Chris Jericho, a respected veteran of the wrestling world now signed with AEW, recently recounted a tense backstage confrontation with Brock Lesnar that occurred during their WWE days. The incident took place after Lesnar’s SummerSlam 2016 match against Randy Orton, where Jericho became upset about Lesnar’s aggressive and unsafe in-ring behavior, which led to a heated exchange behind the scenes.
Lesnar, having returned to WWE at SummerSlam 2025 after nearly two years away, remains a figure surrounded by controversy and tension, especially given his role in WWE’s legal challenges involving former Chairman Vince McMahon. Jericho’s account provides important insight into the kind of conflicts that occur backstage and highlight ongoing concerns about ring safety and wrestler conduct.
Backdrop: Brock Lesnar’s Return and WWE Legal Controversies
Brock Lesnar’s 2025 WWE comeback surprised many fans and colleagues, especially as his return was not entirely voluntary but linked to broader issues involving WWE leadership. Lesnar had been pushed to stardom under Vince McMahon’s leadership, but the company faced turmoil when McMahon stepped down amid lawsuits. Lesnar’s return to the ring was met with mixed responses both from the audience and fellow performers grappled with the dynamics of his comeback.
The Backstage Incident: Jericho Confronts Lesnar Over Aggressive Behavior
Jericho’s confrontation arose after witnessing Lesnar repeatedly striking Randy Orton with elbows to the temple during their match, which Jericho felt was beyond acceptable limits. Angered by what he perceived as reckless and dangerous conduct, Jericho confronted Lesnar backstage to demand accountability. The conversation quickly escalated into a volatile encounter.
“He was hitting him (Randy Orton) with the elbows. I was just like if this is real, it’s bullsh*t, if it’s being called, it’s still bullsh*t. He’s taking liberties and it pissed me off and I was in Gorilla and I was f*cking angry about it and Brock came through and he saw me angry about it and decided he wanted to come challenge me. And we got into a little bit of an issue and I was like f*ck this guy I don’t give a sh*t how big he is, like I don’t f*cking care, it’s f*cking wrong and I will fight to the death if I will stand up for what I believe in, to the death and I remember being like literally nose to nose with the guy and he’s laughing and he’s like you know he was actually saying things that would probably get him cancelled.” —Chris Jericho
Jericho’s passionate defense of ring safety reflects his frustration with uncalled spots that risk serious injury. Despite Lesnar’s dismissive attitude and provocative remarks, Jericho remained steadfast in his position, unwilling to tolerate dangerous practices regardless of Lesnar’s size or reputation.
Intervention by WWE Leadership to Defuse Conflict
The confrontation grew heated enough to draw the attention of WWE executives. Both Triple H and Vince McMahon themselves intervened to break up the standoff before it could escalate further. According to Jericho, this intervention underscored the seriousness of the situation and revealed that Lesnar’s conduct was known and even authorized by higher-ups within WWE.
“It got broken. Triple H tried to break it up. We both told him to f*ck off, which was hilarious, and then Vince got involved, and that, that’s kind of he got involved and basically you know broke it up and told me that he had told Brock to do that.” —Chris Jericho
This admission indicates that Lesnar’s aggressive style in that match was part of a planned approach rather than a spontaneous personal choice, adding to Jericho’s frustration about wrestlers being put in harm’s way for spectacle.
Jericho’s Legacy and Continued Influence in Professional Wrestling
Chris Jericho’s wrestling career spans over two decades, including multiple WWE runs before transitioning to AEW in 2019. He is credited with several innovations, such as the Money in the Bank concept, and respected for his commitment to the craft inside and outside the ring. His outspoken stance on issues like ring safety continues to resonate within the wrestling community.
The resurfacing of Jericho’s 2023 interview on The Pain Game serves as a reminder of the tensions present within WWE’s locker room culture and the challenges wrestlers face in balancing performance with safety. Jericho’s candid account highlights the sometimes fraught nature of backstage interactions and the high stakes involved in professional wrestling.
Implications for WWE and Wrestler Safety Moving Forward
This backstage dispute sheds light on ongoing debates regarding wrestler autonomy and safety protocols during matches. With voices like Jericho’s calling out unsafe tactics, there is pressure on organizations such as WWE to reconsider how they manage and protect talent. The involvement of leadership figures in endorsing aggressive moves may prompt further scrutiny of internal policies.
As Brock Lesnar’s presence remains a polarizing factor in WWE, incidents like this reflect the complex relationships and power dynamics that shape professional wrestling today. Fans and insiders alike will likely watch closely how these issues evolve amid changes in WWE management and the wider wrestling landscape.
