The Painmaker has returned!
At today's Power Struggle event from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Chris Jericho you returned the promotion via a video package to challenge Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match at night two of Wrestle Kingdom on January 5.
The issue between these two men began earlier this summer when Chris Jericho failed to defeat Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Dominion, and Tanahashi would save Okada from further beating at the hands of Jericho.
During the vignette that aired, Chris Jericho appeared beating up many different men wearing wigs to make themselves look like NJPW's Ace. Tanahashi would go on to accept the challenge saying that he has no opponent for Wrestle Kingdom.
第4試合終了後、場内ヴィジョンにクリス・ジェリコが登場！
— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) November 3, 2019
「ペインメーカーvsエース。最高の試合になるぞ。オマエの引退試合だ！」と棚橋弘至を挑発！
1,5東京ドームでシングル戦を要求！
11.3大阪大会をスマホサイトで独占詳報中！
https://t.co/HMS4dB9qGA#njpst #njpw pic.twitter.com/ghnDWyaJQ0
CHRIS JERICHO IS HERE!!!! #njpst #NJPW pic.twitter.com/lZqEN9hd2y
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) November 3, 2019
The Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. The Pain Maker Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 5!!
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) November 3, 2019
Jericho said it would be Tanahashi's last match!!
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP#njwk14 @tanahashi1_100 vs. @IAmJericho #njpw #njpst #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/xYrtfmDAGI
Chris Jericho is, of course, All Elite Wrestling World Champion but has a special contract that allows him to still work Japanese dates. All Elite Wrestling has remained steadfast that there is no impending working relationship between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 will take place on January 4 and 5 in 2020.
