Chris Jericho recently shared insights into the relentless effort required to climb the ranks from a promising newcomer in the United States wrestling scene to one of the most prominent main event stars of his era. His journey revealed that reaching WWE’s major stage was only the beginning of a tougher and more demanding phase in his career.
On the Untapped podcast, Jericho explained that while making it to the top leagues such as WCW and eventually WWE is a significant milestone, the real work begins afterward as a wrestler strives to compete with established legends.
Challenges of Entering the WWE During Its Peak Era
Jericho arrived during WWE’s Attitude Era, a time when wrestling was experiencing immense popularity, yet he found himself overshadowed by two of the biggest names in the sport’s history. Though he quickly connected with the audience as a beloved babyface character, earning early popularity, he felt dwarfed by the unprecedented stardom of The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
He drew an analogy to the music world, likening his situation to that of George Harrison joining a band featuring Paul McCartney and John Lennon, acknowledging the difficulty of standing out amidst such superstars despite his own talents.
Reinventing Himself as a Villain to Gain Prominence
Recognizing the challenge of competing directly with WWE’s top heroes, Jericho shifted his approach by turning heel, becoming a villain. This transformation marked a breakthrough in his career, allowing him to act as a compelling adversary to The Rock and Steve Austin.
By becoming the antagonist, Jericho found his niche, engaging in memorable rivalries and matching his mic skills against the biggest babyfaces of the time, which elevated his status to a true main event contender.
The Defining Night of the Undisputed Championship Win
A pivotal moment in Jericho’s career occurred in 2001 when he defeated both Steve Austin and The Rock on the same night to become the Undisputed Champion. While this achievement was a major milestone, it also introduced new pressures that came with being at the top of WWE.
He acknowledged that while winning the title was notable, his real challenge was maintaining that position, as the wrestling world constantly strives to dethrone whoever stands at the summit.
The Importance of Impressing Leadership Beyond Fan Applause
Jericho explained that success in wrestling depends as much on gaining the approval of those in charge as it does on fan reactions. The ultimate decision-makers—whether Vince McMahon, Triple H, Tony Khan, or Eric Bischoff—control who receives the push and opportunities.
He emphasized,
“In wrestling, you’re basically performing for an audience of one. Who is the the boss? If it’s Vince McMahon or now it’s Triple H, or if it’s Tony Khan in AEW. Whoever it may be, Eric Bishoff in WCW, you have to impress your boss. And if your boss likes you, you will get a bigger push. If he doesn’t like you, it doesn’t matter if 10,000 fans are cheering your name. They might listen a bit, but if they don’t like you, they’ll bring you down.”
— Chris Jericho, Wrestler
Admitting He Was Unprepared for the Top Position in 2001
Reflecting on his championship reign, Jericho confessed that although he reached the peak in 2001, he was still evolving as a performer and not fully equipped to carry the company as its leading star. He described how, over several more years, he developed the confidence and mastery that define his current wrestling persona.
Jericho stated,
“When you get to that top level as the champion, you really have to make no mistakes and you really have to lock in. And when I beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin the same night, I wasn’t really ready to be the top, top guy. It was years after when I finally locked in, 2008, 2009. That’s when I became the Chris Jericho that you’re talking to now. A guy who knows what he’s doing in all aspects, total confidence, total pro. I wasn’t that at that point in time in 2001 when I was the Undisputed Champion. But it’s all part of the growing process and learning and building.”
— Chris Jericho, Wrestler
The Lasting Impact on Jericho’s Career
Jericho’s journey highlights the complexity of reaching the top in professional wrestling and the persistence needed to remain there. His experience illustrates how initial success must be followed by continuous growth and adaptation, especially under the watchful eyes of promoters and management.
By embracing new roles and learning from each phase of his career, Jericho transformed from a promising newcomer into a polished, confident headliner, a trajectory that resonates profoundly within WWE and beyond.
