Chris Jericho Explains Why He Abandoned Y2J: Wrestling News & Rumours – June 15, 2026

Shawn Conners

Chris Jericho Explains Why He Abandoned Y2J: Wrestling News & Rumours - June 15, 2026

Here are the latest Slam Wrestling News and Rumours from the world of pro wrestling.

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Chris Jericho recently revealed that abandoning his iconic Y2J character in 2007 was the biggest risk of his wrestling career. Speaking with Dan Marston, Jericho explained that he deliberately moved away from the persona by cutting his hair, switching his ring gear, dropping the Y2J nickname, and eliminating the famous countdown that had become synonymous with him. Although he compared the move to KISS removing their trademark makeup, Jericho said the gamble paid off and taught him the importance of constantly reinventing himself. He credited music legend David Bowie as a major inspiration, noting that Bowie’s ability to create multiple memorable personas influenced his own approach to staying fresh throughout his nearly 40-year career.

Here is who will be competing at NJPW’s G1 Climax 36 tournament this year:

A Block

* Konosuke Takeshita
* Yota Tsuji
* SANADA
* Shingo Takagi
* Oleg Boltin
* Hirooki Goto
* Jake Lee
* Great-O-Khan or HENARE
* Play-in winner A
* Play-in winner B

B Block

* Callum Newman
* Shota Umino
* Yuya Uemura
* Ren Narita
* Drilla Moloney
* Zack Sabre Jr.
* Gabe Kidd
* Great-O-Khan or HENARE
* Play-in winner C
* Play-in winner D

Congrats to Will Ospreay and Alex Windsor who got married over the weekend.

TNA Wrestling has strongly hinted that former X Division star Amazing Red will be involved at Slammiversary later this month. Fans quickly identified Red in a teaser video released by the company, while TNA President Carlos Silva previously posted a message referencing both Red and the X Division. One of the division’s original stars, Amazing Red, was a three-time X Division Champion and a key figure in TNA’s early years before announcing his retirement in 2019 due to a neck injury. The tease comes ahead of Slammiversary on June 28, where the Ultimate X match returns and several spots in the bout remain unannounced, fueling speculation that Red could make a surprise appearance.

AEW star Brian Cage added another accomplishment to his resume over the weekend, winning the open heavyweight division at the MUSCLECONTEST International Nevada Championship and earning the title of “Mr. Nevada.” Cage celebrated the achievement on social media while also reflecting on his role as a father. The victory comes shortly after his return to AEW television following a lengthy absence due to knee surgery. Cage has recently rejoined the Don Callis Family and was also featured alongside Lance Archer in the opening scene of Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, which topped the box office this weekend with $44 million.

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The lineup for tonight’s episode of WWE Raw has been confirmed.

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