Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega: A Wrestle Kingdom 12 Masterpiece Wrestle Kingdom 12\, held on January 4th\, 2018\, was a night filled with memorable matches and storylines\, but one match stands out as an undisputed highlight: Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega. This clash of styles\, personalities\, and wrestling philosophies became an instant classic\, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide and marking a turning point in professional wrestling history. This article will delve into the Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega Wrestle Kingdom 12 match\, analyzing its impact\, significance\, and the key moments that made it unforgettable. The Story Behind the Match: A Collision of Titans The build-up to the match was as captivating as the contest itself. Jericho\, a seasoned veteran with a rich history in both WWE and WCW\, was looking to prove himself against the young\, incredibly talented Kenny Omega\, the face of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Omega\, known for his high-flying offense and innovative wrestling style\, was a rising star who represented the future of professional wrestling. Jericho\, on the other hand\, was a symbol of the past\, a legend who had redefined the industry. Their rivalry was fueled by a series of heated exchanges and promos\, culminating in a captivating feud that spanned months and continents. Jericho\, under the moniker "The Painmaker\," portrayed a dark\, almost demonic persona\, while Omega\, fueled by a burning desire for recognition\, embraced his "Best Bout Machine" persona\, promising to deliver a match that would change the world. Wrestle Kingdom 12: The Match That Defined a Generation The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling and technical prowess. The two wrestlers seamlessly blended their contrasting styles into a beautiful tapestry of athleticism\, emotion\, and high-stakes action. From the opening bell\, both Jericho and Omega delivered their signature moves\, showcasing their unique abilities. Jericho's classic moves\, like the Walls of Jericho and the Codebreaker\, were countered with Omega's agility and innovative offense\, like the One Winged Angel and the V-Trigger. The match was a back-and-forth affair\, with both men pushing each other to their limits. Every near-fall felt like a potential end\, and every strike seemed to carry the weight of years of rivalry. The match was filled with impactful moments\, including a breathtaking suicide dive by Omega and a brutal powerbomb from Jericho through the announce table. The climax of the match was a testament to their skill and determination. Omega\, after a furious onslaught\, attempted his signature One Winged Angel. However\, Jericho\, showcasing incredible resilience\, managed to escape and hit Omega with the Judas Effect\, a devastating piledriver\, for the victory. The Legacy of Jericho vs. Omega The Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 cemented its place in wrestling history for multiple reasons: It Transcended Wrestling Boundaries: The match resonated with fans beyond traditional wrestling audiences\, gaining widespread recognition and sparking conversations in mainstream media. This marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of professional wrestling\, showcasing its artistry and athleticism to a wider audience. It Ushered in a New Era: The match became a turning point in the landscape of professional wrestling. It showed the world the potential of independent wrestling promotions like NJPW and the immense talent pool they possessed. It Redefined the Notion of Storytelling: The match was a masterful blend of in-ring action and captivating storytelling. The rivalry between Jericho and Omega was meticulously built\, with every promo and every move contributing to the grand narrative of the match. It Became a Benchmark for Professional Wrestling: The match set a high bar for wrestling matches\, inspiring future generations of wrestlers to push the boundaries of their craft and deliver memorable performances. The match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 wasn't just about the win or the loss. It was about the clash of two iconic wrestlers at the pinnacle of their abilities\, offering a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism. The Impact of the Match: A Global Phenomenon The Jericho vs. Omega match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 had a profound impact on the wrestling world. It: Boosted NJPW's International Presence: The match was a huge catalyst for NJPW's global expansion\, introducing the promotion and its talent to a wider international audience. Showcased the Talent of Kenny Omega: The match cemented Omega's status as one of the best professional wrestlers in the world\, earning him recognition from fans and industry veterans alike. Inspired a New Generation of Wrestlers: The match became a benchmark for aspiring wrestlers\, inspiring them to strive for excellence and deliver memorable performances. Showcased the Evolution of Professional Wrestling: The match demonstrated the evolution of professional wrestling\, proving that the industry was capable of delivering compelling narratives\, technical brilliance\, and captivating action. The match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 was a testament to the power of professional wrestling as a form of art and entertainment. It showcased the athleticism\, artistry\, and storytelling ability of two exceptional wrestlers\, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and entertain wrestling fans worldwide. FAQ: Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 Q: What was the significance of the Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega match at Wrestle Kingdom 12? A: The match represented a clash of generations and wrestling styles\, showcasing the talent of both Jericho and Omega. It became a landmark event that redefined the landscape of professional wrestling\, boosting the international presence of NJPW and inspiring future generations of wrestlers. Q: What were some of the key moments of the match? A: The match was filled with memorable moments\, including Omega's breathtaking suicide dive\, Jericho's brutal powerbomb through the announce table\, and the final moments of the match when Omega attempted the One Winged Angel only to be countered by Jericho with the Judas Effect. Q: What were the main storylines leading up to the match? A: The build-up to the match was characterized by a series of heated promos and exchanges between Jericho and Omega\, with Jericho adopting a dark "Painmaker" persona and Omega embracing his "Best Bout Machine" persona. The rivalry was fueled by their contrasting styles and personalities\, and the mutual respect they held for each other. Q: Where can I watch the full match? A: The full match is available on various platforms\, including NJPW World and streaming services like YouTube and Dailymotion. Q: How did the match influence the future of professional wrestling? A: The match was a catalyst for the global expansion of NJPW\, showcasing the talent and potential of the promotion. It also influenced future generations of wrestlers to push boundaries and deliver memorable performances\, further solidifying the art of professional wrestling. References: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Wrestling Observer Newsletter Pro Wrestling Illustrated Cagematch.net This article aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance and impact of the Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega match at Wrestle Kingdom 12. This match is a testament to the power of professional wrestling to deliver compelling storylines\, breathtaking athleticism\, and moments of pure magic. It remains a classic and a must-watch for any wrestling fan.