AEW champion Chris Jericho says he ‘could go back to tomorrow’ to Vince McMahon’s WWE

AEW World Champion Chris Jericho may not have been on Vince McMahon’s Christmas card list – but he insists he could go back to WWE “tomorrow” if he wanted.

The 49-year-old superstar further cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever climb inside the squared-circle yesterday as he forced Hiroshi Tanahashi to tap-out at NJPW’s prestigious Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo.

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The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla arrived at WWE in the late 1990s and became one of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era.

He was crowned the first-ever undisputed world champion when he beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night.

Jericho stayed with the company for over 15 years before heading off last year to appear on New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with Tony Khan-backed All Elite Wrestling at the turn of 2019 and becoming their inaugural champion.

“Le Champion” has previously spoken of how he feels like “public enemy number one” at his old employers and that owner McMahon had “banned” him from WWE.

I could go back to WWE tomorrow and I know exactly where I’d stand.

Jericho

Ahead of his appearance at the Tokyo Dome this weekend, Jericho spoke to The Aquarian about his future plans.

And even though he believes he could walk straight back into WWE, he is determined to continue growing AEW and giving fans “an alternative” to the McMahon-ran company.

Jericho said: “I did all I could do in WWE. Now I like being part of a company that I’m bringing up from scratch. That appeals to me.

“I could go back to WWE tomorrow and I know exactly where I’d stand. I prefer being here. There’s no limits. It’s uncharted waters.

“We don’t even know what’s going to happen from day to day at AEW. Also I think the fans like an alternative. Wednesday nights on TV rock now.”

Jericho is the only man ever to hold all titles in WCW, WWE and AEW – but he also insisted that there was no promise when signing his latest deal that he would become their first-ever champ.

He added: “It doesn’t work that way. I would never say that.

“The belt is just a prop anyway. The important thing is how you conduct yourself, how you work in the ring, and how you connect with the audience.

“That’s much more important than having a title.”