#NJPW #NJWK12 @IAmJericho pic.twitter.com/kRRpRWzsCq
— LARIATOOOO!!!! (@MrLARIATO) November 5, 2017
Chris Jericho made a surprise video appearance at New Japan’s Power Struggle event at the close of Kenny Omega’s match against Beretta for Omega’s IWGP US Heavyweight Championship.
While Jericho is no stranger to Japan, his connection to WWE makes it a big surprise and his announcement makes it even bigger because he’s challenging Omega to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4th.
Oh shit! Jericho to wrestle Omega at Wrestle Kingdom! #NJPW #NJPST pic.twitter.com/qzc6PeGfHF
— Adam Hill (@adamhillmedia) November 5, 2017
Jericho cut a hell of a promo that summoned names like Shawn Michaels, Edge, and CM Punk before he once again called himself The Best In The World, topping all of those men and Omega, ripping a photo of his fellow Canadian in half.
See you there @kennyomegamanx… #AlphaVsOmega #Jan4 #TokyoDome https://t.co/J3SLS319zu
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) November 5, 2017
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/PBuXNwY5qh
— bossmoz (@BossMoz) November 5, 2017
The crowd then erupted in chants of Y2J and we’re off to the races, with a dream match featuring a future WWE Hall of Famer at NJPW’s version of Wrestlemania. While it is safe to say that WWE and Vince McMahon have signed off on the idea, it is still hard to believe. It also likely keeps Jericho out of the running for any appearances at Royal Rumble, along with his ongoing touring with Fozzy at the moment.
Omega and Jericho are also chirping back and forth on Twitter, sort of a multi-generational torch passing mixed with playful ribbing. It’s also interesting that Omega would be facing a noted WWE superstar with his contract expiring. It is sure to spark more discussion about a possible move.
Hey @KennyOmegamanX– u know I was ur boss #Gedo’s tag partner? I make 1 phone call & ur little @njpw1972 push ENDS. pic.twitter.com/AjgRPYlqzV
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) November 4, 2017
Hate to be fired and forced to go to the “majors”.You guys come off about as cool as Gedo’s haircut & red pajamas.Stay out of our business.
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) November 4, 2017
Fans reacted as one would expect, with many breaking through a time change and the early Sunday morning fog to post reactions on Twitter:
So Chris Jericho just challenged Kenny Omega for Wrestle Kingdom 12 and I don't think I've ever been this hype at 7:30 in the morning.
— Joey Chapman (@Joey_Chapman) November 5, 2017
I think Jericho vs. Omega is gonna strike the sweet spot between "weird Dome match" and "actual awesome wrestling match".
— Dan (@GolazoDan) November 5, 2017
That was an awesome way to do it. Jericho v Omega is pure $$$$! #NJPW #NJPST
— Adam Hill (@Adam_H1ll) November 5, 2017
NJPW roster’s reaction seeing jericho challenge kenny omega at #WK12 pic.twitter.com/69hoXeH4c0
— james mckenna (@chillhartman) November 5, 2017
I can't watch this match rn. Going to watch later. I'm still absolutely mind blown from that moment. CHRIS JERICHO VS KENNY OMEGA AT WK.
— David 🤙 (@KingOfBrosMark) November 5, 2017
New Japan, biggest show of the year:
-Naito/Okada
-Jericho/OmegaWWE, biggest show of the year:
-Cena/Mahal
-Reigns/Lesnar#njpst pic.twitter.com/Wl9YIHHt6J— 𝙳𝚊𝚗 𝙷𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚊 (@DanHevia) November 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/MrLARIATO/status/927135151888437250
https://twitter.com/hairywrestling/status/927135317810991104
https://twitter.com/ClintMargera/status/927141581907521536
So let me get this straight. Jericho is going to be at New Japan's version of WrestleMania to fight Omega and Vince is OK with this?
— 95Sports (@95Sports) November 5, 2017
