The gift of Jericho was just bestowed upon All Elite Wrestling. Drink it in, maaan.
Pro-wrestling legend and worldwide free agent Chris Jericho has signed a contract with AEW “for the long haul,” he said on Tuesday. “Chris Jericho is now ‘All In’ with All Elite Wrestling,” the WWE and WCW legend said. “We’re going to change the universe baby!”
If not also an exclusivity statement, that “All In” phrasing is a reference to the Elite’s first pay-per-view event of the same name.
Watch Jericho offer up his John Hancock here:
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Jericho (@IamJericho) is Officially signed to @AEWrestling #AEW #AEWRally pic.twitter.com/In6Nc96am5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 9, 2019
That other fella, Tony Khan, is the son of billionaire Shad Khan, who owns the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Khans are bankrolling AEW, while star wrestlers Cody (Rhodes) and The Young Bucks serve as both talent and executive vice presidents for the company. Cody’s wife, Brandi — also a wrestler — is AEW’s chief brand officer.
Here is Jericho appearing at this afternoon’s “Double or Nothing” rally in Jacksonville, Florida, where AEW is planning on booking its next show:
https://twitter.com/AEWrestling/status/1082771911673810944
Watch the entirety of the press conference, which was held down the road from WWE’s “SmackDown Live,” at the top of this post. The rally included other announcements for independent wrestling fans to get giddy about. Like, for instance, the date — May 25 — and location — Las Vegas — of the young company’s “Double Or Nothing” PPV.
In addition to Jericho, AEW made another big-name signing official on Tuesday, bringing out former WWE Superstar Neville, who now goes by PAC. The company also brought on WWE legend Billy Gunn as a match producer.