Recently written off AEW TV, at least for the time being, Chris Jericho is reportedly set for a continued absence and may need an on-screen replacement.
While Jericho is currently touring with his band Fozzy and will seemingly return to AEW eventually, Tony Khan may be looking for a replacement in the interim, and possibly even long-term since Jericho has been honest about his openness to potentially return to WWE when his contract comes up later this year.
Here are six AEW stars who could replace Chris Jericho on TV.
6. Cope
While Cope – the former Edge – has been squarely framed as a babyface throughout his time in AEW so far, it doesn’t mean that there couldn’t been a heel version yet to be revealed.
Similarly to Chris Jericho, Cope’s ability to re-invent himself throughout his career has been well-documented.
Also carrying the mainstream recognition from his long tenure in WWE and other acting roles, Cope checks most of the same boxes for AEW that Jericho has in the past.
Recently commenting that he believes he will likely retire after his current contract – reportedly October 2026 – it would be great to see all the iterations of Cope in AEW, including evil heel faction leader.
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5. Adam Cole
Another AEW star that could slide into the role currently occupied by Chris Jericho is TNT Champion Adam Cole.
Although he is hopefully not in the later days of his career, after many years in the industry, Cole qualifies as an experienced veteran.
While he may have not had a run on the main roster in WWE, Cole is also known publicly for his connection to gaming, bolstering his name recognition outside of the wrestling fandom.
He has led a heel faction in the past, so with an additional piece of condescension towards younger members of the roster, Cole could easily fill the shoes of a departed Chris Jericho.
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4. Billy Gunn
While Billy Gunn was definitely a major reason for The Acclaimed capturing fans’ hearts in AEW, he could do it again.
This time serving as even more of a clear leader of the group (rather than inspirational father figure), Gunn could run the same general storyline that Chris Jericho has in his Learning Tree faction.
Gunn could conceivably corrupt Bryan Keith and Big Bill in Jericho’s current on-screen absence and thereby turn the duo against their leader.
With an impressive resume and definite mainstream recognition, Billy Gunn would make a logical replacement for Chris Jericho.
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3. Samoa Joe
On the other end of the spectrum, another veteran presence who could serve as a replacement on the roster in general – but not in cowardly heel antics – is Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe has a long and well-respected wrestling career across companies like Ring of Honor and WWE in addition to an impressive standalone AEW resume.
Having already held the AEW World Championship, TNT Championship and now the Trios Championship, Joe has demonstrated dominance in the company.
As the current leader of The Opps, Samoa Joe wouldn’t need to do anything differently to continue to replace Chris Jericho as an on-screen veteran.
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2. Taz
While he has primarily appeared in AEW in the last several years on commentary, in the earlier days of AEW, Taz was more of an on-screen character.
In 2020, Team Taz gave AEW fans some of their first glimpses of Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs and HOOK in addition to original member, Brian Cage.
There is no reason why Taz couldn’t step back in front of the camera to head up another faction, this time perhaps with an even meaner streak than before.
Also able to reference back to vintage moments in WWE and ECW, Taz could put his own unique spin on the veteran succubus trope.
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1. Kenny Omega
Similarly to his Golden Jets tag team partner Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega has the ability to portray both heel and babyface characters while maintaining fan’s interest.
Kenny Omega may be squarely fighting for righteousness right now in AEW, but it doesn’t mean that he couldn’t start up his own powerful faction of younger wrestlers.
Subsequently, Omega could recruit stars to a powerful alliance for good… only to later turn on them in spectacular fashion and become a heel like he was as World Champion.
If AEW needs to find another veteran on the roster who can be a versatile stand-in for Jericho, Kenny Omega is definitely a top choice.
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