Chris Jericho Makes the List but Rusev Lives to Fight Another Day

Chris Jericho just made the list. The six-time world champion is returning to WWE at The Greatest Royal Rumble event on Friday, April 27. Jericho will face The Undertaker in a Casket Match and fans are already anticipating this battle of WWE legends.

But as some are celebrating the news, others are perhaps less than thrilled. It’s not because of Y2J’s involvement in the match however, but rather due to Rusev’s sudden omission from the match. The Bulgarian Brute was the man booked to face The Phenom but now that is not happening. So what is the real story here?

Rusev appeared to be working the headlines in order to generate heat for his match with Taker. But somewhere along the way, things may have gone south. Though some suspect Rusev is in trouble with WWE, the company has thus far made no direct announcement to that effect.

So why involve Chris Jericho? Could this be another example of a part-time Superstar stepping in over a full-time Superstar? That argument gained real traction thanks to Brock Lesnar’s constant absences. It’s been a talking point of WWE critics since that time.

The Rock, Triple H and The Undertaker himself have all been targets of that criticism. Fans believe that these men come back because of sheer ego and rob younger talents of their spots. It does seem odd that the same company that continues to exist because of its ability to develop new Superstars would also continue to hold the door open for legends past their prime. But maybe fans are missing the point.

WWE is a company that prides itself on delivering a little something to everyone. It shows in the booking, it shows in the promotion and it’s obvious on TV. From super-heavyweights to tag teams to women and cruiserweights, WWE’s roster appeals to fans of all ages with all tastes. The same is definitely true of the legends.

Check out Chris Jericho’s tweet on the Undertaker match!

I beat #TheUndertaker for @wwe title before. At #GreatestRoyalRumble, I’m gonna BURY his ass…#KingOfTheCasketMatch pic.twitter.com/rLThP1lJgC

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) April 12, 2018

While Undertaker and Chris Jericho both have seen better days in the ring, no one can argue their love of the business. Taker in particular continues to return despite his age and though he’s not always looked flawless, he has always given everything he had to the company. WrestleMania 34 was a huge night for him as he seemed to turn the clock back for his match with John Cena.

The Deadman was on his game like never before. He flew around the ring like a man half his age and he did so as the crowd roared its approval. He was everything fans remembered and then some. The Undertaker gave the WWE faithful exactly what it wanted and set the stage for more to come.

Chris Jericho has perhaps lost a step in the ring but when it comes to entertaining the fans, few play the game better than him. Jericho is always on point with his promos and his character was never more captivating than it was during his run against Kevin Owens. Y2J was in his element and he was the veteran talent that Owens needed to get him to the next level.

Neither of these men come back because of ego. Both Taker and Jericho surely understand that WWE is a younger man’s business, just as it was when they were earning their stripes. But this is not necessarily about lining their pockets. This is about giving fans something they won’t forget.