Veteran pro wrestling star Chris Jericho spoke on the Untapped podcast about his strong preference for long-term narratives, emphasizing patience among fans. During the interview, Jericho highlighted how he values storylines that evolve over months rather than being rushed, urging listeners to allow these arcs the time they need to develop fully.
Why Jericho Believes Wrestling Stories Should Unfold Gradually
Jericho explained that the best stories in wrestling require creativity and pacing, noting that performers do not need to appear on every show each week to keep momentum. He expressed frustration with modern audiences who demand immediate conclusions, stating,
“I like long-term stories. My favorite ones have always been ones that last for months, and you have to be creative. You don’t have to be on the show every week; both guys don’t have to be on the show every week. There’s always a way to tell a story that elongates it. I would rather make things go longer than shorter. And I always love wrestling fans, especially modern-day ones, who just want to know the answer right now. ‘Give us the answer right now!’”
– Chris Jericho, Pro Wrestling Legend
Jericho’s Call for Patience from Impatient Fans
Reflecting on common criticisms he hears, Jericho compared wrestling storylines to films that require time to unfold, like “Saving Private Ryan.” He argued that judging a story halfway through is premature and unfair to the overall narrative. Jericho firmly stated,
“If I’m watching Saving Private Ryan, it’s 3 hours long. It’s a long movie. You better be watching and paying attention, and at the end of those three hours, then you can decide if you like it or not. An hour and a half in, if I go, ‘This movie, they haven’t even found Ryan yet. This movie sucks. This is stupid. This is too long.’ I hear it every day from wrestling fans. My thing is, ‘Shut the f**k up and let me tell my story when it’s done. If it takes a year, tough luck! This show is going on for 50 years. It doesn’t have to end in a week or two weeks or three weeks.”
– Chris Jericho, Pro Wrestling Legend
Impact on Wrestling Storytelling and Audience Expectations
Jericho’s remarks highlight the tension within wrestling fandom between instantaneous gratification and appreciating long-term storytelling craftsmanship. As wrestling promotions continue evolving, the demand for quick resolutions can undermine narrative depth. Jericho’s insistence on patience serves as a reminder that compelling story arcs benefit from time to mature, potentially enhancing viewer engagement and overall satisfaction. His perspective may encourage fans to adjust their expectations and allow storylines the space to build tension and payoff.
