12 Biggest Stories From NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling And What They Mean Going Forward

6. Chris Jericho Dons Disguise In Another Sneak Attack

Chris Jericho EVIL
www.njpw1972.com

The reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion has been absent from NJPW since his victory for the belt over Tetsuya Naito at Dominion in June. However, Chris Jericho made his presence and status as champion known during Monday’s King of Pro-Wrestling.

EVIL was carried to the ring on a throne by multiple druids for his match against Zack Sabre Jr., but the bout was not to be. As EVIL entered the ring, one of the masked and hooded figures jumped him from behind. It quickly became clear just who the assailant was as Jericho hit a Codebreaker on the Los Ingobernables member. The self-proclaimed Alpha of wrestling quickly departed with his Intercontinental belt in hand and a smug smile on his face.

Backstage, Jericho demanded a match with EVIL at November's Power Struggle event. That wish has been granted as it was announced Tuesday morning that the match will take place at the Osaka event. While his previous bouts for New Japan have been against the company's most established stars, Jericho's drawing power will be tested as he defends the IC belt against EVIL.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.