Opinion

New Japan Legend Minoru Suzuki Wants to Fight Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley

Minoru Suzuki is one of the most feared men in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He’s vicious, merciless, and remorseless, and he wants Jericho and Moxley.

Published

6 years ago

June 8, 2019

Tom Clark

Minoru Suzuki is one of the most feared men in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He’s vicious, he’s merciless and he’s remorseless. Suzuki has never backed down from a fight and he never will. While many fans compare one pro wrestling company to another, it’s nearly an impossible task in this case. That’s because no one compares to Minoru Suzuki.

Now the leader of Suzuki-gun is ready for his next victim and wants two of the industry’s hottest stars. Minoru Suzuki Tweeted that he wants Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. Suzuki’s Tweet seems to have come from out of nowhere, but now the wheels are surely turning for NJPW fans.

These are two dream matches that the New Japan faithful perhaps didn’t even know they wanted. But now the door has been opened, which means anything is possible. So will one, or both, of these matches actually happen?

Each one would be a main event anywhere in the world right now and with good reason. Jericho and Moxley are indeed on fire, but Suzuki’s status also cannot be denied. He’s a universally respected wrestler and whenever he takes the stage, he steals the show. The King doesn’t have to yell or scream and he’s never needed to brag about what he can do between the ropes.

言いたいことは言うことにする。。。クリス・ジェリコ @IAmJericho 、ジョン・モクスリーとケンカしたい。プロレスしたい。世界中が世界のプロレスファンがこれを見たがってる。世界が待っている。よく聞け！オレが日本の鈴木みのるだ！

— 鈴木みのる (@suzuki_D_minoru) June 6, 2019

Suzuki just shows up and goes to work. It’s who he is and it’s what he does. In a business that’s filled with characters, gimmicks and overproduced promos, Suzuki is an original. He doesn’t need anything to get over. All he needs is an opponent, a ring and a referee; the last two are optional.

Indeed, it’s the intrigue of Jericho and Moxley just locking up with Suzuki that’s enough for fans to tune in. Chris and Jon both have a relationship with New Japan of course. AEW is presumably allowing those relationships to happen until the new company comes to the TNT Network in the fall of 2019.

This means that for the next few months or so, Moxley and Jericho will likely be among the top stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling. There’s time for both men to cross paths with Minoru Suzuki. The question is, will NJPW provide the opportunity?

The G1 Climax Tournament begins on July 6 and runs for a total of four weeks. It may be the perfect chance for NJPW head booker Gedo to give the fans something new and fresh. In both cases, a match with Suzuki would not only work; it would surely exceed fan expectations.

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Jericho’s current character is a heel and he will likely remain that way. That’s especially true in New Japan, where’s he carved out a reputation for himself as a coldblooded villain. He’s left the List of Jericho far behind, along with his past WWE persona. Chris has completely reinvented himself and if he steps into the ring with Suzuki, Jericho would probably still be a heel.

This works quite well for Minoru, who’s far from being a traditional babyface. But he’s over enough with the crowd and he’s extremely respected for his 31-year career, that fans would certainly be on his side. The crowd would cheer him on, if for no other reason than they want to see him bring Jericho down to earth.

Chris can have a great match with anyone and there’s no doubt that would also be the case against Suzuki. Jericho always finds a way to add something new to his work and he would surely love the challenge that facing Suzuki would bring. But if Chris could have a great match with Minoru, does that mean Moxley would as well?

Jon and Chris’s former characters could not be more different. Jon was Dean Ambrose and was an unpredictable fighter, while Chris was typically a straightforward pro wrestler. But now Mox and Jericho have similar styles, both of which would match quite well against Suzuki. The biggest difference here is that while Chris is already established in New Japan, Jon is just getting started.

Moxley came into his match against Juice Robinson with something to prove. Jon was allowed to do what he wanted, how he wanted to do it and he excelled as a result. If anyone in New Japan would jump at the chance to face Suzuki in the ring, it’s Moxley. Jon wouldn’t look at this match like a war. He would see it as fun. But then again, why wouldn’t he?

Suzuki, despite how menacing and intimidating he can be, is a pro. He’s highly skilled and for Moxley, he would be a true test. That’s because the fans are watching and they know if a guy can hang with Minoru Suzuki, then he can do anything. Facing Minoru would be like a rite of passage for Jon, which is certainly how Moxley would approach the match.

The fact is that both Jericho and Moxley are onboard and ready to work. Chris is on his way to a huge match with IWGP champion Kazuchika Okada at Dominion and Jericho may, or may not, win the title. So if Chris remains occupied with other top NJPW talents, then perhaps Moxley will get the nod against Suzuki. Minoru Suzuki is ready. So who’s ready for him?

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1