Earlier this week, there was a report by Pro Wrestling Sheet stating that Batista is in ‘deep talks’ with WWE about returning in time for WrestleMania. That same report noted that All Elite Wrestling is also in touch with The Animal in hopes of signing him.

According to PWInsider, Batista met with WWE officials in Connecticut last Thursday to discuss his future with the company. Batista last appeared on WWE television back in October for SmackDown 1,000. During a segment reuniting the Evolution faction, Batista had a confrontation with Triple H and set the stage for a WrestleMania showdown.

With WWE and AEW vying for Batista’s services, Chris Jericho is playing into the speculation. Jericho posted a photo on Tuesday alongside Batista, which you can view below. Jericho said he and Batista had a great discussion “earlier today” while dining at the 4 Rivers Smokehouse BBQ chain.

Knowing Jericho’s penchant for trolling fans online, the photo could very well be 6 months old. However, if Batista is in fact considering working for All Elite Wrestling, his longtime friend Chris Jericho would likely be involved brokering that deal.