All Elite Wrestling: Chris Jericho Sends Shockwaves With Signing
While it was previously rumored, there was no official word handed down. Today, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced that Chris Jericho has signed with them, as Y2J appeared at their event in Jacksonville to make a huge statement.
The significance of this deal cannot be understated. Chris Jericho has said on previous occasions that he would never work for anyone but WWE in North America, however that seemed to change when he showed up at All In and attacked Kenny Omega. Now we know for sure, as Jericho walked out at the end of the rally in Jacksonville, bringing cheers to the audience at hand.
Jericho spoke on how he was always there to innovate and create, and that he always went where wrestling was the hottest. Jericho confirmed that he was all in with All Elite Wrestling, and the fact that they were able to secure Jericho to a contract is very telling, especially when Jericho still wanted to do things with NJPW.
Where this leaves Jericho’s status with NJPW and WWE is still in question, but it’s safe to say that Jericho will not be appearing for WWE anytime soon. I wouldn’t rule NJPW out, but nonetheless, this is a huge signing for the new promotion, showing that they are absolutely serious about going after big stars.
The press conference saw many surprises and announcements, including AEW’s first show – Double or Nothing, would be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 25, 2019. They also announced that their second show would be in Jacksonville, and a part of the proceeds will be donated to victims of gun violence. While it seemed the press conference was over, suddenly ‘Judas’ by Fozzy started to play, and Chris Jericho made his entrance to cheers from the crowd and a ton of pyro.
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Jericho joins Hangman Page, MJF, PAC, Britt Baker, Joey Janela, and Penelope Ford as the first major signings in the company. Jericho’s name is the biggest one on the list (pardon the pun), and proves that they are willing to pay major money to bring stars in. That, and the announcement that All Elite Wrestling will be offering equal pay for the women that work for the promotion is a major shout at anyone considering jumping ship, as the money is very real indeed.