Chris Jericho recently shared with Spencer Matthews the four wrestlers he considers the greatest rivals of his career, calling them his personal “Mount Rushmore.” Jericho included Shawn Michaels, Jon Moxley, The Rock, and Kenny Omega, highlighting how each of these competitors influenced him in different ways over the years. He emphasized the importance of his match against Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 as a pivotal moment for the wrestling industry and credited it with inspiring Tony Khan to establish AEW.
Impact of the Wrestle Kingdom 12 Match on Wrestling’s Future
Jericho explained that his match with Kenny Omega at the Tokyo Dome was a groundbreaking event, as few believed such a spectacle could take place. Both wrestlers hail from Winnipeg, Canada, and when they faced off, the event drew a massive crowd to the Tokyo Dome. The match’s success was amplified by record-breaking digital viewership for New Japan Pro Wrestling, demonstrating immense fan demand for alternatives to WWE’s style. Jericho linked this surge in popularity directly to Tony Khan’s decision to create AEW, which aimed to fill that growing niche.
Jericho’s Reflections on His Legendary Opponents
Jericho praised Shawn Michaels for his unparalleled influence, calling him the greatest of all time from his perspective. He also spoke highly of Jon Moxley, appreciating their shared intensity and chemistry, developed both during Moxley’s WWE run as Dean Ambrose and later in AEW. His brief but productive partnership with The Rock was marked by consistently strong matches and promos, despite its short duration due to The Rock’s early move to film. These relationships helped shape Jericho’s journey and cemented these opponents as defining figures in his career.
Broader Inspirational Figures and Influences in Wrestling
In addition to his chosen competitors, Jericho briefly touched on his broader inspirations within the sport, indicating a wide-ranging respect for those who have shaped wrestling’s evolution. Fans can explore his insights into these influences further through related interviews and features, offering a deeper look at what drives his passion for wrestling.
Significance of Jericho’s Insights on Wrestling’s Changing Landscape
The discussion highlights more than just memorable matches; it traces how key moments and rivalries contributed to a shifting wrestling environment that opened the door for new promotions like AEW. By pointing to the Wrestle Kingdom 12 bout as a catalyst, Jericho underscores the growing appetite among fans for diverse wrestling styles and storytelling. This evolution continues to impact talent opportunities and competition within the wrestling industry, suggesting ongoing changes in how wrestling promotions engage audiences worldwide.
