Jim Ross Doesn’t Believe Chris Jericho Will Work TNA

As speculation around Chris Jericho’s next move heats up, WWE teases, AEW silence, and TNA buzz have created a whirlwind of uncertainty. But Jim Ross isn’t buying into all the noise—especially when it comes to talk of Jericho jumping to TNA Wrestling.

On the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross addressed the growing rumors head-on after Conrad Thompson asked whether Jericho could appear on TNA’s AMC premiere on January 15. With WWE reportedly tied to the relaunch and Andrew Baydala recently claiming Jericho was “very interested in working TNA,” it seemed like a real possibility. JR shut it down immediately.

“I think it's WWE or nothing for Jericho. He's happy. He seems to be happy. He's got a lot of influence at AEW. He basically—to simplify it—he books his own angles, and he works with the creative guys, and they communicate well. And Chris don't come empty-handed. He's always got a plan.”

Ross mentioned that Jericho has a strong position in AEW, where he’s not just a performer but a creative force and mentor to younger talent. In JR’s eyes, a move to TNA doesn’t make sense—especially with Jericho’s long-term role in AEW already established.

“But I think his goal—if it is to leave AEW, where he's got a great deal, I'm under the impression he's got a great deal—then I think it's WWE or he stays where he is. I don't think the TNA thing plays into it. But, you know, I could be wrong. Money changes a lot of opinions and a lot of sentiment.”

The comments come just as the rumor mill hit overdrive. Baydala claimed Jericho is in play for both WWE and TNA, saying on The Final Bell Media podcast:

“I’m saying this on record—Chris Jericho has already agreed to a WWE return… Chris Jericho is very interested in working TNA.”

Jericho didn’t exactly clear things up during a recent livestream either, smirking and saying, “You never know. You never know.”

Tony Khan addressed Jericho’s status the day before on the Adrian Hernandez Show, noting that Jericho remains part of the AEW family—even though he hasn’t been seen on television since April 2025.

“None of this would be possible without Chris Jericho… We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, and Chris is an instrumental part of that.”

Despite the swirling rumors, Jim Ross made it clear where he thinks Jericho fits—and it’s not in TNA. For JR, the only two paths are WWE or staying right where he is in AEW, a place where Jericho remains creatively empowered and deeply involved.

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