Chris Jericho’s Learning Tree gimmick has allowed him to explore his creativity. He enters the scene with a smile and is enjoying himself, stating, “that doesn’t work for me, Brother.” He isn’t close to retirement, though he knows it will happen eventually.
While appearing on McGuire on Wrestling, Jericho was asked if he’s considered his own retirement plans, given John Cena’s announcement of a retirement tour. Jericho said he’s having a lot of fun in AEW and believes he can still contribute at a high level. He mentioned that when it’s time to retire, he will know. As long as he’s enjoying himself and feels good in and out of the ring, he sees no reason to stop wrestling.
“I’ll know when it’s time, you know? I’m really enjoying what I’m doing and I’m still contributing at a high level,” Jericho said. “I can still have the best match on the show on any given night — not every night but any given night. And I just really love what we’re doing with AEW right now. So there’s really no rush on that. And when I know, I’ll know. And I think that’s kind of the best way to put it. And for right now, I’m having too much fun and enjoying it and really enjoying building AEW. Just five years in, we’ve already gone so far and have so much further to go on the highest of levels. So from that standpoint, we’ll see. And as of right now, as long as I’m having fun and enjoying myself and feeling good in the ring and out, there’s no reason to stop.”
John Cena made surprise appearance at WWE Money in the Bank, and he announced that 2025 will be his final year as an in-ring competitor. His retirement tour will run from January through December 2025, and he plans to make about 30 or 40 dates. Jericho told McGuire on Wrestling that he likes the way Cena is handling his retirement.
“I mean, it’s great. John’s always had a great love for wrestling and he’s got a great connection with the fans. So I think it’s a cool way to go about it,” Jericho said. “People know that this is it. And John’s not the type of guy to say anything lightly, so I’m sure he’s been focused on this and working with the company to make sure it’s right. And I’m sure it’s going to be a really great year-and-a-half for Cena fans and for John Cena himself.”
The 53-year-old former AEW World Champion will be in action on the July 10 episode of AEW Dynamite from Calgary, as Chris Jericho faces Samoa Joe in a Stampede Street Fight. We will have to watch closely to see what he does next in the pro wrestling world, but he likely still has many stories to tell.
John Cena may be retiring in 2025, but Chris Jericho doesn’t seem close to doing the same. Only time will tell if their paths cross again, but it won’t be in the ring.
What’s your take on Chris Jericho’s career in AEW? Do you think he has another 10 years in him? Let us know in the comments section!