From the WWE Rumor Mill: WWE had no prior knowledge of Jericho vs. Omega

What’s the story?

Chris Jericho is set to take on Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 and the WWE seemingly had no knowledge of the coming match, according to a report published by WrestleZone.

In case you didn’t know...

During Jericho’s time with WCW, the company had a working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling to the point that they exchanged talent. Jericho debuted for NJPW in 1997 under a mask as a rival to Jushin Thunder Liger.

Jericho wrestled for NJPW for six months until he was called back to WCW. Since wrestling with WWE, he has often gone out of his way to be included in their tours of Japan, but has not wrestled for NJPW in over 20 years.

The heart of the matter

Jericho has often spoken about the direct relationship with Vince McMahon, but WrestleZone reports that no one in WWE had knowledge of Jericho’s upcoming match until it was announced at NJPW Power Struggle.

Many wrestling fans assumed that WWE and NJPW had a working relationship because of Jericho’s last run with the company that lasted from January 2016 to April 2017, but the former United States Champion is not under contract with the WWE and did not inform them ahead of time.

This could’ve been done to decrease the chances that the news would break prior to the announcement, but that is pure speculation.

What’s next?

The announcement of this match has created pandemonium in the wrestling world and is considered by many to be a big attraction for NJPW as they continue to break into the American market.

With Jericho taking on Omega, and Kazuchika Okada taking on Tetsuya Naito, many fans believe that NJPW has booked the biggest matches possible to appease wrestling fans on the eastern and western sides of the world.

Author’s take

WWE not knowing about the match is surprising, but understandable considering how often news is leaked from the promotion.

This appearance for Jericho in NJPW will more than likely be a one-off so enjoy it while it last.