Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell has weighed in on the speculation surrounding Chris Jericho’s future, suggesting that if Jericho returns to WWE in 2026, it should be in a non-wrestling capacity. Speaking on Story Time with Dutch Mantell, he pitched a role as an agent, manager, or on-screen mouthpiece for the former champion.
“If it were me, I would be interested in him as an agent and/or a manager, or some kind of mouthpiece. In the ring, I think his better days are behind him, and I think we’ll even tell you the same thing,” Mantell stated.
Mantell’s comments come as Jericho’s contract with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire at the end of 2025, fueling widespread discussion about a potential move back to WWE. The speculation is not limited to fan discussions, as a recent report indicated that some talent within AEW believe the 54-year-old will depart the company for WWE once his deal is up. This aligns with a report from WrestleVotes which noted “significant interest” from individuals within WWE for Jericho’s return when he becomes a free agent.
While some WWE sources have officially stated it is “far too early to tell” if a deal will materialize, Jericho himself has contributed to the rumors through his own social media activity. He recently posted a single word, “#Contemplation,” to his Instagram account, accompanied by a photo of him looking out an airplane window. The post was widely interpreted as a signal that he is weighing his next career move and followed reports that he had also “liked” a social media post suggesting a WWE return.
The talk of his departure has intensified due to his prolonged absence from AEW programming. Jericho has not appeared on television since April 2025, when he was written off to tour with his band, Fozzy. Amid the rumors, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long recently commented on Jericho’s status, asserting that the veteran’s star power is so established that he “cannot be buried,” regardless of future booking decisions.