Tony Khan’s Strategic Move: Chris Jericho Reveals Why Matt Cardona Was Chosen for ROH Final Battle

One Big Thing

Chris Jericho has shared the strategic thinking behind Matt Cardona’s surprise appearance at ROH Final Battle, highlighting Tony Khan’s vision for fresh matchups in Ring of Honor.

Key Details

• Tony Khan specifically requested Cardona as Jericho’s opponent
• The match took place at the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City
• Jericho successfully retained the ROH World Championship

Behind the Decision

Tony Khan’s choice was influenced by several factors:

• Cardona’s impressive performance against Adam Copeland on AEW TV
• The opportunity to create an unexpected matchup
• Cardona’s New York roots aligning with the event location
• The success of Jericho’s previous ROH title defenses against diverse opponents

Direct Quote

“No one would expect Matt Cardona,” Jericho said during his Z100 New York interview. Tony really liked the vibe of what we did the last time I was the Ring of Honor Champion, where I just wrestled a bunch of different guys.

Why It Matters

This booking shows ROH’s commitment to:

• Creating fresh, unexpected matchups
• Incorporating talent from outside the AEW/ROH roster
• Building local interest through strategic talent selection

What’s Next?

What other surprising challengers might we see step up to face Chris Jericho for the ROH World Championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.