Tony Khan: "Chris Jericho had a choice and chose to join AEW"

Chris Jericho returned to the television programming of All Elite Wrestling in the penultimate episode of AEW Dynamite, held in Winnipeg, Canada, his hometown. His appearance put an end to months of rumors and speculations that placed him in WWE, where he supposedly would have carried out his retirement tour. 

What does seem evident is that Jericho had a decision to make, and that he ultimately chose Tony Khan's company, as explained in a recent interview given to Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo on the Coach & Bro podcast from Behind The Turnbuckle Studios.

"I can't say for sure... I do know that Chris had a choice and wanted to be in AEW. He would be the best person to answer, but I have been in constant communication with Chris, and he definitely told me he wanted to be in AEW and specifically in Winnipeg on that date," he said.

"We've had that marked for a long time, since last year," he continued. "It was a decision Chris made: he preferred to be in AEW rather than wrestle anywhere else, and I think that's fantastic. He has always been consistent in his love for AEW and wanting to be here, and I'm glad he chose AEW. It was a decision he made because he was a free agent."

Jericho's appearance in Winnipeg - the only one to date - took place right at the beginning of the show, receiving one of the biggest ovations in recent company history. Jericho simply enjoyed the warm welcome before later uttering a few words, but with a very clear message: "Winnipeg! ... AEW! ... I'm home".

"The Nueve" is scheduled to appear on tomorrow's AEW Dynamite show at the Rogers Palace in Edmonton, Canada, where he will address the fans once again. It is expected that the wrestler will explain the reasons for his return, as well as his immediate plans for what would be his final stage as a professional.