Chris Jericho To Make Shocking NJPW Return Tonight?
Dontaku Is Jericho
As reported by PW Insider and The Wrestling Observer, Chris Jericho could be in attendance for New Japan Pro Wrestling's 'Wrestling Dontaku' two-day supercard emanating from the Fukuoka Convention Center today and tomorrow (May 3rd and 4th).
Jericho could logically feature on one or both shows due to the presence of brand new Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito on both evenings. The 'Tranquilo' star was decked by 'Y2J' at this year's New Year Dash just a night removed from their separate spirited displays in Wrestle Kingdom 12's blockbuster main events.
Jericho has vocally distanced himself from the product since, but reports suggest his appearance(s) will fuel a payoff between the pair at either the Dominion pay-per-view on June 9th or the company's second swing through North America for a 'G1 Special' at San Francisco's legendary Cow Palace on July 8th.
Ticket sales for the latter have been softer than NJPW's previous US cards and would presumably benefit from such a high profile addition. It remains unclear if Jericho's working agreement with the group even allows him to perform on WWE home turf though, or how Vince McMahon may potentially feel about his 'good will' being taken for granted.
With or without 'Y2J', both Dontaku cards this weekend are loaded, with Night One featuring Golden Lovers partners Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi in singles action against Bullet Club antagonists Hangman Page and Cody Rhodes respectively. Night Two will be headlined by a potentially historic IWGP Heavyweight Title match between Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. Though neither show particularly 'needs' him, Jericho's knack for picking his spots perfectly over the years suggests that he'd be more likely to show up on a grand stage than one of substantially lesser prestige.