What’s the story?
Dave Meltzer, of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, recently stated that Chris Jericho was set to drop the US Championship to AJ Styles on the next episode of SmackDown LIVE. However, a report by Cageside Seats seems to indicate that Y2J will do the favours for Kevin Owens instead.
In case you didn’t know...
Chris Jericho extended his WWE deal multiple times in the previous year. He announced in January that he had penned a new deal which would keep him with the promotion throughout April. This announcement led many to predict that Payback would be the last match of Y2J’s current run and that he would suffer a defeat at the hands of the Prizefighter.
WWE shocked the masses when they put the title back on Jericho and transferred him to SmackDown LIVE.
The heart of the story
Chris Jericho is the current United States Champion and the latest addition to SmackDown LIVE but according to the source, tonight’s episode could be his last appearance on WWE for quite some time.
Chris Jericho is going to face Kevin Owens in a rematch for the title at tonight’s SmackDown LIVE. As of now, it is being speculated that Jericho will drop the title to KO and bid adieu to WWE for the time being.
As previously reported, Jericho is going to commence touring with his band Fozzy from this Wednesday which would make devoting time to wrestling difficult.
Also read: 5 little-known facts about Chris Jericho
What’s next?
Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho is set to take place on tonight’s SmackDown LIVE. The winner of this match will go on to face the number one contender AJ Styles for the United States title at the SmackDown-exclusive PPV, Backlash.
Author’s take
Jericho leaving the company is inevitable. Switching brands and putting the title on Jericho just before he leaves is a good way to surprise fans and keep them wondering whether he might end up staying again.
In addition to dropping the title, expect a vicious attack on the Ayatollah of Rock ‘n’ Rolla before or after the match which will cause a storyline injury.
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