Anthony Ogogo says he almost joined Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle when AEW began. He revealed the plan in a recent interview and explained how things changed before he made his TV debut.
Almost an Inner Circle Member
Ogogo joined AEW as a developmental talent in the promotion’s early days. He told Inside The Ropes that the original idea was for him to be Jericho’s bodyguard and learn from him in the Inner Circle. “I was supposed to be Jericho’s bodyguard, part of his Inner Circle group,” Ogogo said.
That Inner Circle plan did not happen. Jericho and the company instead put Jake Hager in that spot. Ogogo said Jericho knew Hager from their time in WWE and they had real-life history, which helped Jericho choose Hager.
How the Inner Circle Started
The Inner Circle first appeared at the end of the very first episode of AEW Dynamite in 2019. The group began with Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Sammy Guevara, Santana, and Ortiz. The stable was a major part of AEW storylines for years.
That version of the group lasted until 2022. At that point, Jericho and Hager turned on the other members and formed a new group called the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Learning from Jericho
Even though Ogogo did not join the Inner Circle, he says Jericho was important to his development. Ogogo described Jericho as a teacher who watched his matches and gave advice. “He’d say ‘do this, don’t do that.’ He’s the man who knows how to get over so Jericho is someone I definitely learned a lot from,” Ogogo said.
Ogogo said he would ask questions and Jericho would show him things in and out of the ring. Ogogo credits those lessons with helping him grow as a wrestler and on-screen performer.
Current Work and Future Plans
Ogogo is still signed with AEW, but his in-ring appearances for the company have been limited. He did wrestle a match at a Ring of Honor taping, which could mean more matches may come soon.
On Ring of Honor television, Ogogo has appeared with Shane Taylor Promotions. He often works as a manager for that stable, helping guide other wrestlers and taking part in storylines even when he is not wrestling himself.
Ogogo’s road in wrestling has had changes and missed chances, but he remains connected to AEW and to figures like Jericho who helped shape his path. Fans may see more of him in the future as he continues to work with both AEW and ROH.
