Major Update Regarding Chris Jericho's Future With New Japan

At New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘Dominion” event this weekend, Chris Jericho defeated Tetsuya Naito to become the IWGP Intercontinental Champion. It was a surprise for a lot of wrestling fans because most weren’t expecting Jericho to wrestle for the company long-term. As a result, his title win has made his future in wrestling very unpredictable.

According to the Wrestling Observer, Y2J winning the IWPG IC Title means he’s staying with the promotion and there are multiple matches coming. Dave Meltzer is saying that a rematch between Jericho and Naito seems to be coming down the line. It may happen inside the Tokyo Dome, but the next match for Chris Jericho seems to be against Evil.

The beat down angle Jericho did after beating Naito and the save from Evil is obviously a setup for Jericho vs. Evil. One of the most interesting dynamics for fans watching Y2J with New Japan is the more violent and brutal heel he’s been playing. That’s a very new dynamic for wrestling fans who haven’t seen him be so vindictive and violent as a heel.

Chris Jericho has also changed his look for both matches in Japan. Clearly, he’s going for a much different and more vicious character than what fans are used to from him with WWE. If he’s planning to change up his look and keep each performance different, then the expectation is Jericho will only be doing a few matches a year. However, each match will be much different and will allow his creativity roam free without strict restrictions.

Chris Jericho’s entrance - Dominion 2018

It’s extremely interesting to see Jericho reinvent himself again in New Japan only a year after making a clipboard and a pen to be one of the most popular acts in WWE. The new IWGP Intercontinental Champion continues to do good work and it’s going to be a great ride watching Chris Jericho perform with New Japan Pro Wrestling moving forward.

What do you think of Chris Jericho’s work in New Japan thus far?