WWE & AEW To Battle Over Chris Jericho, Steve Austin’s Status

It seems WWE and AEW might be battling over Chris Jericho when his deal ends in 2022. Also, Vince McMahon does not get back to Steve Austin right away anymore.  

WWE & AEW To Battle Over Chris Jericho

One of the most well-known names in AEW is Chris Jericho. He has been with the promotion since the beginning and was their first world champion.

On Friday, we learned the latest guest on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Session will be with Jericho. The idea to let an AEW wrestler appear on WWE content got plenty of people talking.

During the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated Jericho’s contract with AEW ends in 2022. While that date is a bit away, it seems AEW and WWE will battle over Jericho’s next deal.

“When his deal is up, which I believe is at the end of 2022, so it’s a ways away, but when it’s up, of course he should play both sides against the other,” said Meltzer. “That’s what he should do.” 

“Some people think that’s a bad thing, but I think that’s a good thing. And, we’ll see what the market brings.”

The belief is Vince McMahon regrets letting Jericho leave WWE for AEW. While he has fought for New Japan Pro Wrestling, they do not have a TV deal in the United States.

Jericho’s AEW Run

Jericho started in AEW as a heel and defeated “Hangman” Adam Page to win the world title. On the debut episode of Dynamite, he introduced fans to his new stable the Inner Circle.

Up until recently, they were the top heel stable. Now, roles have been reversed as they work against the MJF’s group known as the Pinnacle.

At 50 years old, Jericho does not show too many signs of slowing down. AEW does provide a less hectic schedule, which allows him to take short breaks and tour with Fozzy.

Unlike in WWE, Jericho is allowed to speak up when he sees issues with AEW. Often, he addresses those problems on his podcast.

Since AEW is still growing, they can use Jericho’s experience. He has already been given extra roles such as working the announce table.

Steve Austin’s Status

Steve Austin made hundreds of millions of dollars for Vince McMahon back in the day. Things certainly changed over the years.

Steve Austin remains one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling. He made Vince McMahon a ton of money before having to retire early over 15 years ago.

Back then, Austin would call McMahon and he would answer the phone immediately. Nowadays, McMahon does not get back to Austin so quickly.

While speaking to Wrestling Inc, Austin revealed how often he speaks to Vince McMahon. Apparently, it’s not much.

“He don’t even take my phone calls but let me tell you, back when I was working on top, when I called Vince, that phone didn’t ring a half time before he picked it up,” said Austin to Wrestling Inc. “Now I’ll send him a text message and I’ll get an answer back in a couple of days.”

McMahon has plenty on his plate, so it is understandable that he takes some time to reply. But, fans should see if that amounts to anything. 

Austin said he likes having AEW around as competition brings out the best in wrestlers. If AEW could sign Austin, it would be a major move.