The world of professional wrestling is constantly changing. We have witnessed the retirement of legends such as Ric Flair and Sting in recent times. Now, John Cena is ready to embark on his farewell tour, a surprise added to the WWE event “Money in the Bank” in Toronto. However, when it comes to moving away from the focus of attention, that is not something that Chris Jericho is considering.
Chris Jericho continues to compete at a high level in AEW, while many of his contemporaries have already retired or are close to doing so. Although Jericho recognized John Cena the merit of his farewell tour, he does not care about the path of others, but for his own.
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Jericho (@Iamjericho) is Officially signed to @AEWrestling #AEW #AEWRally pic.twitter.com/In6Nc96am5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 9, 2019
In an interview with TV Insider, Chris Jericho was asked if Sting's recent retirement, the next farewell tour of John Cena in 2025, or the imminent retreat of Brian Danielson has made him reflect on his own career and what he plans to do when he finally hangs his fight boots forever.
Reflections of Chris Jericho about the retreats in wrestling
“That does not change my perspective at all because Bryan was out for nine years. He could not work. John has not worked regularly for almost the same time. Bryan has been incredible since he returned from his injuries. He is one of the best fighters in the world and of all time. If he wants to take a step back, he will do it.
“John is the same. One of the best of all time. He went to Hollywood, became a great success and wants to return to put an end to his career. For me, I don't see the point. That's just my opinion. I remember a few years ago that the Scorpions had a great farewell tour and then decided that they were having too much fun and they played again. The same thing with Judas Priest. 1982 and are still playing.
Jericho's unique approach to his career
“When that moment comes, I think I don't want a farewell tour,” Jericho continued. “I don't need a great retirement fight. I will simply stop doing it. Maybe I feel different when the time comes, but I also have other things. I have Fozzy, where I also have the element live. I have the podcast, the cruise, the performance. I have other things in motion and I have moved away from wrestling a couple of times. We will see what happens.”
“Sting retirement was one of the greatest moments of all time. I think the dinner farewell tour is incredible and people know that these are the dates to see it. John is very determined in that sense. He will end when he says he has finished and never return. Bryan already said he will never retire. You will not see it as a full -time fighter, but you will see it in a ring for a long time. I just live the moment and enjoy going to work every week and do great things.
The uncertainty of Chris Jericho retirement
Although it may not be typical, Chris Jericho's decision on his retirement has several purposes. You can never say that something is “definitive” in terms of making an occasional return, because John Cena has already closed that possibility for himself. In addition, fans can treat each appearance as if it were the last at this point, and has accumulated a huge number of achievements in the process.
John Cena (C) vs Chris Jericho
Summerslam (2005)
WWE Championship pic.twitter.com/sOCS9MsTU7— Pencil Neck Geek (@ineed2pi) September 2, 2023
Chris Jericho's next challenge will be to face Hook at AEW All In on August 25. Wembley's stadium will house its confrontation, where Hook can never challenge the title “For The World” again if he loses against veteran Wizard on Sunday.
We will have to see what happens with the retirement of Chris Jericho. Tony Khan made a great gesture and dedicated a complete episode of Aew Dynamite to Jericho when he celebrated his 30th anniversary in the business. Only time will say how Khan will handle the withdrawal of “The Learning Tree” of the action in the ring.
