Following the unexpected passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22nd, AEW star Chris Jericho took a moment to recall their intense encounter on WWE Raw from 2009. The tribute highlighted the lasting impact of Osbourne, while revisiting a memorable episode where Jericho faced Osbourne in a highly charged setting.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death reverberated beyond the music world, touching wrestling fans and performers alike. WWE Hall of Famer Osbourne and his wife Sharon served as guest hosts for Monday Night Raw on November 2, 2009—an episode etched into wrestling history due to both its unusual atmosphere and the clashes it inspired. During that night, Jericho found himself caught in a tense Triple Threat match against Big Show (Paul Wight) and John Cena as part of the main event, an arrangement orchestrated by Osbourne. This confrontation stayed with Jericho for years, mixing admiration with frustration.
Jericho Details His 2009 RAW Showdown with Ozzy Osbourne and Co-Hosts
In a recent Instagram post, Chris Jericho paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by sharing footage from that notable RAW episode, while candidly expressing his irritation over how the match was set up. Jericho described Osbourne as “the f**kin best,” yet admitted the rocker frustrated him by pitting him against his frequent allies and rivals in one high-stakes contest. The match ended with Jericho pinning John Cena, aided by a powerful strike from Big Show, culminating in a victorious night for Jericho and Big Show—together known as Jeri-Show.
Jericho’s post read:
“Everybody is saying such great stuff about @ozzyosbourne today and he was the f**kin best….but he really pi**ed me off the night he put @paulwight & I against each other in a Triple Threat match with @johncena, when he and @sharonosbourne hosted Monday Night Raw in 2009! Dam*it Ozz!!! @wwe,”
underscoring the mixed feelings tied to that encounter.
The episode also featured Jeri-Show overpowering D-Generation X members Triple H and Shawn Michaels to conclude the night, further cementing their dominance.
Backstage Tensions: Jericho’s Clash with the Osbournes During the Guest Hosting Segment
Behind the scenes of the guest-hosted RAW, Jericho confronted Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne in a segment that revealed palpable tension. Jericho expressed feeling slighted by the Osbournes’ mocking tone toward Raw, signaling that he took the show seriously despite their playful demeanor. This backstage exchange showcased Jericho’s fiery personality and his refusal to be disrespected by the visiting guests.
He also acknowledged Ozzy as an influence on him personally and professionally, from style to musical inspiration. Yet, Jericho boldly asserted that he did not need fan approval and even claimed superiority over the Prince of Darkness. The interaction ended with Jericho warning that disrespecting him was the “ultimate sin,” an assertion Sharon Osbourne dismissed casually while Ozzy pretended not to recognize Jericho, adding layered drama to the segment.
The Lasting Significance of the 2009 Encounter on Wrestling and Fan Memories
Chris Jericho’s reflection on the 2009 RAW episode where Ozzy Osbourne guest-hosted serves as a reminder of the unpredictable intersections between rock music and professional wrestling. Their clash represents a unique moment blending entertainment worlds, emotions, and rivalry. Jericho’s mixture of respect and frustration offers fans an honest glimpse into the backstage dynamics that can unfold when icons from different industries collide.
With Osbourne’s passing, Jericho’s tribute not only honors his influence but also preserves a memorable chapter in wrestling history. As AEW and WWE continue evolving, such moments underscore the cultural significance of crossover events and the personalities that define them.
