In a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been a truly iconic wrestling moment, it has been revealed that Chris Jericho and legendary boxer Mike Tyson came remarkably close to sharing the squared circle in a cinematic match in 2020. While these plans ultimately fizzled out, the potential for this crossover spectacle captured the imagination of fans and showcased the creative possibilities inherent in the world of professional wrestling.
The genesis of this potential showdown traces back to 2020 when Mike Tyson made a striking appearance at AEW’s “Double or Nothing” event, presenting the TNT Title. This cameo set the stage for a subsequent altercation on an episode of AEW’s “Dynamite,” where Tyson found himself embroiled in a brawl alongside his entourage against Chris Jericho and the Inner Circle faction. The electrifying clash of worlds ignited speculation about a potential match between Tyson and Jericho, fueling the anticipation of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
However, despite the buzz surrounding the prospect of a boxing legend and a wrestling icon colliding in the ring, the plans for a full-fledged match never came to fruition. As revealed by Chris Jericho himself during an appearance on an AEW-related podcast, the two luminaries were deeply engaged in negotiations for a cinematic showdown. The proposed match, billed as a “New York Street Fight,” was set to unfold in a gritty alleyway reminiscent of the iconic brawl scene from the movie “They Live.” This creative vision aimed to capture the essence of a gritty alley fight, pitting Tyson and Jericho against each other in a larger-than-life clash that would have left an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape.
“Mike Tyson and I almost had a cinematic match. We were this close to doing it, Tyson vs. Jericho in a New York Street Fight, but we couldn’t make it happen. We really were deep in negotiations too. We were going to do it in New York in an alley, like an alley fight, basically. Think ‘They Live’ with Tyson and Jericho. That’s what I had in mind.”
While logistical challenges and other factors ultimately led to the cancellation of these plans, the tantalizing glimpse into the creative brainstorming process underscores the innovative spirit of professional wrestling. The notion of combining the larger-than-life personas of a boxing legend and a wrestling icon in a cinematic spectacle serves as a testament to the boundary-pushing nature of the industry.
