AEW star Chris Jericho recently discussed his thoughts on Jay White and FTR signing with AEW over WWE. AEW has been the strong number two in American wrestling since its creation. It has proven that it is a promotion to keep an eye on. However, recently it has seen its fair share of issues. These include multiple backstage altercations and numerous talents being unhappy with their booking.
However, AEW may have turned the corner and made its way out of some of those issues. One of the most vocal wrestlers on being upset with his booking, Brian Cage, recently re-signed with AEW.
JAY WHITE NO LONGER WRESTLING’S BIGGEST FREE AGENT
The biggest signing which happened recently was AEW signing the hottest free agent in the world, Jay White. WWE was rumored to be interested in signing White with Triple H and William Regal specifically very interested in signing the former NJPW star and leader of Bullet Club.
Unfortunately for WWE, they weren’t able to get their hands on White. WWE’s loss is AEW’s gain as they were able to pick up the star, and Chris Jericho believes this is a sign of AEW still having a lot of momentum by securing White to a long-term contract.
“What a great example of us still having momentum. [He was] the hottest free agent in the world, [on] a silver platter for WWE. I mean the guy is 6’4 [SIC, internet says 6’1”], he’s international, he’s got the accent that chicks love, he’s a great worker, great heel, great babyface. And he chose AEW. If that doesn’t tell you what’s going on with us, I don’t know what will.” H/T To Wrestling Inc. for the transcription
This is not White’s first time in AEW. In June of last year, he wrestled at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door. He successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Adam Cole, Hangman Page, and Kazuchika Okada in a Fatal 4-Way Match.
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Chris Jericho went on to talk about AEW being able to re-sign one of the best tag teams in the world and current AEW World Tag Team Champions, FTR. He also revealed he thinks that some people who were thinking about going to or back to WWE rethought their choice because of Vince McMahon’s return. Chris Jericho stated:
“I’m glad that they [FTR] are with us, I’m glad that they re-signed, and deep down inside, I don’t think it was ever much of a doubt they wouldn’t, but even if there was, they’re with us again now. And much like Jay White, like I said, it’s another feather in AEW’s cap of ‘we’ve got some huge names here that had the option to go elsewhere, that chose not to.’ And that’s good for us.”
FTR WRESTLING WITH FISTS NOT FLIPS
FTR or as they were known in WWE, The Revival, were a hot up-and-coming tag team. They have a throwback style to ‘80s and ‘90s tag team wrestling and are often compared to The Brain Busters and The Steiner Brothers. While in NXT they gained a lot of fans and showed that they had a bright future in tag team wrestling. That future came true, but not in WWE.
When they were called up to the main roster they were made into a joke and lost all momentum they had gained in NXT. Since joining AEW they have held the AEW World Tag Team Championships on two separate occasions and proven themselves as one of the best tag teams in the world.
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Do you think White and FTR made the right choice not to join WWE? What if McMahon had stayed retired? Were there any matches you were hoping for when White was in talks with WWE? Do you think Chris Jericho is correct in his statements about FTR and Jay White? What about when FTR was rumored to be considering going back to WWE? Do you think signing White was the final thing needed to really challenge WWE for the top wrestling promotion in America? What do you think of FTR? Let us know if you think White is ready to be thrown into the AEW World Championship picture right away.
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Sources: Wrestling Inc., Battleground Podcast
