“The Learning Tree” Chris Jericho’s plans for the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event have been thrown into a whirlwind of uncertainty—like a tweet that sets the internet on fire. On Wednesday’s “AEW Dynamite,” Jericho was gearing up for a six-man tag team match, but a surprise appearance by Minoru Suzuki has left everyone scratching their heads.
Jericho, along with his loyal disciples Big Bill and Bryan Keith, was all set to face off against Samoa Joe, HOOK, and Katsuyori Shibata. The match was a done deal, reported by various outlets and eagerly anticipated for the crossover pay-per-view. But drama, like a plot twist in a political thriller, ensued when Keith showed up on “Dynamite” sporting an arm sling. Jericho, channeling his inner drama queen, berated his foes for challenging an injured man and then played a video response from Suzuki, whom Jericho assumed would be his partner for the third Forbidden Door in a row.
Cue the plot twist! Suzuki, in true unpredictable fashion, dismissed Jericho’s “Learning Tree” shtick and instead called for a singles match against Jericho, with the FTW Championship on the line. Imagine the shock on Jericho’s face—priceless!
The segment initially threw Jericho’s Forbidden Door plans into chaos, leaving fans wondering what would become of the six-man tag team match. But fear not, for the AEW social media team swooped in like a campaign manager on damage control, confirming that the match is still on. However, Jericho now has until Sunday to find a new second partner. The title match with Suzuki will likely take place at another marquee event, possibly the grand stage of Wembley Stadium at All In 2024.