Latest Update On AEW And NJPW Relationship

The surprise announcement earlier this week at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku that Chris Jericho would be the next challenger to Kazuchika Okada’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Dominion next month led to many speculating that a deal has been done between New Japan and Jericho’s home promotion AEW.

However, that is not the case. Jericho’s contract with AEW has always permitted him to keep working for New Japan, much as Kenny Omega’s does.

It is understood that New Japan at one stage was considering Omega for its Dallas G1 event in a few months time in an attempt to bolster struggling ticket sales. The promotion has since decided against that, preferring the focus of the show to be the first night of the G1 rather than the return of Omega in what would likely be a throwaway spot.

Regarding Jericho, Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio noted that there is no change in the relationship between New Japan and AEW, or rather lack thereof, stating:

It’s not an AEW booking, it’s not a sign that AEW and NJPW are working together. There’s no relationship and there’s no change in that aspect right now. Hopefully someday there will be, but right now that’s not the case.

Jericho and Omega are scheduled to headline AEW’s historic debut show Double Or Nothing in three weeks time.

Thanks to WrestleZone for the transcription

• NJPW
• chris jericho
• Kenny Omega
• AEW

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