Chris Jericho asserts that his bout with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom in 2018 played a pivotal role in Tony Khan’s decision to establish All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This match, held in Tokyo, showcased a significant demand for non-WWE wrestling content that Khan recognized as an opportunity to launch a new wrestling promotion.
Jericho’s involvement in AEW’s origins highlights the convergence of talent and fan interest that made the company’s creation possible, illustrating an important moment in wrestling history anchored by the strong digital viewership of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Background: Jericho’s Journey and Bullet Club’s Influence in NJPW
Before AEW was formed, Chris Jericho had left WWE to compete in NJPW, where he faced Kenny Omega for the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 2018. After this, Jericho briefly returned to WWE but came back to Japan later that year, capturing the IWGP Intercontinental Title.
Bullet Club, formed in 2013 by Prince Devitt along with Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga, and Bad Luck Fale, was rapidly gaining international attention in NJPW. The group’s popularity grew as the Young Bucks and then AJ Styles joined, cementing the faction’s status as a major influence in wrestling culture.
By early 2016, with key NJPW stars like Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Anderson, and Doc Gallows transitioning to WWE, Kenny Omega became Bullet Club’s new leader. The group evolved with additions like Adam Cole, Marty Scurll, Adam Page, and Cody Rhodes, forming the subset known as The Elite, which captivated fans globally.
How The Elite and Bullet Club Set the Stage for AEW’s Launch
The behind-the-scenes access granted by The Young Bucks’ YouTube show, Being The Elite, enhanced fan engagement and created a loyal following. Bullet Club merchandise became nearly as popular as historically iconic wrestling gear, signaling a shift in wrestling fandom.
This momentum culminated in the All In event in September 2018, which sold out within thirty minutes and became one of independent wrestling’s largest shows. Cody Rhodes emerged as a fan favorite by winning the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, while the main event featured The Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi defeating Bandido, Rey Fenix, and Rey Mysterio.
Following the match between Kenny Omega and Pentagon Jr., Chris Jericho’s unexpected attack on Omega heightened the drama, blending storylines from different wrestling worlds. Shortly thereafter, The Young Bucks and Cody Rhodes revealed the Double Or Nothing event on Being The Elite, introducing the All Elite Wrestling brand and signaling the launch of a formal company rather than an independent show.
Jericho’s Perspective on AEW’s Creation
In a conversation with Spencer Matthews from Made In Chelsea, Jericho claimed credit for influencing the formation of AEW. He emphasized the significance of his match with Omega in Tokyo as a catalyst:
“We changed the business when we had our match at the Tokyo Dome, which at the time was crazy because nobody ever thought it would happen. We’re both from the same small town in Canada called Winnipeg, and we pretty much packed the Tokyo Dome. Digital streaming was through the roof for New Japan Pro Wrestling, which then led to Tony Khan seeing and deciding that he could form AEW because there was so much demand for wrestling that was not WWE.” ?Chris Jericho, Professional Wrestler
This statement connects the high-profile NJPW match and its popularity directly to the market demand that Tony Khan leveraged to create AEW.
Key Matches That Defined Jericho’s AEW Career Launch
Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega met again in the main event of AEW’s inaugural pay-per-view, Double Or Nothing, in May 2019, where Jericho emerged victorious. This win positioned him for the inaugural AEW World Championship match at the All Out event in August 2019. There, Jericho defeated Adam Page to become the first AEW World Champion, cementing his integral role within AEW’s early success.
AEW’s Creation Marks a New Chapter in Wrestling’s Landscape
The founding of AEW introduced a significant alternative to WWE, shifting the industry and offering wrestling fans greater variety and excitement. Tony Khan’s investment and vision, combined with talents like Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks, enabled AEW to emerge as a major force.
The company’s success demonstrated the power of digital platforms and wrestling’s evolving global fan base. Jericho’s claim emphasizes how influential moments, such as his Tokyo Dome match, helped inspire the creation of this alternative wrestling enterprise, altering the professional wrestling scene for years to come.
