6-time WWE Champion to finally make his AEW return at Full Gear and win new title? Exploring the chances

AEW is ready to host its next pay-per-view, Full Gear 2025, this weekend. One of the most anticipated matches on its card is the Casino Gauntlet Match. The winner of this match will be crowned the new AEW National Champion, a title Tony Khan recently introduced in the promotion.

The match already features some heavy hitters like Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Ricochet, and it's expected that the winner will be among them. However, many participants are yet to be announced, and there's a possibility that a former six-time WWE Champion could be among the contenders and eventually win the National Title, and that star is Chris Jericho.

Jericho, a former two-time WCW World Champion, a one-time WWE Undisputed Champion, and three-time World Heavyweight Champion, has not appeared in AEW programming since April of this year. Y2J is widely recognized as the wrestler who helped establish the Jacksonville-based promotion, even serving as its first World Champion in 2019. However, his future in All Elite Wrestling has been uncertain lately, especially given the unexplained nature of his ongoing hiatus and rumors of a return to WWE. Meanwhile, The Nueve himself has been dropping subtle hints about joining WWE, but also insists that he's still very much All Elite. In earlier interviews, Tony Khan mentioned bringing Y2J back at the right time, so there is a chance he will return at Full Gear 2025 to compete for the National title.

Giving Jericho a run with the new title makes even more sense, given his legendary status, which could elevate the belt and even shift focus away from the recent controversies the championship has faced. That said, this is all speculation, and it's still unclear who will win the National Championship at Full Gear.

Chris Jericho set to make major appearance outside of AEW

During his hiatus, Chris Jericho has been focused on other ventures, including a tour with his band, Fozzy. While the tour has since ended, he continues to make appearances for Fozzy at different conventions. In a recent announcement by the venue itself, it was confirmed that Y2J will appear at The Arrowhead in Calgary.

"Excitement is building as we welcome legendary frontman and nine-time world champion Chris Jericho to our stage this Saturday for the Franky & Johnny’s Reunion Party – delivering a powerful tribute to the late Larry Gillstrom of Kick Axe!"

Check out the announcement on Instagram here.

Chris Jericho's contract with Tony Khan's promotion ends in December of this year.