Backstage Update On Why Chris Jericho's AEW Title Was Involved At Wrestle Kingdom 14
Here's how the Hiroshi Tanahashi/AEW Title angle came about.
AEW World Champion Chris Jericho wrestled Japanese legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 this weekend, with the bout stipulating that Tana would receive a shot at the gold if he was victorious.
This made the outcome one of the weekend's most intriguing, as it hinted at a potential working relationship between AEW and NJPW, though Tanahashi was ultimately thwarted by Jericho in an acclaimed contest.
Per a recent update from the Wrestling Observer, the AEW Championship angle came about when Jericho and current NJPW commentator/manager/wrestler Rocky Romero approached company President Tony Khan about it. Khan said yes, knowing that the English and Japanese commentators would put the belt over, leading to exposure for his company, hence why it was brought into 'The Painmaker's' feud with Tanahashi.
There have been no updates on a potential AEW/NJPW working agreement since Wrestle Kingdom, though the above report suggests that nothing is in place.
The AEW World Championship was extremely visible at Wrestle Kingdom. Jericho took it with him, the announcers put the stipulation over, and it helped add extra juice to a bout thats build had cooled off from a hot opening angle.