For more than a decade, Chris Jericho has adamantly stated that the only company he will ever wrestle for is WWE. To work for Vince McMahon’s promotion was Jericho’s childhood dream, plus, it’s the biggest wrestling (or, sports entertainment) organisation in the world. Why would he work anywhere else?
Then, during New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Power Struggle event this past weekend, Kenny Omega retained his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Trent Beretta and boasted that he had nobody left to beat. The lights went out as a countdown began on the big screen and in shades of 1999, Chris Jericho appeared after the clock struck one to issue a challenge to Kenny Omega.
The two men had been going back and forth on Twitter for several weeks prior to Power Struggle, each claiming to be the best in the world. However, with Jericho always considered a WWE guy, and Kenny Omega quite content doing his own thing, it didn’t seem at all possible that anything would ever come of it. The war of words, it seemed, was all to sell tickets for Chris Jericho’s upcoming Rock ‘n’ Wrestling cruise.
As soon as the news broke, wrestling fans the world over were abuzz. This is a dream match in an age where such a bout has become a rare commodity. It feels like a collision between worlds. Here’s what we know so far:
Jericho is a free agent
According to reports, Chris Jericho is not under WWE contract, which makes sense considering this would not be happening if he were. It has also been claimed that talks between Jericho and NJPW began back in August, following his discussions with several parties in regards to his cruise. Word is that Jericho first approached WWE about running the cruise with NXT talent, but was turned down, and subsequently got Ring of Honor and many of its affiliated stars aboard (pun not intended, but appreciated).
New Japan is going global
NJPW is considered the second largest wrestling brand in the world after WWE. Its global expansion plans are already underway with US tours, US titles, myriad international talent, and New Japan World – their version of WWE Network.
Chris Jericho is one of few in the wrestling business who can claim to be a household name. After a WCW run, he joined WWE during the fabled Attitude Era and quickly became one of its biggest stars en route to becoming the first Undisputed Champion. He’s as big a name as you’ll get without convincing Dwayne Johnson to give up the acting. Therefore, Jericho’s involvement in Wrestle Kingdom 12 marks a major move in NJPW’s global expansion. Expect New Japan World subscriptions to see an increase in the Western world due to Jericho’s inclusion on the card. Some credit must also go to Kenny Omega, who has done a great job in getting his name out there, despite having never worked for WWE.
Jericho’s been here before
This won’t be the first time Jericho has appeared for New Japan, having worked for them numerous times before joining WWE. It will be his first time in a NJPW ring since September 1998 and first time not in a WWE ring since 1999.
Wrestle Kingdom 12 – what’s on tap?
Wrestle Kingdom is New Japan’s version of Wrestlemania. It has been lauded over the years for being a showcase of some stellar bouts, such as two years ago when AJ Styles faced Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.
The upcoming edition takes place on 4 January 2018 from the Tokyo Dome and the card so far looks like this:
IWGP US Championship: Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho
IWGP Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito
IWGP IC Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Marty Scurll vs. Kushida vs. Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Roppongi 3K vs. The Young Bucks
Ring of Honor World Championship: Cody vs. Kota Ibushi
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