first big title defence since returning to the company. 

WOR: Tokyo Dome, Tanahashi retirement, Jericho, tons more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including a full recap of the New Japan Tokyo Dome show, all the matches and angles, Tanahashi’s retirement and post-match ceremony, and more, plus Smackdown and Collision, WWE injuries and departures, Chris Jericho, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Johnny Legend passes away
6:29: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 recap
54:25: Chris Jericho teased for Raw, WWE SmackDown notes, injury updates
1:02:31: Arena Mexico notes, Holly Holm loses boxing match, AEW Collision notes, lineups for the week

Right Click Save As

Adam Pearce drops possible Chris Jericho tease for WWE Raw

Posted on by Ian Carey

Adam Pearce dropped a tease for a possible Chris Jericho appearance on Monday’s show.

In his weekly rundown of the Raw lineup, Pearce asked, “Who can break the walls down and claim the gold?” while referring to the three championship matches scheduled for the show, a possible reference to the lyrics of Jericho’s WWE entrance theme.

“Do not forget, three humungous championship matches. Who can break down the walls and claim the gold?” Pearce said in the video.

Last week, multiple reports stated that Jericho’s AEW contract expired on January 1, with some indicating he could appear on WWE programming as soon as Monday’s one-year anniversary show on Netflix.

Dave Meltzer addressed the situation in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, writing:

“There has been a lot of talk about Jericho debuting, perhaps as soon as 1/5. The only thing I can say is that within the business the idea of Jericho going to WWE has been talked about heavily and like it was happening. Nobody on either side has commented to us about it, but I’d think it would be that way.“

Meltzer noted that Jericho has previously delayed a return after word of it leaked.

“Nobody has specifically denied it to us either. What those in WWE have said to me is only not to believe anything said about it,” Meltzer continued.

Monday’s Raw is set for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will be a special Stranger Things-branded episode.

WWE Raw lineup January 5, 2026:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defends against Bron Breakker
  • Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri defends against Becky Lynch
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defend against Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

Fight Game: Whose stock are we buying or selling in 2026?

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and Garrett Gonzales return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling this week.

We first gave our thoughts on AEW Worlds End from Jon Moxley winning the Continental Classic to MJF ending the night as the AEW World Champion.

Then, we talked about where were see some AEW and WWE wrestlers in 2026 compared to how they ended 2025. Are they on the rise? Will they fall? Or, are they going to stay exactly where they are?

Some of the folks we discussed included:

  • Trick Williams
  • Bianca Belair
  • Kevin Knight
  • Chris Jericho
  • Jey Uso

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: AEW Worlds End notes, Roland Bock, Chris Jericho

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer is up on the site covering the follow topics:

  • The story of John Cena’s retirement, the finish, the reaction, what WWE did and didn’t expect and thoughts on why they did what they did and why judging it now makes little sense in the big picture. We look at different aspects of the decision making and the fallacy of the “time-honored tradition phrasing here. We look at where Cena viably stands among the greats, the show itself, and Cena’s legacy.
  • We look at the post-match and post-show reaction, Paul Levesque and also look at the history of retirement matches with the biggest names in the history of the business. This is a real history lesson about what really is the tradition.
  • We have a story on Wrestle Kingdom’s card, why it turned out this way, as well as the finals of the New Japan tag team tournament.
  • We update the WBD sale story with the latest on Netflix and Paramount, just how strongly WBD publicly viewed the Paramount offer in a negative way and more
  • We run down the 2025 Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, with the winners, why they won, how the voting went, the nature of the voting and more in a year Saya Kamitani became the first woman wrestler to win MVP
  • A look at the retirement show and the career of El Hijo del Santo, the Santo gimmick, the cultural significance of the Santo name, Santo Jr, and notes on Santo’s career and most famous matches
  • We update the Continental Classic and Worlds Collide with business updates as well.
  • We look at the odds for upcoming matches
  • We look at the careers of Solomon Grundy, Miss Janeth and Ricky Romero Jr/Ricky Youngblood
  • We have the most detailed look at the television ratings of all the wrestling shows this past week as well as placings, comparisons and more, as well as an explanation of what the annual drops actually mean.
  • We look at another week of sellouts in CMLL, including the big Friday show and the Mistico vs Soberano feud
  • We look at Guerra de Titanes from AAA
  • We look at the financials from Cyberfight and what wrestler in specific they credited a better economic year to
  • Yota Tsuji talks the future of New Japan
  • What pro wrestling events in Japan were the most streamed in 2025
  • Update on Andrade
  • Former WWE tag champ going into Bare Knuckle boxing
  • Major AEW overseas ratings growth
  • Ticket sales to upcoming WWE and AEW shows
  • Chris Jericho update
  • Injury updates
  • Ilia Topuria marriage issues slows down career
  • An appeal by TKO on judge’s ruling about current fighter contracts
  • Notes on Paul vs. Joshua
  • Mick Foley breaks ties with WWE over Trump
  • TKO stock skyrockets
  • NXT Awards

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Sunday Update

Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho (Image credit: AEW)

— We only had one weekend show which was last night’s show covering Worlds End with Bryan. We’ll be back tomorrow night talking about the news.

— The new issue of the Observer is up on the site today. Sorry for the delay but there were a number of things having to do with Christmas travel and the weather that basically cost me a full day. But it’s a very heavy issue with two major stories, one on AEW going forward business wise and the many key aspects of media rights and different ways it can go in 2027. The other is a story on Roland Bock, who had one of the most famous pro wrestling matches of the 70s with Antonio Inoki, the famed Stuttgart Massacre, and was one of the most intriguing and controversial pro wrestlers of that era.

*Where AEW stands today, and the key out of the ring and out of their hands challenges that will face them between now and the end of 2027

*AEW’s ratings growth outside the U.S. this past year

*AEW’s television ratings decline with the different factors involved

*Key aspects of the WBD sale and what it means to AEW

*What AEW didn’t do in 2025 as far as new deals that were talked about one year ago

*Estimating using different methods how many U.S. viewers AEW Dynamite really gets

*How things have changed greatly in the past year

*Business of AEW Worlds End

*Gambling odds for matches

*A look at AAA Guerra de Titanes, one of WWE’s best shows of the  year

*Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul and business numbers and record level manipulation of numbers

*Ric Flair and Mike Tyson file lawsuit against former business partner

*The life and times of Roland Bock, one of the most intriguing pro wrestling characters of the 1970s, his famous matches with Antonio Inoki, the reality of those matches, his tough guy reputation, the legendary tough guy whose career he ended and just how different pro wrestling was back then.  We go from being tortured as a child, to developing a street fighter rep, going to the Olympics in wrestling, his attempt to pioneer a promotional style that got big in Japan several years later, why his career didn’t explode in Japan and everything from wrestling bears to bulls

*Who is eligible for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award

*The most detailed look at the ratings over the past week

*Update on 2025 Arena Mexico attendance

*A look at CMLL Dream Match Night

*Ozawa talks awards

*WrestleKingdom updates

*A look at the life and career of Mark Wolf

*Rick Link goes into hospice care

*Jerry Lawler returns to WMC

*Grandson of Hawaiian pro wrestling legend is starting QB at USC, headed to a bowl game an an NFL prospect

*Ticket sales to upcoming WWE,AEW and TNA shows

*Lots of AEW news notes

*Jim Ross responds to DVon Dudley

*Updates on multiple lawsuits against TKO and judges concerns about evidence in two different cases

*WrestleMania ticket sales as well as the next two AEW PPV sales

— Thanks for people who commented on the Roland Bock story in the current issue. He was a very unique figure in 1970s pro wrestling as far as being a tough guy, when that sort of thing mattered. One interesting note is that Billy Robinson dismissed Bock as not being a pro wrestler (Bock in no way was a great worker although I could imagine his 1979 match with Andre the Giant would have been something to see if a tape exists), while Japanese who faced him like Kengo Kimura, Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Antonio Inoki were very complimentary. The general feeling is that he was by far the strongest wrestler (not weightlifting but man on man strength) that any of them had ever faced, and those guys all faced Andre, Hogan, The Russians like Hashimikov & Zangiev, Steve Williams, Darryl Peterson as well as other Olympic level wrestlers.  Inoki in the end  said that he liked the guy and had praise for him as a rival.  Inoki vs Bock as a feud never hit its peak after the first match due to Bock’s jail time and injuries, and physically he was too beaten down by the 90s to have a second run like Willie Williams did in using his rep from the Inoki fight for UWFi or RINGS, where matches with Takada or Maeda, if he’d agree to lose, would have meant something.

— Regarding Chris Jericho, it is accurate that his AEW deal expires on Wednesday and most expect him in WWE in January. That’s been the expectation for months but I don’t have confirmation he’s 100 percent there.

— Some notes on Worlds End and the press conference. Renee Paquette asked Tony Khan if he knew of a good dentist in the area since Jon Moxley had a tooth break in half during the match with Kyle Fletcher. Moxley did an incredible performance the entire night and his match with Fletcher was one of those uniquely dramatic matches of the year, but entirely different from Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd or Saya Kamitani vs. Tam Nakano. Khan said the PPV numbers look good. He would have the HBO MAX PPV numbers already and didn’t say it was the highest ever (Full Gear was the highest on HBO MAX).

— We’re looking for your thoughts on Worlds End, you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

— We’re also doing a poll for best match of the Continental Classic and MVP of the tournament.

— WWE from last night in Tampa, FL

  •  Rey Mysterio b Grayson Waller. They involved Diego Pavia (who placed second in the Heisman trophy race) in the finish. Waller was running down the Tampa Bay Bucs and then ran down Vanderbilt and Pavia and they teased a fight before the match. For the finish, Waller tried to walk out but Pavia and three teammates blocked the way on the ramp and he turned around  and ended up in the ring where Rey hit a 619 and splash. Vanderbilt is playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl this week in Tampa so that’s why they were in town.
  • Iyo Sky b Roxanne Perez.  Fans didn’t care about Perez. Raquel Rodriguez distracted the ref, missing Perez having Sky down for a three count.  Perez turned around and Sky rolled her up from behind. Good match.
  • Jey Uso  b Bron Breakker via DQ. Breakker hit the ref for a DQ. They were having a very good match but this was clearly a finish designed to not beat either guy.
  • Liv Morgan b Lyra  Valkyria. The crowd was totally and loudly behind Morgan. About halfway through the match when they couldn’t turn the crowd, they went with it and Morgan  worked as the face and even got the pin. I don’t know if the finish was changed but it was not smooth and the structure of the match was definitely changed by the crowd.
  • AJ Styles & Dragon Lee won a three-way over New Day and Viking Raiders to keep the tag titles. Fans didn’t react to the Vikings. Styles pinned Kingston. There was a viral moment where a fan wanted Styles to sign an AEW title belt and he nicely refused.
  • Asuka & Kairi Sane b Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss in a tag team match.  
  • Gunther b Je’Von Evans via choke and tap out.  Excellent house show match. Gunther got the biggest reaction of the show and the crowd was hot from start-to-finish. Evans got a standing ovation after.
  • CM Punk b Bronson Reed to keep the world title. Simple match with the GTS finish. Punk did a gender reveal for a fan in the front row after the match. The crowd was hotter than most shows in Tampa have been, but this drew a younger crowd. (thanks to Tyler Himes)

— We’re also looking for reports on these shows:

  • WWE house show Friday night in Baltimore
  • WWE house show last night in Pittsburgh
  • WWE house show tonight in Jacksonville
  • WWE house show tonight in Rochester, NY
  • Raw tomorrow night in Orlando, FL  (matches not on the live show only)

We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]

— We did hear reports from both Baltimore and  Tampa that Gunther and Je’Von Evans, who had singles matches on both shows, were doing **** matches at house shows.

— With no UFC over the weekend, or major boxing, there is very little on Google searches from the past two days. Worlds End was No. 69 for the weekend with 20,000. Joe Hendry was No. 399 with 2,000.

— Not including last night, Noah Foland in researching Observer star ratings for 2025 had Konosuke Takeshita in first place with 50 four-star matches, followed by Mascara Dorada, Mistico, Mike Bailey and Bandido.

— Tony DeVito, 53, who has been wrestling 34 years, announced his retirement last night at an ALW show in Florida due to suffering a blood clot in his eye. DeVito did WWE enhancement work in the 90s and a few times after that, but was pushed as part of Da Baldies in ECW and with HC Loc was Carnage Crew in ROH, where he at one time held the tag team titles there.  

— Dave Dwinell, a long time Northeast referee who has worked WWF shows in the past, has entered hospice care. He said that he has been suffering from Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome, and “sadly, treatments have been unsuccessful, my doctors have informed me that my time is very limited and that it is time for me to transition to hospice. While this is difficult news to share, please know I am at peace with it.  My life has been full and meaningful, rich with adventure, laughter, the love of my family, and the most wonderful friendships.” He wrote a book several years ago called “Ringman” about his experience as a referee.

— Today is the 72nd birthday of Tatsumi Fujinami, an all-time great Hall of Famer who is still active and wrestlers regularly. Taryn Terrel/Taryn Dryden/Tiffany turned 40 today. Rachael Ellering turns 33. Reginald Siki, not Sweet Daddy Siki but the guy the more recent Siki took his name from, was born on this day in 1899. Lanny Poffo would have been 71 today. Big Bill Dromo was 75 when he passed away 13 years ago today. (thanks to Tony Richards)

 — Defy ran its final Seattle show last night before a packed house: Cody Chhun b Judas Icarus, Amira & Eliza True & Rebel Kel b Nicole Matthews & Liiza Hall & Danika  Dalla Rouge-DQ, Guillermo Rosas won a three-way over Cole Rivera and Casey Ferreira to win the vacant Pacific Northwest title, Jack Evans b Evan Rivers, Midnight Heat b Los Suavecitos, Timothy Thatcher b Travis Williams. (thanks to Matt Farmer)

— The final Defy show is tonight in Los Angeles at The Lodge Room with Bryan Keith defending the Defy title against Thatcher in the main event.

— Arena Coliseo sold out last night with Titan & Atlantis Jr. vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Soberano Jr. and Xelhua vs. Yutani coming off last week’s Gran Alternative finals. Tonight at Arena Mexico has  Titan & Templario & Xelhua vs. Hechicero & Yutani & Barbaro Cavernario and Atlantis Jr. vs. Stuka Jr.  They had a very big advance, not so much the show but it’s a family day show over Christmas week. Tomorrow night Arena Puebla goes for its third sellout in a row with Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Atlantis Jr. vs. El Hijo del Villano III & Villano III Jr. & Soberano Jr.  I expect they’ll get it.  The show also has Asturiano  & Black Tiger &  Fuego vs. Astro & Malaya & Espirito Maligno. The losing threesome will then have a three-way match against each other and the one who loses the fall loses their hair or their mask.

— Mistico last night was working in Cordoba, Veracruz. The local newspaper ran a story on the show putting over how crazy they went when Me Muero played and Mistico & Rey Pegasus & ? (the story said Mascara Dorada but that would have been impossible) beat Averno & Euforia & Jaque Mate Jr. The show sold out.

Report: Update on Chris Jericho’s AEW contract, potential WWE return date

Posted on by Ian Carey

According to new reports, Chris Jericho could show up on WWE programming sooner than expected.

Alex McCarthy of Wrestling Intel reports that Jericho’s AEW contract expires at midnight on December 31, and WWE is considering having his return take place at the Raw on Netflix anniversary show on January 5 rather than in the Royal Rumble on January 31.

Jon Alba of SI.com also noted that his sources “also believe he’s going to show up on WWE TV very soon.”

Dave Meltzer addressed the latest on Jericho in the most recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that he believes Jericho’s contract expires soon.

Meltzer wrote:

“Most in wrestling think he’s going to WWE as a surprise for the Rumble. It’s nothing confirmed but it’s also something that I don’t imagine will be confirmed because if he is going, I think Paul Levesque will keep the circle very small who is told.”

Jericho took part in a live episode of The Winnipeggers podcast on YouTube on Saturday night. When asked about a potential return to WWE during the show, Jericho responded, “You never know.”

Chris Jericho addresses possible WWE return: ‘You never know’

Posted on by Josh Nason

The will he/won’t he story around the possible WWE return of Chris Jericho continued Saturday while his current employer in AEW was holding their final PPV of the year.

On Saturday, Jericho revived his Winnipeggers podcast on his YouTube channel where he talks and has fun with two close friends about anything and everything that comes up. During the show, he received a SuperChat comment about his 1999 debut in WWE where the donator hoped Jericho would return to WWE.

He simply replied, “You never know. You never know.”

Jericho hasn’t appeared on AEW TV since April when he walked away from Bryan Keith & Big Bill after another defeat. With his contract expiring at the end of 2025 by Jericho’s own words, speculation has increased that the once-former WWE star and inaugural AEW World Champion will return to the TKO-owned company in 2026, perhaps as early as the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

AEW head Tony Khan has said repeatedly that he would like Jericho to be in AEW and that he hopes his final matches will be in AEW whenever they happen. He hasn’t gone into any details as to why Jericho hasn’t factored into any creative plans this year.

The 55-year-old hasn’t wrestled since this past April’s Dynasty, but has stayed busy with his other projects like his band Fozzy and his podcast.

Chris Jericho ‘pretty sure’ he’ll be wrestling somewhere in 2026

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Chris Jericho says he’s still figuring out his next move, but he sounds certain that he’ll be wrestling somewhere in 2026.

A Jericho WWE return has been rumored for months now. His AEW contract is set to expire at the end of this year, potentially paving the way for Jericho to return to WWE in time for Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. Still, neither Jericho nor Tony Khan have closed the door publicly on him remaining with AEW.

Jericho addressed his future while appearing on the Tim Weisberg Show in New Bedford, Massachusetts this week. He was asked if he plans on wrestling in 2026.

“Well, you never know, man. That’s the thing is — I’m not done yet,” Jericho responded. “So, still figuring out everything and we’ll see where I end up. But I’m pretty sure you’ll see me in 2026 in a wrestling ring somewhere.”

The radio show interview was to promote the concert that Jericho’s KISS cover band Kuarantine is playing in New Bedford this Thursday. Jericho said his schedule is always busy with different things, but he loves being able to live out his dreams and have cool experiences.

“There’s always things going on that kind of come across my plate. And it’s always cool to see — obviously there’s always wrestling stuff and there’s music stuff and there’s podcast stuff,” Jericho said. “But when you get some of these other opportunities, like we said, to host a pilot about the cursed Bridgewater Triangle up in your area, that was fun as well, too.

“So you never know what’s going to be coming up for me, but it’s always busy. And, you know, even this week, the Kuarantine shows were going to be kind of the end of the year for me. And then another gig came up for me the following week to film some stuff for a show. So, it never ends and things happen. And when they happen, they happen quickly. So you just have to be ready to go.

“But the most important thing is I enjoy all of the stuff that I do. I love all the stuff that I do. And it’s always an honor to get a chance to live out these dreams and have these experiences.”

If the 55-year-old Jericho were to return to WWE, it would likely be for a retirement storyline. He has not competed in a WWE ring since 2018. Jericho joined AEW when the promotion launched and was its inaugural World Champion. This year, he took a break from AEW programming in April and has been away since.

Update on Chris Jericho’s potential return to WWE

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE has made Chris Jericho an offer.

The inaugural AEW World Champion hasn’t wrestled since dropping the ROH World title to Bandido at Wrestle Dynasty in April. Speculation since then has been that he’s likely to return to WWE when his AEW contract expires at the end of the year.

In this week’s edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer mentioned that WWE has made Jericho an offer for a retirement storyline.

Meltzer wrote:

“As noted many times, this one is a Jericho decision and all hints are in the WWE direction. I know that WWE has offered him a retirement storyline and those in WWE have said that’s what they’d be interested in. Others expect him to be there early next year but nothing is confirmed.”

Tony Khan recently mentioned in an interview that he would love for Jericho’s final matches to take place in AEW. However, he did not indicate if this was likely.

Earlier this month, The Young Bucks told Adam’s Apple that they would love for Jericho to continue with AEW. However, they noted they aren’t sure what he’s going to do next.

“We’re not sure where he’s at head space-wise right now,” Nick said. “I know he’s, like, on a break. And he’s trying to figure it out on his own. And sometimes you gotta let a wrestler like that figure it out on his own.”

Tony Khan hopes Chris Jericho’s final matches happen in AEW

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

While the AEW future of Chris Jericho continues to have people talking, company head Tony Khan has made no mistake he wants to keep his first World Champion in the company until he’s ready to retire.

Speaking to New York City street journalist Adam’s Apple Tuesday following his interview with Ariel Helwani, Khan was asked about how important it is to Khan for Jericho to retire with AEW.

Khan said he loves Jericho both in AEW and outside of the ring and that “absolutely, I would love it if Chris’ final matches — eventually someday whenever Chris would want to hang it up — were in AEW, but I also don’t think Chris is near that point. He’s had a great run with us and he continues to be a big part of AEW.”

Jericho hasn’t been on AEW or ROH TV since April of this year as he left Bryan Keith and Big Bill of The Learning Tree to figure things out on their own. By his own words, his contract is up at the end of this year and there has been plenty of speculation he is WWE-bound in 2026.

Jericho has been with the company since its 2019 launch.

Khan has remained consistent with his answers about Jericho’s present, chalking up his absence to just working out dates. Talking to the same reporter this week, the Young Bucks said they want him to stay.

Young Bucks: ‘Of course’ we want Chris Jericho to stay in AEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Young Bucks are hoping that Chris Jericho will make the decision to stay with AEW when his contract comes up.

While speaking with Adam’s Apple ahead of Full Gear, The Young Bucks addressed the rumors that Jericho could be set to leave AEW and return to WWE at the start of 2026. Adam’s Apple asked if there’s anything the Bucks can do in their behind-the-scenes executive role to help get Jericho to stay.

“He’s a founding father. so of course we want him to stay,” Nick Jackson responded.

“I love Chris Jericho,” Matt Jackson said.

“We’re not sure where he’s at head space-wise right now,” Nick said. “I know he’s, like, on a break. And he’s trying to figure it out on his own. And sometimes you gotta let a wrestler like that figure it out on his own.”

The Bucks and Jericho were key pieces in helping make AEW’s 2019 launch a success. Jericho served as the inaugural AEW World Champion, but he could now be set to return to WWE for the first time since 2018 if rumors prove to be true. Jericho has not confirmed anything regarding his next move — leaving the door open to either stay with AEW or go back to WWE.

Jericho, who has been on a break from AEW programming since April, recently made headlines when he praised TNA Wrestling and said the company looked like the second-biggest promotion in the world at Bound for Glory.

Tony Khan has continued to speak highly of Jericho, saying he hopes to have him back in AEW.

Updates on AEW status of Andrade, Chris Jericho & Britt Baker

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: JJ Williams

As part of a wide-ranging interview with Ariel Helwani Tuesday, AEW head Tony Khan was asked about the status of several big name wrestlers in addition to his relationship with UFC head Dana White.

Andrade El Idolo

Khan was careful when talking about the contractual situation of Andrade El Idolo, reiterating when he initially left AEW, it was on the “best of terms.” Khan said he was thrilled to see him again and whenever he is free, he hopes to work with him again.

When asked if Andrade misrepresented his status following his departure from WWE that reportedly has come with a one-year non-compete, Khan said he couldn’t speak to that.

Andrade reappeared with AEW in October after his firing from WWE and attacked Kenny Omega. However, he quickly disappeared off TV afterward.

Chris Jericho

Similar to Andrade, Khan reiterated his past sentiments about wanting Chris Jericho to return. He said he couldn’t speak to when Jericho could return but that he’s always welcome to come in. The former AEW World Champion hasn’t been on AEW TV since this past April.

Asked about where he has been, Khan said some of it is just working out the dates and wouldn’t confirm when Jericho’s contract is up (Jericho had previously said his deal is up at year’s end.)

Khan says he hopes to have Jericho back in AEW and that when you are dealing with talents like that, you have to negotiate a certain number of dates.

Britt Baker

Khan again reiterated some of his past comments and that he’s really had some good talks with Baker. “I’m still looking for the right time with Britt,” he said, adding that he “would love to have her back in AEW. Britt is going to be back, I really believe, in AEW and I hope soon. It has to be the right situation for her and everyone involved. I want to make sure she’s 100% and that’s important to me.”

Baker hasn’t wrestled for AEW since November 2024.

Dana White

Despite Dana White being under TKO’s umbrella with the UFC, Khan said he and White are “still close” and recently attended a University of Miami football game with several Jacksonville Jaguars executives, Dan Lambert, and White.

For more coverage of Khan’s hour-long talk with Helwani, visit our AEW section.

WOR: AEW Blood and Guts, Flair’s whereabouts, Jericho’s TNA praise

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Image: AEW

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including a full recap of AEW Blood and Guts, all the CRAZY matches and angles, NXT TV, updates on Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, Survivor Series, Tanahashi vs. Okada, Eddy Guerrero, Arena Mexico, ratings, and tons more.

A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Ric Flair update
2:34: Chris Jericho talks TNA
8:50: WWE Survivor Series updates
9:13: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s birthday, 20th anniversary of Eddie Guerrero’s death
23:24: CMLL notes, ratings
32:02: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame issue out this Friday, Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul being finalized
38:52: AEW Blood & Guts recap
1:07:43: WWE NXT notes

Click Here to Listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube with a premium sub