8 Wrestlers Who Could Be Chris Jericho's Teased Secret Mystery Opponent
It won't be Bryan Danielson. It obviously won't be CM Punk. So who is it?
On this week's edition of AEW Dynamite, a "fired-up" Chris Jericho issued an open challenge as part of his crusade to prove that his legacy is more significant than that of Ring Of Honor. Set to take place next week, this one is not limited to former World champions; the challenge is open to any wrestler who has ever held any gold in the promotion.
Wide as that scope is, certain names can probably be ruled out.
Austin Aries has ostracised himself from the wider industry. The Briscoes aren't permitted by Warner Bros. Discovery to appear on TNT nor TBS. Samoa Joe isn't someone Tony Khan would want to beat in what is likely to be a successful defence. Similarly, Adam Cole will not be brought back just to lose, and it feels too early for the 'Ocho' to drop the belt; he didn't beat Bryan Danielson, again, for no reason. At least you'd bloody hope not. Chris Jericho Vs. Dalton Castle Boy 1 isn't going to happen on Dynamite. Rampage, perhaps, but not Dynamite.
The fact that AEW is teasing a mystery opponent must mean that it's fun or unusual in some way; as great as he remarkably still is, a Kazarian type might be considered a let-down in the context of the build.
So who does that (realistically) leave...?
8. Tomohiro Ishii
Chris Jericho is a smart operator, and indeed is almost considered cynical for how savvy he is.
He knows who to work with. There's a very contrarian online narrative that suggests that Jericho is a succubus clinging onto relevance for dear life by politicking his way into matches in which he can be carried across the **** line.
It's ridiculous, not least because his individual performance level has been incredible of late - but Jericho is perennially unfashionable in certain snob circles and will never get the credit he deserves.
There is an element of truth to it, which is why it prevails, but just look at who he's working with now and who he hasn't worked with previously. He didn't demand to beat the likes of Miro, Malakai Black, HOOK - any names who were much buzzed over for a time that might have threatened his spot. He is willingly working to get Daniel Garcia over as the ultimate end-goal to the Jericho Appreciation Society Vs. Blackpool Combat Club saga. This is no Reign of Terror; he is attempting to safeguard the future of the business.
Of course, along the way, he must beat several name acts to preserve his star power. That's how being a wrestling star works, and if he can update his CV with a few dream match bangers all the way, so be it. NJPW legend Tomohiro Ishii is available, is a former ROH TV champion, and Gedo doesn't mind him losing.
...and, yes, it would make Jericho feel cooler by having worked him.
Probability: 70%