[1998-06-04-WCW-Thunder] Chris Jericho and Dean Malenko

[Loss]

Talk about it here.

[Loss]

Dean Malenko is facing Silver King when Jericho comes out and rings the bell. He hits the ring and says Malenko's title reign is through. Jericho has found an NWA rulebook from 1934 in the Library of Congress, citing the Ed "The Strangler" Lewis loophole which states that the champion has first right of refusal for any contenders. Jericho demands Malenko return the title and starts insulting Malenko's dad, which leads to Malenko laying Jericho out with the belt to a big pop. Jericho comes across as a guy trying too hard in some of these segments, but he's still a breath of fresh air.

[soup23]

Jericho ringing the bell was awesome. He has the Ed Strangler Lewis loophole which actually may be legit after the original Montreal Screwjob incident. Jericho tells Dean to give it to him and Dean responds by socking him with the belt. This really should have resulted in a long grudge match at GAB with Dean winning and Jericho being elevated and finding other stuff to do.

[Zenjo]

It would've been better had Jericho located the original 1905 NWA Rulebook, but anytime before 1948 is good enough.

[PeteF3]

Jericho may be trying too hard at times, but he almost has to. To get noticed as a WCW mid-carder you kind of had to do it kicking and screaming. Here he does that quite literally, until Malenko shuts him up.

[TravJ1979]

I bet the WrestlingClassics guys went ape shit when he said 1935 NWA rule book. Everybody knows that's too early!!!!!! Anyway,a fun segment which has been the norm with Jericho.