.png)
Even after spending 32 years performing on some of the biggest stages of them all, Chris Jericho still remains professional wrestling's Ayatollah of Rock-n-Rolla
When AEW was launched on January 1, 2019, one of the top names on the marquee would be longtime WWE Superstar Chris Jericho. The signing of the former multi-time champion and mainstream star added luster to Tony Khan's impressive cavalcade of stars.
For Jericho, All Elite Wrestling represented going back to his beginnings in the business, when he had so much still to prove. Back before he wore sequins under spotlights, and simply toiled away like a member of a garage band. Suddenly, his long and winding road led to him to this new destination. One that promised to be filled with joy, fun, and seasons in the sun.
As he dusted off his leather and lace one more time, Chris Jericho knew he was taking a big chance. He would be starting all over, reinventing himself as he had already done so many times in his storied career. The man who had previously been known by such monikers as The Lionheart, Y2J, and so many other nicknames had to come back with a new act in a whole new place.
Much like rock god David Bowie, he'd also have to do it in a way that would capture everyone's imagination. He would have to show the world that he still burned.
The four years that have followed have not exactly been a magic carpet ride to Xanadu, however.
The promotion has suffered some severe ups and downs, and Jericho has been there through all of it. Often acting as the leader of the band, he's had to step up and be a spokesman in some sticky situations.
Once considered an instant hit, AEW has had a steep fall in the charts recently. 'The Oocho' has been at the forefront, defending the product and its stars. While some may disagree with him, he's still not afraid to get out there, front and center.
For his part, Chris Jericho has been as steady as a three-hour Springsteen concert through most of it all. And while he's also had his fair share of minor controversy here and there, what true rock star doesn't? As one of the highest-paid performers out there, Y2J is expected to work hard for the money.
And he does... so you better treat him right.
Chris Jericho is still a rocket man, even at the age of 52. The inaugural AEW World Champion has maintained a pretty good pace in the ring, although he now wrestles a style that doesn't put his body in dire straits. He's also been able to stay forever young, by working with and alongside young talent. He's had an important role in the careers of MJF, Sammy Guevara, Daniel Garcia, and several others.
Jericho also recently put over newcomer Action Andretti in a huge and exciting TV upset. So, while he's still working on top, he's striking a lot of chords with the AEW audience. They're appreciative of him letting future stars have some solo time. Meanwhile, he's just strumming along with them.
There's no reason to think that type of music will stop playing in 2023. In fact, the coming year will likely be one that even further illustrates how valuable Jericho is to the entire show. While he may now be quite the same wild man he was before, he's got a lot of the same tendencies that Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler have. He's seemingly ageless and is always ready to rock when the crowd calls his name.
That's why Chris Jericho will continue to walk out to the ring accompanied by Fozzy's Judas, with a six-string on his back. He's a cowboy, on a steel horse he rides, all in the name of excellence. He's still got a handful of encores left, and he's ready for the show, even all these years later.
So, in 2023? Let the music play.