Chris Jericho wanted the ‘Festival of Friendship’ and Kevin Owens’ betrayal to be akin to Game of Thrones’ infamous Red Wedding, the AEW star has claimed.
The February 2017 segment saw Jericho showering his best friend at the time with gifts, only to be betrayed by Owens after gifting Y2J the ‘List of KO.’
Speaking to the “Superstar Crossover” Jericho reflected on being betrayed by Owens and praised the segment as one of the best in RAW history. He added,
“I wanted that segment to start off like an ’80s David Lee Roth video and end like the Red Wedding from Game Of Thrones, where you’re just like, ‘No, don’t do it, don’t do it.’ I had to fight for that, I had to fight for it a lot.”
Jericho went on to compare the Festival of Friendship to a horror movie where the victim sees the killer ahead of time. He said,
“I think that’s why it worked so well it was such a great betrayal moment. We kind of mirrored that with Don Callis with the painting, and I thought that worked really well too.”
Jericho would get his revenge days later, distracting Owens during his Universal Title defense against Goldberg, causing KO to lose the championship in seconds.
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The Festival of Friendship: A Memorable Moment in Wrestling History
In the world of professional wrestling, there are moments that leave a lasting impact on fans. One such moment is the “Festival of Friendship” segment that took place on February 13, 2017, on WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw. This segment, orchestrated by Chris Jericho, was intended to be a shocking betrayal reminiscent of the infamous Red Wedding from the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
During the Festival of Friendship, Chris Jericho showered his best friend at the time, Kevin Owens, with gifts and expressions of friendship. However, little did Jericho know that Owens had ulterior motives. After presenting Jericho with the “List of KO,” a prop that had become synonymous with their friendship, Owens launched a brutal attack on his unsuspecting friend. This shocking turn of events left fans in disbelief and solidified the Festival of Friendship as one of the most memorable segments in RAW history.
Reflecting on the segment in a recent interview on the “Superstar Crossover” podcast, Chris Jericho revealed that he wanted the Festival of Friendship to start off like an ’80s David Lee Roth music video and end like the Red Wedding. He wanted to evoke the same sense of shock and disbelief that fans experienced while watching Game of Thrones. Jericho admitted that he had to fight for this vision, emphasizing the importance he placed on creating a truly unforgettable moment.
Comparing the Festival of Friendship to a horror movie where the victim sees the killer ahead of time, Jericho explained why the betrayal resonated so strongly with fans. The segment played out like a suspenseful thriller, building tension as viewers anticipated the inevitable betrayal. This element of foreshadowing added an extra layer of emotional impact to the moment.
The Festival of Friendship also showcased the storytelling prowess of professional wrestling. Just days after being betrayed by Owens, Jericho exacted his revenge by distracting Owens during his Universal Title defense against Goldberg. This distraction led to Owens losing the championship in a matter of seconds. The storyline progression and the subsequent revenge added depth and complexity to the characters involved, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their rivalry.
The Festival of Friendship is a testament to the power of storytelling in professional wrestling. It demonstrated the ability of wrestlers like Chris Jericho to create compelling narratives that captivate audiences. This segment not only entertained fans but also sparked conversations and debates, further enhancing the overall wrestling experience.
As with any significant moment in wrestling history, the Festival of Friendship continues to be discussed and remembered by fans. It serves as a reminder of the emotional investment fans have in the characters and storylines they follow. The impact of this segment is a testament to the enduring power of professional wrestling as a form of entertainment.
In conclusion, the Festival of Friendship stands as a landmark moment in wrestling history. Chris Jericho’s vision to create a shocking betrayal akin to the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones was successfully executed, leaving fans in awe. This segment showcased the storytelling prowess of professional wrestling and further solidified Jericho’s status as one of the industry’s greatest performers. The Festival of Friendship will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the annals of wrestling history.