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What’s the story?
On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, it was revealed that Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito isn’t likely to take place at NJPW Long Beach.
In fact, with tickets for the event already sold-out, NJPW management plan to push the match to take place a few months later.
In case you didn’t know…
Chris Jericho’s feud with Tetsuya Naito was set to reach a crescendo in a match at NJPW’s upcoming show in Long Beach, California next month.
However, NJPW put forth another high-profile matchup that has Cody Rhodes competing against Kenny Omega at the Long Beach show.
The heart of the matter
Veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer asserted that NJPW’s original plan for its aforementioned Long Beach event was indeed Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito.
However, since NJPW hasn’t announced Jericho for the event and the show’s already sold-out, the promotion may hold off on it and reserve the match to take place at another big event in the ensuing months. Regardless, the match taking place at the Long Beach show is still a realistic possibility, since whether or not it happens depends on Y2J’s schedule, and Jericho currently has that date free.
Furthermore, Meltzer emphasized that NJPW may reschedule Jericho vs. Naito for NJPW Dominion that takes place in June.
What’s next?
NJPW Long Beach takes place at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California on March 25th. The marquee matchup of the show has Cody Rhodes compete against ‘The Cleaner’ Kenny Omega.
As of this time, the Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito matchup remains up in the air and isn’t being advertised for the event.
Author’s take
Honestly speaking, given the amount of hype Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito brings to the table, NJPW ought to pull the trigger on the showdown right now.
Nevertheless, NJPW Dominion in June doesn’t seem like a bad time either, as the promotion could let the aforementioned rivalry marinate for a while longer before a decisive finish to the same. Would you prefer watching Y2J vs. Naito at Long Beach or Dominion? Sound off in the comments!
