Interview: Chris Jericho on His AEW Contract, Vince’s Reaction, Kenny Omega, Roman Reigns

Chris Jericho was interviewed by Chris Van Vliet yesterday in Ocala, FL.

He talks about why he signed with AEW, the length of his contract, how Vince felt about it, whether CM Punk or Kenny Omega will go to AEW, his thoughts on Becky Lynch, gives an update on Roman Reigns and much more!

Here are some of the highlights:

Why he decided to sign with AEW and the length of his contract:
“As the past year progressed, going from New Japan to All In to The Cruise, and kind of seeing how life was on the other side, I realized, like The Young Bucks, like Kenny Omega and these guys, you can make a good living outside the WWE. Then when you have a billionaire getting involved, suddenly you have the biggest offer of my career — by far — I couldn’t say no. For the next three years, it’s AEW. That’s where I’m signed, and that’s the contract that I have.”

Would CM Punk sign with AEW?
“CM Punk’s not so much a free agent as he is a retired wrestler, from what I understand. Of course we’d love to have Punk come in there.”

The possibility of Kenny Omega going to AEW:
“Once I signed, the last remaining huge free agent is Kenny Omega. Jericho and Omega were the two. Where’s he gonna end up? I hope it’s with AEW, I really do. I guess we’ll find out, because his contract ends very quickly.”

Did he ask for Vince’s permission before signing with AEW?
“I spoke to Vince before I signed, and he knew it. The words we exchanged were very amicable, and it wasn’t like it was a surprise. Business is business. Vince McMahon is my friend; I respect him, I love the guy — no ill will whatsoever, just the business road took me this way. I would’ve been crazy not to do it because I might insult somebody. I think the first guy who would agree with that is Vince.”

An update on Roman Reign’s health:
“He’s doing his treatment, and I think things are going really well. I don’t really know much about leukemia. I don’t know what the endgame is as far as when you’re ‘cured’ — when it goes into remission, when you can do physical matches or travel or whatever it is. But we talk to him quite a bit. I’ve got a group text with him in it, and I text him on the side quite a bit. He always seems to be doing pretty well and in good spirits… We love him, and I think it’s just a matter of time before he comes back. But more importantly — that he stays healthy for his family, for sure.”