AEW President Tony Khan has suggested he could bring the legendary Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger out of retirement.
Liger hung up his boots at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 back in 2020 after a 36-year Hall of Fame career that saw him become known around the world as one of the greatest high-flyers of his generation.
During the early 1990s, Liger had two classic matches against the late, great Owen Hart while Hart was wrestling for New Japan. On both occasions, Liger was able to get the upper hand on the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
The pair never met in the ring again as Liger was making appearances for WCW when in the US in the 1990s while Hart remained under contract with WWE.
Tony Khan thinks it would be “amazing” to get Jushin Liger for the 2023 Owen Hart Cup
At the post-Double or Nothing press conference, Khan spoke about how fitting it is for the 2023 Owen Hart Cup to kick off in Canada at AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door on June 25th due to the star’s history with the Japanese promotion.
“I think it’s very cool for the company that our Canadian tour will coincide with the Owen Hart cup. I think it’s very fitting we’ve got Forbidden Door coming up, and Owen Hart is a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. There’s a great history that goes with Owen Hart and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
“Having the Owen Hart Tournament kick off in Canada, around Forbidden Door, we have this great partnership with New Japan and he has been a great champion for them. I think it’s very fitting.”
Khan went on to say he’s optimistic that he can get Liger over to Canada for this year’s tournament.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could get Jushin Thunder Liger over to Canada? […] I think it’d be great if Jushin Thunder Liger can come over, and I’m optimistic that he’ll be able to.”
While there’s a chance Khan will be able to secure Liger for Forbidden Door, one star who isn’t likely to be making the trip to Canada is former IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone.
Khan recently revealed that he had been in talks with The CEO for an appearance at the event, however, her recent ankle injury means that she is unlikely to be back in action in time for the show.
H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the above transcription.