Chris Jericho is still a major figure in professional wrestling at the age of 54 and after more than 30 years in the industry. The renowned wrestler is still going strong as the current ROH World Champion and a major influence on AEW programming.
Jericho recently talked candidly about retirement in an interview with Josh Martinez on Z100 New York, discussing his ideas on how and when he would leave the ring.
“I really haven’t [thought about it], man,” Jericho admitted. “Because it could end tomorrow. Sting quit at 65. Times have changed now in wrestling because there’s so much money involved from a television standpoint, and it’s still a very star-powered business. So you could stay in this job a lot longer than you ever thought you would, as long as you’re healthy and still can perform.”
Jericho expressed that he has no plans for a long-drawn-out farewell tour, saying, “I’ve never been the guy who’s like, ‘Year-long retirement ceremony.’ That seems, ‘Eh.’ But there might be some merit to doing a final show. I don’t think about that stuff. I really live in what’s going on right now. When the time is right, I’ll know it, and we’ll figure out a way to do it.”
Jericho stressed that his career has never been about money, even if retirement matches frequently create hype and financial rewards.
“I’ve never done anything for money. Honestly, never have,” Jericho stated. “If you do stuff that you love, the money always follows. If you do something for money, usually it never works out the way that you want it to.”
For now, Jericho is focused on continuing to perform at the highest level and enjoying his craft. “If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. There’s no way I would do it at this point in time,” he concluded.
As Jericho continues to inspire fans and deliver unforgettable performances, one thing is clear—when the time for retirement does come, it will be on his own terms, just like the rest of his extraordinary career.
Jericho’s current priorities include loving his work and performing at the finest level possible. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it. I wouldn’t do it right now,” he said in closing.
One thing is certain as Jericho continues to enthrall audiences and give performances that will never be forgotten: like the rest of his incredible career, he will retire when the time comes.