WWE News: Chris Jericho discusses his contract details with WWE and New Japan
What's the story?
Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by WSVN-TV Entertainment Reporter Chris Van Vliet in Orlando, Florida, inside the Fozzy tour bus. He is currently on tour with his band, Fozzy.
In the course of the interview, Jericho talked about his current contract status with WWE, as well as what plans he has with New Japan.
You can watch the whole interview here:
In case you didn't know...
Chris Jericho made history late in 2017 when he confirmed that he was set to square off against Kenny Omega in a match at the Wrestle Kingdom 12 pay-per-view in the Tokyo Dome. He was the first performer who had such a high standing in WWE before he made the jump back to New Japan.
When he wrestled Kenny Omega at the Wrestle Kingdom 12 pay-per-view, it was the first time that he performed for a promotion other than WWE since the time he had signed with them in 1999.
The bout with Omega made headlines, and gave New Japan a lot of mainstream attention, as casual fans tuned in to see Chris Jericho perform. After his loss to Omega, he would then attack Tetsuya Naito in the New Years Dash! show of NJPW. Following this incident, he would not appear on NJPW programming again.
The heart of the matter
During the interview, Jericho discussed the details of his WWE contract and revealed nothing was set in stone at the moment. He was previously contracted to the company up until May of the previous year but afterwards, the Fozzy Tour Cycle began and he was then fully committed to his band.
He told the interviewer that WWE called him for appearances from time-to-time but the deals were always "one and done" appearances.
Jericho then went on to talk about his NJPW relationship, admitting there was nothing planned with the Japanese Wrestling promotion at present. The original plan had been to go back but that did not work out - despite saying his appearance was successful and earned them millions as a result. If he was to appear for them again, then they would have to compensate him "at a high level", as he'd be risking his relationship with the WWE to appear once more.
"WWE could just wake up one day and go 'You're with New Japan? We never want to use you again, see you later buddy.' So that's the risk I take."
What's next?
Chris Jericho is set to appear at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia on April 27 and will be part of the 50-Man Royal Rumble match after the plans for his original Casket Match against the Undertaker were shelved.
Author's take
Chris is one of the WWE's most talented veterans and can still work a crowd like very few other people can. Although fans are set to see him wrestle once more later this month, it is up in the air as to whether and when Jericho will appear for the company in a greater capacity.