Could we see Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Chris Jericho for the AEW World Championship soon?
That’s certainly a possibility, as New Japan Pro Wrestling has confirmed that if the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion can defeat “The Painmaker” at Wrestle Kingdom 14, then he’ll get an AEW title shot in the future.
The stipulation came about when Hiroshi Tanahashi spoke to Tokyo Sports and stated that it was only logical for him to receive a title shot if he beat the AEW World Champion (transcript courtesy of wrestlinginc.com):
"He's a champion right?" Tanahashi questioned.
"All I'm saying is if I beat him and he comes back asking for a rematch, then I think it's reasonable to tell him to put the belt up. If that happened it would break down a door."
Jericho responded to Tanahashi’s interview and agreed with the New Japan star:
"What you don't know is I speak and read perfect Japanese and I read what you said about the Tokyo Dome," Jericho stated.
"You said if you can beat me that you would enter the forbidding portal and request a title shot for the AEW Championship. I thought it's a great idea. So, 'Le Champion' asked the Chairman of the Board, the owner of AEW, Tony Khan, if it was okay to grant your request, and he said 'yes.' So, if you can beat me in the Tokyo Dome, I will give you a championship match for the AEW Title."
Wrestle Kingdom 14 will take place on January 4 at 3 am ET (pre-show starts one hour prior) and Night 2 at 1 am ET (pre-show starts one hour prior).