Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) got a taste of “The Wizard” as ROH World Champion Chris Jericho made an unannounced, headline-grabbing appearance during the conclusion of the Highest in the Room 3 event in Los Angeles. Sporting a mask and hood, Jericho disrupted the main event between Effy and his Final Battle opponent, Matt Cardona, before unveiling his true identity and making a loud statement—literally and metaphorically—by revealing an AEW t-shirt under his windbreaker.
Jericho’s Shock-and-Awe Moment
The masked Jericho struck during the climactic moments of the Effy vs. Cardona main event, attacking both competitors to the shock of fans. Removing his disguise, the ROH World Champion revealed himself with theatrical flair, drawing a thunderous reaction from the Los Angeles crowd. The revelation of the AEW shirt beneath his New York Baseball jacket added fuel to the fire, intensifying speculation about the tenuous relationship between AEW and GCW.
This surprise appearance comes just days before Jericho defends his ROH World Championship against Matt Cardona at Final Battle on December 20, ensuring the rivalry continues to gain heat.
AEW and GCW: From Heat to Work?
Tensions between AEW and GCW have been brewing in recent weeks, particularly after AEW pulled Ricky Starks from several scheduled GCW appearances, including the Highest in the Room 3 event and GCW’s upcoming Hammerstein Ballroom show in January 2025. Reports suggest AEW President Tony Khan was unhappy with comments Effy made criticizing him and his father, as well as AEW’s decision to book multiple shows at Hammerstein before GCW.
Jericho’s appearance, initially thought to be a shoot response to these tensions, has since reportedly transitioned into a storyline. According to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, the angle began as legitimate heat but has now evolved into a full-blown collaboration, much to the delight of fans who love a good inter-promotional twist.
What’s Next?
Jericho’s Highest in the Room 3 stunt cements his role as the chaos agent of professional wrestling, blurring the lines between work and reality. With Final Battle looming and his feud with Matt Cardona now infused with GCW chaos, fans can expect more surprises from the ever-unpredictable ROH World Champion.