Juventud Guerrera will return to TNT on Wednesday night when he renews his decades-old rivalry with Chris Jericho.
Jericho and Guerrera haven't wrestled since the February 18, 1999 episode of WCW Thunder. MJF announced Guerrera as the third labour for Jericho to get through. He's already defeated Shawn Spears and Nick Gage on his quest to earn a match against MJF.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Guerrera commented on the bout.
“For me to come back at this moment, to this stage in AEW, the hottest company with the best talent in wrestling, it’s a blessing,” Guerrera said. “For me and Chris, this is a great opportunity to showcase what we did and what we can still do. Chris has such a great mind for the business. He always knows the right time and the right moment. This is going to be a very special night for wrestling fans.”
The two men had multiple pay-per-view matches in WCW, including a Mask vs. Title match at WCW SuperBrawl VIII, which was also won by Jericho in a match that forced Juventud to unmask.
“At the time, I was very ashamed. For luchadores, we are warriors here in Mexico. Wearing the mask is a source of pride and our tradition," said Juventud. "Looking back, I’m very grateful that it was Chris Jericho to take off my mask and that I was able to continue working with him. I felt so much better being in the ring with Chris. He loved the Mexican style, and had come to Mexico earlier in his career to learn lucha. We were so happy to work together, and that’s why we had so much chemistry together in our matches. Chris brought out the best in me. The way it turned out, people really welcomed me after I lost the mask. Now I have two different personas–Juvy with the mask, and The Juice without the mask.”
Speaking about the Jericho match and whether or not he'll wear the mask or how much nostalgia will be involved in his appearance, Guerrera said, “I want to wear the mask on Dynamite. I am a luchador, and we are very proud of our masks. Also, since the match has been announced, a lot of people have asked me if I’ll come out to the same music I had in WCW. That would be nostalgic, but I’m going to showcase my new music, a heavy metal song I wrote and produced. This is a new moment and people are going to see a new Juice. This Wednesday on Dynamite is going to be Juicymania. People are going to be shocked when they see this match. I feel great, and I’m ready to make the most of this opportunity. I’m very grateful to Chris Jericho, I’m grateful to AEW, and I’m grateful to all my fans. I can’t wait for the bell to ring. I am dedicating this match to my mentor and my special friend, Eddie Guerrero. This match is going to be for him.”
Guerrera has remained active over the years, most recently wrestling on July 17 at BWE La Guerra De Los Guapos
Fightful will have live coverage of AEW Dynamite beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
