Chris Jericho To Wrestle Hideo Itami At WWE Event In Japan

Y2J returns to a WWE ring later this week.

by Andy H Murray
Chris Jericho Japan
Instagram, @chrisjerichofozzy

Chris Jericho hasn't been seen on WWE television since the May 2nd episode of SmackDown, when Kevin Owens took his United States Championship, then sent him to the hospital. A brutal post-match assault wrote Y2J out so that he could concentrate on touring and promotional commitments with his band Fozzy, with no indication of a return date given at the time.

Now, it looks like Jericho is on his way back to a WWE ring ahead of schedule - at least in an untelevised capacity. Y2J is being advertised to appear on this week's Raw international tour, and as per this Instagram post, he'll be facing NXT's Hideo Itami in Tokyo:-

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It'll be the first time the two have ever met in the ring. Itami has responded to the announcement on Twitter:-

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As well as wrestling Itami on June 30th, Jericho is set to appear in Singapore on June 28th, and at a second Tokyo show on July 1st, as advertised on WWE.com.

Fozzy's upcoming album, "Judas," is still awaiting a release date, though it's expected to come out sometime in September. This suggests that these appearances are just a series of one-offs, and that an immediate TV return is not forthcoming.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.