Chris Jericho, AEW’s reigning master of reinvention, is once again extending his reach across international borders, this time revisiting an old stomping ground with a few new tricks. Jericho’s recent attack on Mistico in CMLL is about to set the stage for his long-awaited return to Arena Mexico at CMLL’s 91st Aniversario on September 13. This showdown marks the first time Jericho has wrestled in the legendary venue since 1995, back when he was rocking the Corazon de Leon persona and wearing more tassels than a graduation ceremony.
While the match against Mistico promises to be a major attraction, rumors are swirling that Jericho’s return to Arena Mexico won’t be a one-time nostalgia trip. According to wrestling sage Dave Meltzer, Jericho has made it known that he’s got big plans to wrestle multiple opponents at CMLL. That’s right, folks—Jericho’s plotting a whole Lionheart world tour in Arena Mexico, and he’s ready to mix it up with anyone who thinks they can handle the heat.
The Path to Aniversario: Jericho vs. Mistico
The beef between Jericho and Mistico has been cooking since June, when Jericho ambushed the CMLL ace right before the AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door event. In true Jericho fashion, he took things to the next level by issuing his challenge while rocking a Mistico mask, a move that’s equal parts genius and trolling. Mistico, never one to back down, accepted the challenge, throwing a little shade along the way. He quipped that Jericho may have had a “Lionheart” once, but the heart of the lion has softened with time. Ouch! The only question now is: Will Jericho roar back or just meow under the pressure?
AEW Invasion of CMLL’s 91 Aniversario
Jericho isn’t the only AEW star heading to Mexico’s biggest wrestling party. Willow Nightingale is set to defend her CMLL World Women’s Championship against Zeuxis, and Orange Cassidy, probably with his hands in his pockets the whole time, will be teaming with Rocky Romero and Satoshi Kojima in a six-man tag against Volador Jr., Atlantis Jr., and Ultimo Guerrero. It’s safe to say, Arena Mexico is going to look like a global wrestling summit by the end of the night.
As for Jericho? If he has his way, the Aniversario will be just the beginning of his lucha libre legacy reboot. CMLL fans better get used to seeing that shiny sequined jacket. The Lionheart is back in the jungle—and he’s got a list of future opponents longer than Mistico’s high-flying résumé.