Chris Jericho on Staying Fresh, Upsetting NJPW Stars, Omega Feud, More

Sports Illustrated held a recent interview with Chris Jericho discussing a variety of wrestling topics including Wrestle Kingdom 12’s double main event upsetting some NJPW stars, keeping his character fresh with fans, comparing his current Omega feud with past feuds, and more.

On the topic of wrestling in 2018, Jericho stated New Japan Pro Wrestling is currently the only place people will get to see him wrestle next year. Jericho did tease he would be willing to return to the WWE during his Fozzy tour but would only appear at Wrestlemania 34 if he was given a main event worthy match and spot.

“If you want to see Chris Jericho wrestle, the Tokyo Dome is where you’re going to see me. If you watch one show this year, that’s the one to watch.”

“I could go back to the WWE, I love working for Vince McMahon. But if I showed up tomorrow, as of right now, I am not slotted for the main event of WrestleMania. I am in the main event at Wrestle Kingdom.”

On the topic of Wrestle Kingdom 12’s double main event upsetting some NJPW stars, Jericho stated those stars should be more upset at NJPW officials for feeling the need to have two main event matches and not towards him.

“That’s like when people b—- and complain when Brock Lesnar and The Rock wrestle at WrestleMania, saying, ‘These part-timers come to steal our spots.’ Part-timers, full-timers, single-timers, whatever the f— you want to call it, they’re money-makers. I’m not the one calling this a double main event, it’s New Japan calling it that–and they’ve already sold more tickets this year, with three weeks before the show, than last year. I’d say it’s a smart move to bring Chris Jericho in and a smart move to make Alpha-Omega a double main event. If Naito doesn’t like that, then tough luck. That’s pro wrestling. Naito, don’t worry about what I’m doing, just worry about what you’re doing. You’re going on last, but just because you’re last doesn’t make you the main event. See WrestleMania 18 if you want to know more about that. I don’t give a s— who’s on last. If Naito is pissed off at me, then go out and prove it. It makes me want to work harder. Worldwide, and I’m just telling the facts, Alpha-Omega is the main event.”

On the topic of keeping his character fresh with fans over the years, Jericho stated he is constantly motivated to find new ways to keep fans entertained in him as a wrestler. The feud with Kenny Omega being the latest example of Jericho wanting to provide a new way to entertain wrestling fans.

“I feel a great responsibility to my fan base. I am a fan, and I don’t want to see the same thing over and over again. I refuse to settle and stay in the same box. I want to create excitement and that, to me, is what it’s all about. There is no one in the world like Chris Jericho, but there is no one like Kenny Omega, either. That’s why this match really intrigued me: Kenny is the top guy in New Japan, and he is a best-bout machine with some of the best matches ever, but I think I’m better. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime match that you won’t see again, and it’s happening in Tokyo.”

On the topic of comparing his current Kenny Omega feud with his past feuds, Jericho stated the last time he felt this excited for a match was in 2008 and during his feud with Shawn Michaels which lead to their unsanctioned match at Unforgiven 2008.

“My goal is to steal the show. The match started as one thing and changed to another. This is going to be more of a fight. It has an organic feel to it. After 27 years of doing this, I know that you have to follow the path of the match. The last time I had a match like this was against Shawn Michaels in 2008 with our unsanctioned match. This has the same feel to it. It’s the two best in the world, but it is going to be intense, angry, and violent.”