WWE/NJPW News: Chris Jericho talks about his status with NJPW and his future plannings 

What’s the story?

In a recent exclusive interview with Still Real To Us, WWE veteran Chris Jericho spoke about a host of topics including his status with New Japan Pro Wrestling and his future plans in the Pro Wrestling industry.

In case you didn’t know…

Following his Wrestle Kingdom 12 loss to Kenny Omega, earlier in the year, Chris Jericho seemingly started teasing a potential match against Los Ingobernables de Japon leader Tetsuya Naito at this year’s NJPW: New Year’s Dash event at the Korakuen Hall, when Y2J brutally blindside attacked Naito.

Following the brawl between the two men, several reports have apparently suggested that a match between Jericho and Naito is definitely on the cards and could very well take place later this year.

The heart of the matter

During his exclusive interview with Still Real To Us, Chris Jericho noted that him jumping ship to NJPW was indeed a good idea, which later turned out to be a great experience for “The Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla”. (H/T: Still Real To Us)

However, despite having such a great time in Japan, Jericho did claim that his relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling is pretty much over at this point.

“Yeah you know it was a good idea. It was good when it happened — we had a blast but sometimes things just don’t work out. You know, so New Japan was a lot of fun… not to say that I wouldn’t go back there again but as of right now our relationship is pretty much finished at this point.”

Furthermore, Jericho was also asked about his thoughts on the WWE Hall of Fame and possibly being inducted into the prestigious class, as Y2J eventually said that at this point a Hall of Fame induction is definitely not appropriate because the former six-time WWE World Champion currently has a bunch of matches left in him.

“So I imagine I’ll probably show up if I’m ever invited. But I don’t really feel like I’m at that point in my career where I should be in the Hall Of Fame. To me, that’s kinda the end of the road not kind of when you’re at your peak — like what people are saying about the Kenny Omega match and the quality of the match. ‘It’s the best match of Jericho’s career’ — well jeez if that’s the case then I got nowhere near the Hall Of Fame yet I still have a bunch of great matches left in me it’s not like that was my last ditch one and then I’ll explode into a puff of dust.”

What’s next?

Chris Jericho will make his WWE return later this month as part of The Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia as Y2J gets set to take part in the 50-man Royal Rumble match.

Author’s Take

Personally, I really hope that we do get to see Chris Jericho and Tetsuya Naito compete against each other later this year and I do believe that the two men are indeed bound to square-off in a massive showdown in NJPW.