With so much television to produce, WWE is typically always looking to bring in new talent that could become its next big star. However, Dave Meltzer has reported in his Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the company has implemented a temporary hiring freeze, rejecting recent inquiries from wrestlers in AEW and TNA seeking contracts.
According to the update, WWE believes its development system is overflowing with ready talent, reducing the need for external additions. However, it was noted that this wouldn’t affect the potential signing of top prospect Leon Slater or the rumored return of Chris Jericho.
When Jericho didn’t return to AEW television after his last FOZZY tour, speculation commenced that his long-term future could be back with WWE, as it was common knowledge that his contract expires at the end of 2025. More recently, there have been unverified reports that WWE may be looking to bring him back with a retirement storyline next year, with a Royal Rumble return widely predicted by many who want to see his iconic Y2J character have another run leading to a Hall of Fame induction.
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