Updates on AEW status of Andrade, Chris Jericho & Britt Baker
Image: JJ Williams
As part of a wide-ranging interview with Ariel Helwani Tuesday, AEW head Tony Khan was asked about the status of several big name wrestlers in addition to his relationship with UFC head Dana White.
Andrade El Idolo
Khan was careful when talking about the contractual situation of Andrade El Idolo, reiterating when he initially left AEW, it was on the “best of terms.” Khan said he was thrilled to see him again and whenever he is free, he hopes to work with him again.
When asked if Andrade misrepresented his status following his departure from WWE that reportedly has come with a one-year non-compete, Khan said he couldn’t speak to that.
Andrade reappeared with AEW in October after his firing from WWE and attacked Kenny Omega. However, he quickly disappeared off TV afterward.
Chris Jericho
Similar to Andrade, Khan reiterated his past sentiments about wanting Chris Jericho to return. He said he couldn’t speak to when Jericho could return but that he’s always welcome to come in. The former AEW World Champion hasn’t been on AEW TV since this past April.
Asked about where he has been, Khan said some of it is just working out the dates and wouldn’t confirm when Jericho’s contract is up (Jericho had previously said his deal is up at year’s end.)
Khan says he hopes to have Jericho back in AEW and that when you are dealing with talents like that, you have to negotiate a certain number of dates.
Britt Baker
Khan again reiterated some of his past comments and that he’s really had some good talks with Baker. “I’m still looking for the right time with Britt,” he said, adding that he “would love to have her back in AEW. Britt is going to be back, I really believe, in AEW and I hope soon. It has to be the right situation for her and everyone involved. I want to make sure she’s 100% and that’s important to me.”
Baker hasn’t wrestled for AEW since November 2024.
Dana White
Despite Dana White being under TKO’s umbrella with the UFC, Khan said he and White are “still close” and recently attended a University of Miami football game with several Jacksonville Jaguars executives, Dan Lambert, and White.
For more coverage of Khan’s hour-long talk with Helwani, visit our AEW section.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.