WWE News: Chris Jericho's Original SummerSlam Opponent(s) Revealed

Very few wrestlers have managed to stay relevant over the last few years, let alone the last two decades.

Since debuting in 1990, Chris Jericho has bedazzled his audience with spectacular in-ring maneuvers and catch phrases that still resonate today.

Even his "Y2J" moniker, which should have expired at the dawn of the millennium, is still being chanted by fans.

Now, as a veteran who is enjoying the fruits of his labor, Jericho's lasting image will be that of a performer who never forgot his place in the wrestling business.

Although so many of Y2J's peers have shunned history, there is no doubt the continued longevity of pro wrestling will depend upon a consistent cycle of new stars.

Jericho, who is acutely aware of this, will do his best to highlight Dolph Ziggler's talents at the 25th annual SummerSlam.

That being said, Ziggler, who is as good a candidate as any to be given the "veteran rub," wasn't Jericho's first or second choice for this year's summer extravaganza.

According to a recent interview with the the Austin Chronicle, Y2J had been anticipating a different opponent at SummerSlam:

"

At first, I thought it was Sheamus, then I was supposed to work with Daniel Bryan, and then they just told me, OK, you're working with Ziggler. I said, 'Great.' I will work with anybody, and I will do the absolute best I can to help that.

"

While Jericho would have been a much more worthwhile challenger to Sheamus' world heavyweight title than Alberto Del Rio, it's best for business that it won't happen just yet.

At this point, Jericho's babyface resurgence would only undermine Sheamus, who has been building his own momentum as a popular character.

The last thing "The Celtic Warrior" needs is to be unceremoniously booed like he was the night after WrestleMania 28.

As for not wrestling Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam, Jericho will at least have that option on the table for when he does return from his Fozzy duties.

As epic as a feud between Y2J and Bryan would be at the moment, it could be in fact game-changing with a little patience and foresight.

None of that currently matters, however, as Jericho now has his sights set on ensuring that a new star is born (Ziggler) on Aug. 19.

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