Chris Jericho, a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and one of the most accomplished performers in wrestling history, has built numerous connections throughout his expansive career. Known as The Demo God, Jericho’s long tenure in professional wrestling has led to both close friendships and well-documented rivalries within WWE and beyond.
This article explores some of the significant friendships and tensions that Chris Jericho has experienced inside and outside the ring, highlighting his complex relationships with fellow superstars.
Strong Bonds with Randy Orton and Roman Reigns
Though rarely discussed in depth publicly, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton share a genuine friendship. Both wrestlers, recognized as major figures in the industry, have shown mutual respect for one another. Their bond has been demonstrated through stories relayed by both men, including Jericho’s willingness to support Orton during scripted situations in WWE.
Another key friendship is with Roman Reigns. Despite their brief on-screen rivalry on WWE RAW in 2018, Jericho and Reigns have maintained an excellent rapport behind the scenes. Their respect for each other’s craft has been notable, even if they have not frequently spoken about their relationship in public.
Contentious Connections with Triple H and CM Punk
Chris Jericho’s relationship with Triple H has been complicated since Jericho’s early days in WWE. The tension between the two went beyond scripted feuds, impacting their backstage dynamic. Over time, this hostility escalated through several phases, marking a challenging chapter in Jericho’s WWE career.
Similarly, Jericho’s relationship with CM Punk has been fraught with conflict. Although they share professional respect, their personal interactions have often been strained. Reports cite Jericho referring to Punk as “a cancer” within AEW’s locker room following a contentious incident known as Brawl Out. Despite attempts to reconcile, the underlying animosity appears to persist.
Friendship Developed with Kevin Owens Through WWE Storylines
Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho’s relationship began as a notable friendship storyline on WWE RAW, which helped them build chemistry both on and off camera. Their cooperation during this period allowed their friendship to deepen in real life.
Owens has stated that working together on WWE storylines enhanced their personal connection and allowed them to understand each other better.
A Rivalry with Brock Lesnar Fueled by Real-Life Tensions
Chris Jericho’s real-life relationship with Brock Lesnar has been marked by conflict. In one incident backstage, Jericho confronted Lesnar over a disagreement, expressing his frustration openly despite Lesnar’s imposing stature.
“I was in Gorilla [Position] and I was f***ing angry about it, and Brock [Lesnar] came through and he saw me angry about it and decided he wanted to challenge me. And we got into a little bit of an issue, but I was like, ‘F**k this guy, I don’t give a s**t how big he is. I don’t f***ing care. It’s wrong.’ I will fight to the death, I will stand up to what I believe in till death,” Jericho said.
Although the two have not crossed paths recently due to Jericho’s current AEW presence and Lesnar’s WWE status, their antagonistic history remains significant. Fans would likely welcome a potential future storyline if Jericho returns to WWE.
The Evolution of Jericho’s Friendly Rivalry with The Rock
Chris Jericho and The Rock shared a dynamic rivalry in the ring, but their relationship off-screen has become one of friendship. Their connection began with a backstage conversation that led to mutual respect and a close friendship thereafter.
“I mean, the chemistry was there because Rock was such a phenomenon, it was almost impossible to go toe to toe with him on the mic, but I could, I could do that. And he recognised that fairly early on, especially with him being such a huge babyface, I was the perfect foil for him because I was the ultimate heel. And we could go toe to toe with each other. And in the ring, people forget how great a wrestler The Rock was, is, probably still. And we had great chemistry in the ring, and we had great chemistry out of the ring, we were really close friends.” —Chris Jericho
Should Jericho return to WWE, another encounter between these two veterans might be anticipated, continuing their longstanding connection both in and out of the ring.
The Lasting Impact of Jericho’s WWE Relationships
Chris Jericho’s friendships and rivalries reflect the complexities that often come with a long career in professional wrestling. His alliances with stars like Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, and The Rock demonstrate his ability to form meaningful connections, while his disputes with figures such as Triple H, CM Punk, and Brock Lesnar reveal deeper tensions that have shaped his journey.
Understanding these relationships offers fans insight into the real-life dynamics behind the scripted world of WWE, highlighting Jericho’s resilience and passion for the industry. As Jericho continues his career with AEW and possibly beyond, these friendships and rivalries will likely continue to influence his legacy and future storylines.
