Backstage Notes On Recent Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens Matches At Live Events

We noted before last weekend’s WWE live events in California that Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens would be facing each other for the first time ever. Jericho, who was replacing the injured John Cena, won the matches because WWE’s rule of thumb is if the top babyface is absent, his replacement has to beat the heel.

Their first match took place at the live event in San Diego, a 25 minute opener, and was put on first that night to prevent fans from asking for refunds due to Cena’s absence. As noted, WWE offered refunds for the first 20 minutes to Cena fans who wanted to leave because he wasn’t there. They worked the main event the next night in Ontario and the main event in Fresno due to the lack of depth on those shows as Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins were moved to another tour after working the first night in San Diego.

The Jericho vs. Owens matches from all three nights received great reports from fans in attendance.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)