10 Biggest Stories From New Japan’s Dominion And What They Mean Going Forward
3. Chris Jericho Wins New Japan Gold
Jericho had been taunting reigning Intercontinental Champion, Tetsuya Naito, for months on end. He originally attacked him in the ring in the first of two surprise appearances at New Year's Dash and later at Wrestling Dontaku. He also chastised Naito in video form on multiple occasions prior to their meeting at yesterday's Dominion.
Jericho, who seems to constantly reinvent himself, showed up clad in black leather pants with an accent of black lipstick and eye makeup. It was a new look from Y2J, but his demeanor was much the same as his previous NJPW appearances. The former WWE World Champion enjoyed tormenting Naito throughout the contest. While Tetsuya fought hard and employed his usual mind games, he proved no match for the psychological master in Jericho. Delivering a sneaky low-blow after shoving the referee, Jericho was able to capitalize with a Code Breaker to unseat Naito as Intercontinental Champion.
The so-called Alpha later posed with his new title for an Instagram post, adding “Naito is amazing, but there’s a NEW NJPW Intercontinental Champion.” What still remains unclear is what can be inferred from Jericho as champ. Will his reign be brief or is Jericho planning to stay with New Japan for an extended period? Regardless, Jericho will have to defend the title at some point — potentially in a rematch against former champ, Naito.