Chris Jericho Unexpectedly Included In SmackDown Video Package

At one time, it appeared Chris Jericho would be a WWE lifer, having established himself as one of the company’s biggest stars. However, after being overlooked for the main event spot of WrestleMania 33 and being offered big money to wrestle a dream match in New Japan against Kenny Omega, that would change, and Jericho hasn’t worked for WWE in several years.

Therefore, when WWE aired a video package on this week’s SmackDown showing Kevin Owens turning on his friends, few expected that Jericho would be featured because of his AEW employment status. Yet, showing how much things have changed since the departure of Vince McMahon, WWE would include Owens memorably turning on Jericho during the legendary Festival of Friendship segment.

For those who weren’t following WWE at the time, the Festival of Friendship segment took place on the February 13, 2017, episode of Raw and was meant to celebrate Jericho’s partnership with Owens. The then-Universal Champion would subsequently use this as an opportunity to turn on Jericho, setting up a match between them at WrestleMania 33. Still, despite the build, the match wouldn’t be positioned highly on the card, with many fans feeling it deserved a far more significant spot.