In a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Chris Jericho opened up about one of the most pivotal moments in his legendary wrestling career—the betrayal by Kevin Owens, the missed opportunity at WrestleMania 33, and how these events ultimately led to his departure from WWE. Jericho’s revelations provided an insider’s view of what went on behind the scenes and how his decisions not only impacted his career but reshaped the wrestling industry itself.
Let’s dive into this fascinating chapter of Jericho’s career, where disappointment, creativity, and reinvention collided to create some of the best moments in professional wrestling history.
The Best Storyline in WWE: Jericho vs. Owens
Jericho and Kevin Owens’ friendship storyline in WWE remains a masterpiece of sports entertainment. Starting in the summer of 2016, their alliance gradually turned into one of the most talked-about angles in the company. And let’s not forget the iconic "Festival of Friendship," a segment that took fans on a rollercoaster ride of comedy, betrayal, and heartbreak.
The segment was a mix of over-the-top theatrics and gut-punch storytelling. Jericho described it as a mix of an ‘80s David Lee Roth music video and Game of Thrones’ infamous Red Wedding. It was larger-than-life entertainment that culminated in Owens’ shocking betrayal of Jericho. Fans knew it was coming but were still floored when it happened, which is a testament to the incredible storytelling.
Jericho even mentioned in an interview that Vince McMahon had initially promised the feud would lead to a WrestleMania main event. Imagine Jericho versus Owens for the world title at WrestleMania 33, with Jericho finally winning the championship as a babyface for the first time in his career. Sounds amazing, right?
But wrestling is unpredictable. Plans changed, and instead of the main event, their match was relegated to the second spot on the WrestleMania 33 card. Not only that, but they were only given 15 minutes to work with. Jericho has been open about how disheartening this was, stating that it was the moment he knew his WWE run was coming to an end.
From WWE to New Japan: Jericho’s Creative Rebirth
After WrestleMania 33, Jericho’s motivation to stay in WWE waned. “I wasn’t into it anymore,” he admitted. But as one chapter closed, another opened. Enter Don Callis, a longtime friend and commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), who suggested a match between Jericho and Kenny Omega.
Jericho saw the potential immediately. Omega was the top star in NJPW, and their match could be the wrestling equivalent of Mayweather vs. McGregor: a crossover event nobody expected. Fans were shocked when NJPW announced the match for Wrestle Kingdom 12 at the Tokyo Dome.
The result? A groundbreaking match that earned five stars from critics, boosted NJPW’s streaming service subscribers by 300%, and sold an additional 15,000 tickets for the Tokyo Dome. Jericho even structured his deal to include a percentage of the extra revenue, making it one of the most lucrative matches of his career.
This match wasn’t just about money or accolades; it reignited Jericho’s love for wrestling. He described working in NJPW as an artist finally being free. There were no agents, no rigid structures—just pure creativity.
The AEW Revolution
The success of Jericho vs. Omega laid the groundwork for something even bigger: All Elite Wrestling (AEW). According to Jericho, Tony Khan was watching closely. Khan saw the match as proof that fans were hungry for an alternative to WWE. And so, AEW was born.
Jericho became the first AEW World Champion, giving the fledgling company instant credibility. His presence as the top star helped AEW secure a $160 million TV deal with TBS, just months after its debut.
But then, the pandemic hit. With no live crowds, AEW had to get creative. Jericho played a crucial role in keeping the company afloat during this time, participating in innovative matches like the "Stadium Stampede" and "Mimosa Mayhem." These matches, while unconventional, kept fans entertained during one of wrestling’s most challenging eras.
Why Jericho’s Story Matters
Chris Jericho’s career is a lesson in evolution. He didn’t let the disappointment of WrestleMania 33 define him. Instead, he used it as fuel to reinvent himself, take risks, and ultimately change the wrestling business forever.
From WWE to NJPW to AEW, Jericho has continuously proven that creativity and passion can overcome even the most frustrating setbacks. Whether it’s a heartbreaking betrayal, a five-star Tokyo Dome match, or a cinematic stadium brawl, Jericho always finds a way to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
So, next time you watch wrestling, remember: no matter how the story begins or ends, the real magic is in the moments. And Chris Jericho? He’s been giving us unforgettable moments for decades.
0 Comments