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AEW All Out promises to be one of the most important pay-per-view events of AEW. While the return of CM Punk after being out of the ring for the better part of a decade is a prominent story, fans also want to witness a definitive conclusion to the rivalry between Chris Jericho and MJF, and the stakes attached to the match have made it quite interesting to follow. The former AEW World Heavyweight Champion has put his AEW career on the line for the contest.
Fans have found a sense of callback in the intense rivalry as it reminds many of a previously highlighted feud in WWE. During the last full-time run of Chris Jericho's WWE career, he was embroiled in a friend-turned-foe rivalry with Kevin Owens. The fierce rivalry continued until Owens attacked Jericho, with WWE writing him off their storyline.
However, the two rivalries have as many distinctions as they have resemblances. Here are 3 reasons why the rivalries are different and 2 reasons why they are similar.
#3 Different: AEW rivalry does not have a Championship involved
Much of Kevin Owens' sole WWE Universal Championship reign saw him connected to Chris Jericho. When Owens turned, fans expected the match between them to be for the title. However, WWE had distinct intentions, and the match went on to involve the WWE United States Championship instead.
In AEW, no championship is involved in the feud between Jericho and MJF. Instead, factions are involved, with The Inner Circle prepared to assist their leader and The Pinnacle ready to support theirs.
#2 Similar: The AEW rivalry mirrors Jericho-Owens' friend-turned-foe narrative
In AEW, MJF and Chris Jericho had a rocky beginning, but after the former and Wardlow were allowed to be part of The Inner Circle, the two constructed a friendly relationship. Their camaraderie was enhanced through comic sequences, and when MJF eventually duped him, Le Champion turned face.
In WWE, viewers observed Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens create an exemplary friendship. Both superstars were heels, and the setup involved comedy, with the List of Jericho fastened to the plot. When Owens attacked Jericho, it was Jericho who turned face and Owens remained a heel.
#2 Different: Jericho was prepared for the betrayal in AEW
One of the more striking contrasts between the rivalries lies in how Jericho handled the respective treacheries. In WWE, he was shocked by Owens' deception and the emotionally charged climate that established a memorable contemporary pro-wrestling moment.
Jericho did not completely trust MJF like he trusted Owens. Thus, when MJF betrayed him on AEW, Le Champion saw it coming and was prepared for it. He did not exhibit a rattled reaction similar to the Owens feud, and the primary surprise in AEW was the showing of The Pinnacle.
#1 Similar: Both feuds included long-term storytelling
Jericho excels in long-term storylines, and his clashes against Owens at WWE and MJF at AEW substantiate his value. Jericho's connection with MJF has continued since October 2020, and almost a year after the feud shall reach its outcome.
Y2J's rivalry with Owens, too, emanated from a relationship that evolved over multiple months before its eventual disintegration. Owens benefited in the long run by appearing victorious in a rivalry with the all-time great. If AEW correctly secures the conclusion of the feud, MJF too can exit the rivalry with an enormous enhancement of stature.
#1 Different: AEW rivalry has Jericho's career on the line
The feud between Y2J and Owens depended on friendship, disloyalty and at times the US Championship, but AEW has boosted the stakes by borrowing Jericho's career as a path to generate intrigue. In professional wrestling, retirement means nothing, and Jericho leaving AEW if he loses to MJF is an improbable scenario.
However, an MJF victory will certainly lead to the young villain boasting over and over again. After all, he would have scalped Chris Jericho's highly celebrated career at that point. This remarkable risk factor contributes to the match an enhanced spark, leading fans to contemplate what may transpire at AEW All Out.
