The Many Faces of Chris Jericho
A tribute to the master of reinvention
Lionheart (Credit-AEW)
What is the opposite of a hot take? What do you call an opinion that is common knowledge? Well, whatever it is, here is one of mine; Chris Jericho is one of the greatest performers of all time. He could easily make money, “playing the hits,” at this point in his career until he rides off into the sunset. Ironically, it’s his refusal to do this that makes him so incredible.
Wrestling is a sport fueled by nostalgia and catch phrases. It’s why The Royal Rumble is such an exciting event. You may see an unexpected “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan appearance or The Hurricane making his return to hit his catch phrase, a few poses, and then get tossed out by a heel for some easy heat. Jericho refuses to be put in a box. He’s constantly evolving who he is in an industry where guys get a paycheck for a catchphrase they coined back when Regan was president.
Just think about it. In the time since AEW started we’ve seen Le Champion (accompanied by a Little Bit of the Bubbly), The Wizard/Sports Entertainer and, ironically with this article, the return of Lionheart. Jericho constantly refreshing who he is keeps him interesting, rather than coasting. As he steps into a more office-oriented role, as has been suggested in his new deal signed in October, the most valuable piece of wisdom he can give any up and coming talent is to follow those footsteps. It is infinitely better to end a character or gimmick with a little meat left on the bone than when it’s tired and played out.
I think a prime example of this is Saraya coming over to AEW and still using her “This is my House” schtick. It wasn’t some revolutionary catchphrase originally and it sure as hell isn’t something that has resonated with AEW fans since her debut and return to pro wrestling. Pro wrestling is an art form like no other. Wrestlers improvise matches on a weekly basis to keep bouts fresh and interesting. It’s frustrating to see them then rely on crutches that were maybe over for a short time but are now simply nostalgic.
My favorite iteration of Jericho will always be the List of Jericho era. Between that gimmick and his friendship with Kevin Owens at the time, I loved every time he was on screen. And despite that, I hope I never see it come to life again. As a fan of tv shows like Dexter, Seinfeld and How I Met Your Mother, I’ve come to realize how important it is to end a show or character the right way. Thankfully, Chris Jericho has understood this for his career as well.
The List of Jericho (Credit-WWE)
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