Chris Jericho AEW selfless moments have often shaped the direction of All Elite Wrestling since its inception. Over his tenure, Jericho elevated the next generation by prioritizing rising stars, fundamentally influencing both their careers and AEW’s legacy.
Jericho’s Role in Launching AEW and Building New Talent
When AEW launched in 2019, Chris Jericho was not only among its first marquee signings but also became the company’s inaugural World Champion. Jericho’s early reign helped establish AEW’s credibility, yet his greatest contributions have centered around developing new stars. Throughout his time with AEW, Jericho notably used his status to elevate younger talent, ensuring they gained exposure, invaluable experience, and opportunities to headline major events.
Across various storylines, Jericho’s willingness to take a step back for others’ benefit has stood out. Below are three defining instances where Jericho placed the company and its future above his own legacy.
How Jericho Helped Orange Cassidy Break Through
The 2020 rivalry between Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy became one of AEW’s most talked-about storylines. Pitting Jericho, the seasoned veteran known as the Ayatollah of Rock ‘n Rolla, against the unconventional and laid-back rookie, the feud captured viewers’ attention with its contrast in personalities.
Their animosity played out over multiple confrontations, most notably at Fyter Fest, before culminating in the theatrical Mimosa Mayhem match at All Out 2020. Jericho allowed Cassidy to score a monumental victory, ending with Jericho being dunked into a massive tank of orange juice and champagne. This memorable win not only gave Cassidy significant credibility as a performer but instantly transformed him from an underdog to a prominent name in AEW.
Building MJF Into a Main Event Player
Another pivotal Chris Jericho AEW selfless moment unfolded during his heated program with MJF. Prior to reaching main event status and holding the AEW World Championship, MJF was part of Jericho’s Inner Circle faction. Their partnership soon turned into a bitter rivalry, filled with tension and comedic segments like the famous Le Dinner Debonair.
MJF eventually betrayed Jericho, leading to a series of grueling challenges dubbed The Labors of Jericho. After overcoming five demanding matches, Jericho faced MJF at All Out 2021 in a career-threatening bout, known as The Final Fight. On this high-profile stage, Jericho took a loss to MJF, further legitimizing the younger wrestler’s status as a main event competitor in the company.
Mentoring Sammy Guevara and Navigating Friendship, Betrayal, and Redemption
Jericho’s influence on Sammy Guevara’s ascent has been widely acknowledged. During Jericho’s leadership of the Inner Circle faction beginning in 2019, he spotlighted Guevara as his primary protégé, offering him a significant platform to develop his in-ring skills and on-screen character.
As both stars continued to work closely, their relationship evolved from mentorship to eventual conflict, peaking in 2023 when Guevara turned against Jericho following AEW’s Dynamite: Grand Slam event. This betrayal led to Sammy defeating Jericho at WrestleDream, marking another major step in Guevara’s personal growth and public profile. However, later that year, after a short split and Guevara’s involvement with the Don Calis Family, he returned to side with Jericho, reigniting their alliance as the popular tag team Le S*x Gods.
Looking Ahead: Jericho’s Future and Lasting Legacy
Chris Jericho’s current AEW contract is set to expire by the end of the year, prompting speculation about his next move, with some anticipating a possible farewell appearance in WWE. His actions throughout AEW history—often prioritizing the company’s growth and fostering new stars—have set a standard for what it means to be both a veteran and team player. Regardless of where he appears next, Jericho’s selflessness will continue to influence AEW and the future of professional wrestling as a whole.
Who's still juiced after the Mimosa Mayhem Match at #AEWAllOut 🍊😏 pic.twitter.com/LrKkSpf4fW
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) September 8, 2020
Sammy Guevara turned heel on Chris Jericho!
…in the same exact way Jericho turned on Shawn Michaels!🤯 #AEWGrandSlam pic.twitter.com/autLv0msAg
— AIR (@AIRGold_) September 21, 2023
