As grandiose and historically significant as the Gold Double Dash obviously was, in the lead-up to the event, it was arguable whether it was truly the most important match of the night. For many, the bout between Chris Jericho and Hiroshi Tanahashi had a special significance, for it’s stipulation promised a truly earth-shattering, business altering change. Jericho is of course the AEW World Champion, holding the top prize at All Elite Wrestling, the upstart US promotion that, by the nature of it’s birth, garnered a lot of ire from New Japan.
The two share many fans, in America and Japan alike. It’s a dream of many, including myself, to see them put their differences – numerous though they may be – aside for the greater good and ally with each other. It seems so obvious that it’d be the best thing for everyone, the fans, talent and companies alike if they could simply get on the same page. And yet, that seems a long ways away at this stage.
And that’s why it sparked so much interest when AEW became a key part of the story of this match.
Tana and Jericho came up with an idea to cleverly – and perhaps even cruelly – play on the desperate need that some have to see the two promotions work together. They made it a stipulation that, should Tana win this special singles match, he would earn a shot at the AEW World Championship and thereby open ‘the forbidden door’, practically forcing an interpromotional angle. Jericho even made a dramatic reveal over carrying the title to the ring, after much speculation over this aspect, making it seem all the more possible…
But alas, it was not to be. After a valiant struggle, and a wonderful story-driven match, Jericho managed to put Tana away after slowly turning the Walls of Jericho into the Liontamer. And so, unless some other revelation comes to light in the near future, this scenario will only be remembered as a ‘What if?’ story.
You can see an excerpt of my recap of this match below:
Tana nails the Slingblade! Slowly pulls him up, hits it again! Goes up top… Jericho is able to stand, Tana goes for High Fly Flow, Jericho with the Codebreaker out of the air! Jericho stalking for the Judas Effect again… Tana ducks it! Shot to the face… Codebreaker from Tanahashi!! Nearfall!! Tana hits the ropes… Slingblade but Jericho counters into another Walls attempt! Slowwwwlly turning him over… no, Tana turns it into a cradle!!! Nearfall, geeze! Tana with a very sudden snap neckbreaker! Hits the ropes, Slingblade one more time, cover for a nearfall! Up top again! Jericho stands… High Fly Flow, but Jericho rolls through! Wants the Walls yet again! Tana fighting as he tries to slowly turn and this time he gets it cinched!!! Tana fighting for all he’s worth! Jericho sinks deeper… pulls him from the ropes, turns it into the Liontamer!!! Tana taps.
Winner: Chris Jericho
