10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Wrestling Dontaku And What They Mean Going Forward
1. "The Pain Maker" Returns For A Shot At The IWGP Championship
The Rainmaker, while celebrating his hard-fought victory in the ring, was suddenly surprised as the arena was plunged into darkness and a video message played. Chris Jericho suddenly appeared on the screen as he applied his now-signature face paint. Then, adorned in a fedora and spiked leather jacket, Jericho said that he was coming for Okada's IWGP title at the upcoming Dominion.
The legendary star who has made waves in recent years thanks to his departure from WWE, excursion to New Japan, and recent signing with All Elite Wrestling, continued by declaring himself "The Pain Maker" before repeatedly shouting into the camera--and at Okada--that he's going to win come 9 June.
As an AEW contracted competitor, his appearance bewildered many fans, but it should be noted that the Wrestling Observer Newsletter previously reported that Jericho's deal with the upstart company still allows him the freedom to appear for and compete in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Now, the self-dubbed "Pain Maker" is making use of that clause as he will attempt to steal away the IWGP crown--though Kazuchika Okada will not be an easy challenge.