[TJ Tex]

I just replaced my external door handle on my 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ. The next day I locked the door and noticed when it locked it, it had much more tension than before. Now my door is shut and locked and I cannot unlock it from the inside or using the key on the outside. So far... I have removed the door panel with the door closed, but even with me manually attempting to unlock the locking mechanism, it will not bugde. I am even placing a set of pliers directly on the locking mechanism and it still won’t unlock. I read that some folks have cut the door latch striker and replaced the striker and locking mechanism. Is there no easier way??? So frustrated.