11 Newsworthy Moments From Chris Jericho's Cruise (And What They Mean For Wrestling In 2019)
9. Ring Of Honor And IMPACT Square Off... Or Join Forces?
One of the major matches that was announced for the Jericho Cruise was a ten-man tag between members of the Ring of Honor and IMPACT Wrestling rosters. The two promotions have often been touted as the USA's top alternatives to WWE and as such, have often found themselves competing with each other in some respects.
Save for a few brief periods of tumultuous partnership in both promotions' early years, IMPACT and ROH have never fully joined forces. However, the Jericho Cruise proved to be a bridge that spanned the ocean between them as The Elite squared off with LAX, Sami Callihan, Brian Cage, and current IMPACT Champion Johnny Impact. While it turned into a comedy match -- thanks to The Elite's Super Mario Bros. Halloween costumes -- it was a step in the right direction.
The seeds of a relationship or even partnership were seemingly sown thanks to Jericho’s Rager at Sea. With ROH already working with New Japan Pro Wrestling, perhaps adding IMPACT to the mix could see a conglomerate of independent promotions rise up against WWE. But tag matches and comedy bouts aside, there was another major step toward a future agreement taken aboard the ship.