He’s a respected veteran, and Chris Jericho’s AEW rise supports that. Plus, get a look at Goldberg’s crazy payday from WWE.
Chris Jericho’s AEW Rise
Long known to be a respected veteran in the industry, check out Chris Jericho’s AEW rise.
One of the first massive names signed to AEW in the beginning, Jericho has carved out quite a role for himself within the company.
At the time of his signing, it was something of a coup. Before AEW became a thing, Jericho was bouncing between touring with Fozzy, and short-term programs within WWE.
Since signing with AEW, he has not looked back.
Not long ago, Jericho was asked if he’d ever go back to WWE.
While we in wrestling never say never, he’s made it clear he has no plans to ever go back.
Now, we might have a better idea as to why, given Chris Jericho’s AEW rise.
Specifically, Jericho has worked himself into a spot where he is Tony Khan’s highly trusted right-hand man.
That tidbit comes to us thanks to Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer.
Per the report, many in AEW see Jericho as Tony Khan’s right hand man, and effectively his most trusted advisor.
It’s said that when someone is looking for Tony, they will often find out that he is with Jericho.
This is why the former WWE Superstar could be instrumental in whether or not CM Punk actually does return to AEW.
According to reports, it seems that right now, AEW and CM Punk are heading for a reunion in June when the newest television show debuts (in Chicago, of course).
So, Chris Jericho’s AEW rise to Khan’s trusted advisor means the former Y2J could have a big role in Punk’s ability to return or not.
There are whispers that Punk is willing to apologize, bury the hatchet and move on.
However, Punk has not issued such an apology yet, as reports indicate he has been instructed to not speak with The Elite or anyone else involved in the brawl.
Surely if AEW intends to have him return in less than two months, some apologizing has to happen sooner than later.
One interesting idea suggested that Punk and Jericho could have a sit-down, mediated by FTR.
This one is interesting especially because, following the brawl, Jerich was pretty vocal about not wanting to work with CM Punk.
Now, thanks to Jericho’s AEW rise in the back stage scene, he may actually have a lot of influence in whether Punk returns or not.
Goldberg’s Crazy Payday
He’s been making a lot of news recently, thanks to his current free agent status…but check out Goldberg’s crazy payday from working a Saudi WWE show.
Goldberg is perhaps the most famous current wrestling free agent…though at 56 years old, famous does not mean desired.
That being said, keep an eye on AEW. Goldberg wants a retirement match, and did not get one from WWE.
Tony Khan likes his big names, and Goldberg could be a very big name to AEW…but at what cost?
According to the Wrestling Observer, Goldberg’s recently expired WWE contract provided him with massive per-match paydays when wrestling in Saudi Arabia.
Specifically, the report indicates that the former WCW and WWE World Heavyweight Champion was pulling in two million dollars per match, just for the Saudi shows.
For an aging talent like him, who’s matches in recent years have usually been short and leaving a lot to be desired, that is a crazy sum.
While every match won’t have Saudi money behind it, it’s likely that Goldberg would command a massive per-match premium.
As much as Tony Khan might want to bring Goldberg in, I question whether or not the company could or would pay anyone such an exorbitant fee per match.
I suppose it is entirely possible that the cost will be negotiated down, and perhaps Goldberg’s anger toward Vince gets a deal in AEW done.
Stay tuned…
