NEWS - The Real Reason Chris Jericho Is Back In AEW, Not WWE…

The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast breaks down the surprise return of Chris Jericho to AEW, marking his comeback after nearly a year away following his kayfabe departure over creative frustrations and the dissolution of the 'Learning Tree' storyline. The hosts speculate that Jericho’s return—announced with minimal fanfare during a Dynamite taping in Winnipeg—may have been influenced by an unsatisfying WWE offer that didn’t align with his vision for a longer farewell run. They highlight Jericho’s deep legacy in AEW, emphasizing his role as a foundational figure and first world champion, contrasting his status with his more peripheral role in WWE. The episode also covers Hikaru Shida’s return to AEW on Collision, where she challenged Willow Nightingale in a TBS Open Challenge, signaling a potential reintegration after visa and international work limitations. The hosts express enthusiasm for her return, noting her ability to elevate younger talent and her relevance as a legacy figure. Later segments dive into betting odds for upcoming WrestleMania matches, with favorites including Jacob Fatu over Drew McIntyre and Javon Evans and Penta in the IC title ladder match. The podcast then turns to the mystery surrounding Randy Orton’s phone call, with speculation swirling over whether the voice belongs to a member of the Orton family, a McMahon, or even Kevin Owens—fueling one of the season’s most anticipated storylines ahead of SmackDown in St. Louis.