Is Chris Jericho signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling?
By Luke Norris
What is Chris Jericho’s status with New Japan Pro Wrestling?
Chris Jericho is one of the most decorated superstars in professional wrestling history and will no doubt someday headline a WWE Hall of Fame class. However, it’s not his time in WWE that’s been making headlines in the wrestling world over the past couple of months.
In one of the most shocking turn of events in recent memory, Chris Jericho recently showed up in New Japan Pro Wrestling, viewed by most as the best wrestling promotion not named WWE and also viewed by many as the premier wrestling company in the world. While that debate can wait for another day, New Japan is set to host their version of WrestleMania, Wrestle Kingdom 12, this Thursday, Jan. 4, from the Tokyo Dome. Jericho is set to challenge the man who is arguably the best wrestler on the planet in Kenny Omega.
Back on Nov. 5, Omega, who currently holds the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, defeated Trent Baretta at Power Struggle and was cutting a promo following the bout when Jericho, to the delight of wrestling fans everywhere, appeared on the jumbotron, called himself the alpha of wrestling (gotta love a great play on words) and challenged Omega to a match at Wrestle Kingdom. The champion accepted to set up a dream matchup that the world will finally witness on Thursday.
There’s no possible way that this match can be merely average. As mentioned, many feel that Omega is the best wrestler in the world, and even at 47 years of age, Chris Jericho can still put on a great show as evidenced by his spectacular 2016-2017 run in WWE. The nine-time Intercontinental Champion has already made a few appearances for NJPW to help build the match ,and he’ll obviously be at the Tokyo Dome for the match on Thursday, but many are wondering exactly how long Chris Jericho will remain in New Japan.
The answer to that question seems to be pretty simple: not long at all. Given Jericho’s insanely hectic schedule for 2018, which includes a Fozzy tour in the spring, his weeklyTalk is Jericho podcast, his But I’m Chris Jericho comedy show on CBC and the “Chris Jericho Rock N’ Wrestling Rager” cruise that will set sail in the fall featuring the stars of Ring of Honor. So it’s safe to say that this appearance with New Japan is a one-off. However, Jericho seems to be the master of quick deals, so there’s a chance that could all change.
While he didn’t appear until November, Jericho’s negotiations with New Japan actually began last summer. The idea of working with Omega was pitched to him back in June, and once he agreed to do it, the idea was taken to Omega, who also thought it would be amazing (thanks, Kenny). He took it to New Japan and things went from there. It still took until September to get the deal finalized, but it should work out nicely for everyone involved, especially wrestling fans who get to see a match they never thought they’d see.
The match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 will be the first match for Chris Jericho outside of WWE since 1999. He’s long stated that he’s a WWE guy and a Vince McMahon guy and even talked to Vince about things when this opportunity arose, even though he had no obligation to do so given the fact he hasn’t been under contract with WWE since April 30, 2017. Given the mutual respect between the two, Jericho says that Vince was excited about the match and it certainly wouldn’t shock anyone if he returns to WWE at some point in 2018, possibly as soon as the 25th anniversary of Monday Night RAW, which will take place on Jan. 22, just six days before the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
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Chris Jericho is a busy, busy man and while I’m sure a lot of people would like to see him in New Japan for a long run, that doesn’t look very likely at this point. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still be crazy excited for Thursday for Alpha vs. Omega.