Kenny Omega Opens Up About His Feud with Chris Jericho: An Honest Reflection

Omega Recounts High-Stakes Bout with Jericho; Khan Hints at AEW Return

November 5, 2025 – Professional Wrestling Icon Kenny Omega has recently shared his viewpoint on a defining match from his career, a contest against Chris Jericho held in 2018. The reflections came via a social media post, prompting renewed discussion among fans of the sport. Together, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) President Tony Khan addressed the possibility of Jericho’s ongoing role within the promotion.

Omega Details the Pressure of a Championship Reign

Omega, widely known as “The Cleaner,” described the intense pressure he felt while competing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a champion. He stated that anything less than a decisive victory,what he termed a “home-run,” was unacceptable. He revealed that, looking back eight years later, he underestimated the magnitude of the stakes involved in his rivalry with Jericho.

The initial clash between Omega adn Jericho took place at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 2018,a “No Disqualification” match for the IWGP United States Championship. This match quickly became a classic, known for its dramatic moments and athletic prowess.The two athletes would later meet again at Double or Nothing 2019, with Jericho emerging victorious in that encounter.

Did You Know? The rivalry between Omega and Jericho is considered by many fans and critics to be one of the best in professional wrestling history, captivating audiences with its intensity and storytelling.

Khan Expresses Continued Confidence in Jericho

AEW President Tony Khan recently spoke on Busted Open Radio, expressing his continued thankfulness for Chris Jericho’s contributions to the company. Khan emphasized Jericho’s importance to AEW since its inception, stating that he remains a valued part of the organization and that discussions about his future are ongoing.

“I love Chris Jericho,” Khan declared. “He’s a huge part of AEW, he’s been here as the beginning and, you know, we’ll see what happens here in the coming months.Chris is always a welcome, big part of AEW we’d always want to have here. So I am absolutely so grateful to Chris Jericho for everything he’s done.”

Event	Date	Winner
Wrestle Kingdom 12	January 4, 2018	Kenny Omega
Double or Nothing 2019	May 25, 2019	Chris jericho

Pro Tip: Understanding the history of rivalries like Omega and Jericho’s provides context for current storylines and enhances the viewing experience for wrestling fans.

The Enduring Appeal of Wrestling Rivalries

Professional Wrestling thrives on compelling narratives and intense rivalries. These feuds often transcend the sport itself, becoming cultural touchstones that resonate with fans for years. The Omega-Jericho rivalry is a prime example of this phenomenon, showcasing the power of skilled performers to create memorable moments and lasting legacies.

The strategic importance of building rivalries is well documented within the industry. Successful feuds increase viewership, merchandise sales, and overall fan engagement.As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, the ability to create and maintain compelling rivalries will remain crucial for promotion success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho

• What was the significance of the Wrestle Kingdom 12 match? It was a crucial defense of Kenny Omega’s IWGP United States Championship and a pivotal moment in both wrestlers’ careers.
• What is Tony Khan’s current stance on Chris Jericho’s AEW future? Khan has expressed continued appreciation for Jericho and indicated that they are discussing his role within the promotion.
• How has Kenny Omega described the pressure of his NJPW championship reign? Omega has stated he felt immense pressure to consistently deliver high-impact performances.
• Why are rivalries important in professional wrestling? Rivalries create compelling storylines, drive fan engagement, and contribute to the overall appeal of the sport.
• What makes the Omega-Jericho rivalry stand out? It’s regarded as one of the best in wrestling history due to its dramatic moments, athletic display, and compelling narrative.

What are your favorite memories from the Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho rivalry? Do you think we’ll see these two legends clash in the ring again?

What specific personal sacrifices did Kenny Omega make to elevate his profile during his rivalry with Chris Jericho?

the Genesis of a Rivalry: New Japan Pro-Wrestling

The rivalry between Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho is arguably one of the most impactful in modern professional wrestling history. Its roots lie in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2018, a period where Omega, as leader of the Bullet Club, was reaching the peak of his singles career. The initial build was masterful, leveraging Jericho’s established star power and Omega’s growing momentum. Fans clamored for a clash between the “Best Bout Machine” and the “Living Legend,” a match that promised to redefine what was possible in a wrestling ring. Key search terms related to this period include “NJPW Kenny Omega,” “Bullet Club feud,” and “Chris Jericho Japan.”

Wrestle kingdom 12: A Match for the Ages

Wrestle kingdom 12 in January 2018 delivered on the hype. The match between Omega and Jericho for the IWGP United States Championship wasn’t just a wrestling contest; it was a spectacle. the innovative offense, the storytelling, and the sheer drama captivated audiences worldwide.

* Key Moments: The use of the Rainmaker counter, Omega’s One-Winged Angel, and Jericho’s Walls of jericho where pivotal.

* Match Length & Impact: The nearly 30-minute encounter is consistently ranked among the greatest professional wrestling matches of all time.

* Critical Reception: Wrestling critics universally praised the match for its intensity and innovative spots. Search terms like “Wrestle Kingdom 12 Omega Jericho” and “best wrestling match 2018” consistently surface in discussions.

The Aftermath and Continued Tension

Following Wrestle Kingdom 12, the feud didn’t end. Jericho defeated Omega in a rematch at Strong Style Evolved in March 2018, further solidifying the rivalry. However, the narrative continued to evolve, with Omega expressing frustration over perceived broken promises and a lack of respect from Jericho. This period saw increased use of social media to fuel the animosity, a tactic common in modern wrestling storylines. Related searches include “Omega Jericho rematch” and “Bullet Club vs Chris Jericho.”

Omega’s Recent Reflections: A Look Behind the Curtain

In recent interviews,especially leading up to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) events,Kenny Omega has offered more candid insights into his feelings about the feud. He’s spoken about the pressure of living up to expectations, the challenges of working with a legend like Jericho, and the emotional toll the rivalry took on him.

* Respect and Frustration: Omega has consistently stated he respects Jericho as a performer but felt frustrated by what he perceived as Jericho minimizing his accomplishments.

* Creative Control: Omega has alluded to disagreements over creative direction, particularly regarding the booking of the matches and the overall storyline.

* Impact on Career: He’s acknowledged that the feud was instrumental in elevating his profile on the global stage, but also admits it came at a personal cost. Keywords like “Kenny Omega Chris jericho interview” and “AEW Kenny Omega” are trending as he discusses this rivalry.

The All Elite Wrestling Chapter: A New Dynamic

The arrival of both Omega and jericho in AEW presented an chance for a continuation of thier rivalry. While not as intensely focused as their NJPW encounters,their interactions in AEW have been marked by subtle jabs and competitive matches. The dynamic has shifted, with both men now established as top stars in a new promotion.

* AEW World championship pursuit: Both Omega and Jericho have held the AEW World Championship, further fueling their competitive spirit.

* Tag Team Competition: Their involvement in tag team matches, often with opposing factions, has added another layer to their rivalry.

* Evolving Relationship: There’s a sense that the animosity has lessened over time, replaced by a grudging respect and a shared understanding of their place in the industry. searches like “AEW Kenny Omega Jericho” and “AEW World Championship history” reflect this ongoing narrative.

The Psychological Warfare: A Masterclass in storytelling

Beyond the in-ring action, the Omega-Jericho feud was a masterclass in psychological warfare. Jericho’s ability to get under Omega’s skin, both on camera and through social media, was a key component of the storyline. Omega, in turn, responded with a quiet intensity that resonated with fans. This psychological aspect is frequently enough cited as a reason for the feud’s enduring appeal. Related terms include “wrestling psychology,” “heel tactics,” and “face reactions.”

The Legacy: Influencing Modern Wrestling

The Omega-Jericho rivalry has had a lasting impact on the landscape of professional wrestling. It demonstrated the power of inter-promotional storytelling, the importance of building long-term narratives,