Chris Jericho Explains Why He Turned Down Several Events For NJPW In The U.S And ‘All-In’

Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by Inside the Ropes. Jericho ended up explaining why he has turned down several events for New Japan Pro Wrestling in the United States and other independent shows.

Here is what he said (h/t to Cageside Seats for the quote below):

“I got asked to do [New Japan’s Strong Style Evolved show in] Long Beach, I said ‘no.’ I got asked to do [G1 Special at San Francisco’s] Cow Palace, I said ‘no.’ I got asked to do All In, I said ‘no.’ I don’t want to do that… you should see how many indie promoters have contacted me over the last six months…

You guys have to understand, this is not just me – this is a calculated, big money proposition. Big money for me, big money for the company with what we’re doing. I’m not going to work anywhere else, unless you want to pay six f***ing figures. I’m not bragging, but this is where we’re at. This is McGregor-Mayweather type $#!+ for me. I’m not saying I’m making $55 million like those guys did, but for what I’m doing it’s the most I’ve made for the least amount of matches in my entire career. So, it’s very calculated, everything I do has to be very smart.

So it’s not a matter of just going out and doing indies – and like I said – I always felt like the unwritten rule is I don’t want to go into the States. I felt like that would be a real slap in the face to Vince. You know if it ever came down to it and something went down with us, I probably would do a show in the States and we could probably fill the Cow Palace if it was Jericho and Kenny [Omega] rematch, or whatever it may be. All In – I’d love to be a part of that, but (a) it’s in Chicago and (b) I can’t – at the risk sounding like an @$$hole, but I can’t lower my value by working one of these shows. It’s picking my spots with the right guys at the right places for the overall contract that I’m signing.

I’m doing all these different things and enjoying the freedom, but still rooted in the respect for Vince McMahon and the WWE. And I don’t want to do anything that goes too far over that line – right now.”

Speaking of Jericho, here was Vince McMahon’s reaction to him wrestling for NJPW again.