On the July 8, 1998 episode of WCW Thunder, **Chris Jericho defended the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Ultimo Dragon in a competitive mid-card bout that showcased the strengths of both men’s styles. The match began with back-and-forth action as Dragon used kicks and dropkicks to gain early momentum and shift Jericho to the defensive, while Jericho responded with power-based offense like German suplexes and backbreakers. Both competitors traded counters and near-falls, including Dragon’s front superplex and Liontamer attempts, and Dragon even nearly surprised Jericho with roll-ups and a dragon sleeper before reaching the ropes. Ultimately, the finish came via submission, with Jericho catching Dragon in the Liontamer after thwarting multiple counters, forcing Ultimo Dragon to tap out and retain the Cruiserweight Title. The win reinforced Jericho’s position atop the cruiserweight division while furthering his heel persona in the broader 1998 WCW landscape.
