Around this time Jericho began hearing about Tony Khan, a billionaire who wanted to start a wrestling company. Jericho had heard so many stories like that before so he didn’t think much about it, but if a new start-up could bring more entertaining content to the industry and to the fans, he’d love that.
He eventually took a meeting with Khan. He had no intention of ever working for the upstart company, but thought he could offer some advice and knew he’d also be able to use any potential offer in his new negotiations with WWE.
After defeating Naito to become NJPW’s Intercontinental Champion, he called McMahon and suggested a bout between Intercontinental Champions; him versus Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. McMahon never called him back about it.
Vince McMahon soon called him again about working the Crown Jewel show. Jericho pointed out that he had a Fozzy show that night and would have to take a private jet in order to make both appearances. McMahon said he’d call him back but never did.
When Cody called Jericho about appearing at All In, he initially refused but then started to think about it more and more. Tony Khan actually provided the private jet that allowed Jericho to make the appearance that night and then flew him across the country to a Fozzy show. He says he appeared that night to send a message to WWE, that he was still out there making waves in the industry.
