WWE WrestleMania 34: 4 Better Opponents than Undertaker for John Cena
By Warren Hayes
Credit: WWE.com
3. Chris Jericho
John Cena is on the SmackDown following Fastlane. He’s in the ring, with a mic, and he’s complaining about not having a WrestleMania match. He’s telling people how it’s the first time since the invasion of the Bay of Pigs that he isn’t on the card or something. He’s dejected, he’s sad, but he clearly says he has nothing for WM.
Suddenly, the arena booms as the words ”BREAK THE WALLS DOWN” echoes. Chris Jericho’s music hits. He appears at the top of the ramp, a shiny new scarf draped over his shoulders. The audience goes nuts.
Jericho has a mic and cuts a savage promo, one of these super popular ones that blur the line between reality and kayfabe. Calling out John’s complaining about juggling so many things at once, Jericho mentions that he never fails at making the most out of opportunities. In fact, despite touring with his band Fozzy, working on his acting career and producing his successful podcast, he still managed to headline the Tokyo Dome last January. He doesn’t have to mention the event by name, but the effect is still there.
He calls John weak. He calls him directionless. He says that he can’t hang with the true superstars of sports entertainment. And he’ll be giving him his match at WrestleMania.
How. Awesome. Would. That. Be.
Chris Jericho’s star hasn’t shone this brightly in years. His match against Kenny Omega generated an enormous amount of credibility for him and established him as a true world-class superstar. So as far as an attraction match goes, the basic components are in place.
But the real kicker is the fact that both are still high-level in-ring performers. Cena has shown numerous times over the past few months that he still has all the elements to put out great and exciting matches. If you’ve seen Jericho vs. Omega there is absolutely no question that Y2J can churn out a competitive match in a contemporary setting. Together, it would have the potential to be truly memorable and a one-of-a-kind classic.