6 Most Insane Things Happening In Wrestling Right Now (Dec 15)

4. Chris Jericho: 47, Silver And Gold

Jinder Mahal Triple H
New Japan World

Chris Jericho proved what a phenomenal worker he is on Monday, as he teased Kenny Omega with another vignette at the NJPW World Tag League Final.

He then baited, switched and bloodied him in a superb live action angle notable for the elusive use of claret in a New Japan ring. The race for second prize in the Angle Of The Year list was wide open - the first being tied up in February by Jericho himself, the Festival of Friendship - but Jericho has sewn that up, too, in a segment so well-performed that the clear mutual respect shared by the two men, the driver of the match in the first place, was obscured by palpable tension. This was stunning in its graphic, expletive-ridden simplicity, as was the follow-up press conference angle. Jericho's way with the word "f*ckface" was near-Michael Cole "f*ckhead" levels of glory. The man is 47 years old, and he's still changing the game.

Whether or not he's that good a wrestler remains to be seen.

The worry, upon the announcement of the match, concerned Jericho's hubris. He can't keep up with Chris Jericho in a straight technical match, let alone Kenny Omega - but this angle promises a shortcut-ridden bloodbath. You'd hope Gedo doesn't do a Triple H, and reverse course with a clogger à la WrestleMania 25, anyway.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!