WWE WrestleMania 33: Assessing The Potential Of All 14 Matches

4. Chris Jericho Vs. Kevin Owens - United States Title Match

Jericho Owens
WWE.com

Chris Jericho Vs. Kevin Owens is the second, more obvious show-stealer, and it has something Triple H vs. Seth Rollins is curiously lacking: genuine emotion.

The bromantic double act was divisive. The chemistry was undeniable, their segments often funny, but it diluted Owens' prizefighter act beyond recognition. They also had the unenviable task of propping up RAW in the traditionally interminable autumn and winter months with constant, eye-rolling interference. WWE exists in stasis by the end of any given calendar year. JeriKO were victims of it.

The story was salvaged during the Festival of Friendship break up angle, which was far and away the best segment WWE has produced in years. It had everything. It was hilarious, moving - Jericho practically broke the fourth wall when he told Owens how much he loved working with him - and crushing, when Owens turned on the act.

Jericho has lost steps in the ring, but he's not trying to wrestle at AJ Styles' peerless level this year - he is itching for a fight, one which will surely be furnished with a to-die-for atmosphere. It has the potential to be something very special indeed - the best midcard title match this side of WrestleMania X.

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!