While the action was going on inside of the Tokyo Dome during Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one, Le Champion of All Elite Wrestling was busy hyping his matchup for night two of the NJPW extravaganza. A match that can potentially bridge the rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Chris Jericho is set to face Hiroshi Tanahashi during the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 14, and per stipulations agreed to by both men and all respective parties involved, should Hiroshi Tanahashi manage to defeat Chris Jericho, he will be awarded with an AEW Championship opportunity.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jericho wanted to make one last statement to "The Ace," reminding him what all is on the line in their match.
"The match everybody is talking about it not only in Japan but across the entire wrestling world, especially in the United States, is Jericho versus Tanahashi, 'The Ace' versus 'The Painmaker.' [You are] the hero of New Japan Pro-Wrestling," Jericho began. "Here's your chance, Tana. If you can beat me at the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom night two, you will be granted a title shot for the AEW championship, you'll get a chance to open the forbidden door. You'll get a chance to possibly bridge the rift between the two biggest companies in the world today, from a fan's standpoint. The two companies with the most goodwill amongst hardcore fans and you, Tana, could be the one to bring those worlds together. All you gotta do is beat Chris Jericho tomorrow night in the Tokyo Dome."
Jericho, a master manipulator, understands that those who have the most to benefit from a partnership between the two promotions would be the wrestling audience. Jericho would not hesitate to use this pressure as added weight to be placed on the shoulders of Tanahashi.
"You have won a lot of big matches, Tana. You won the most IWGP Championships and now, you've got a chance to be the second-ever AEW Champion," he continued. "You think you can do it? I don't think so. But the world does. And all the questions will be answered at the Tokyo Dome tomorrow night. I'll see you there, Bakahashi."
Jericho's fellow AEW roster member, Jon Moxley also captured the IWGP United States Championship last night. He is set to defend tonight against Juice Robinson.
Tune into our live coverage of the event beginning on Sunday, January 5, at Midnight Eastern time and you can also view our live coverage of night one here.
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