Chris Jericho’s legacy on pro wrestling Mount Rushmore has come under heated discussion after actor and MLW talent Paul Walter Hauser named Jericho as one of his all-time greats during a recent interview with Ariel Helwani. The conversation brought Jericho’s decades-long influence and consistency in the sport back into the spotlight, as Hauser passionately argued why Jericho deserves his place among wrestling’s elites.
Paul Walter Hauser Names His Top Wrestling Legends
Chris Jericho stands out as one of the most highly decorated figures in pro wrestling history, boasting achievements in major promotions worldwide. While appearing as a special guest on the Ariel Helwani Show, Paul Walter Hauser was asked to identify the four iconic wrestlers who, in his view, belong on professional wrestling’s Mount Rushmore.
Hauser responded with Sting, Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and Chris Jericho — an inclusion that prompted surprise from Helwani, especially regarding Jericho’s spot on the list. Hauser addressed the skepticism, pointing out that Jericho has been unfairly criticized online in recent years, yet he sees Jericho as
“one of the most consistent wrestlers of all time.”
Jericho’s career, as Hauser emphasized, spans a remarkable journey through Canadian Stampede, the Hart Dungeon, Mexico, ECW, Japan, and WCW. Jericho cultivated his craft across different territories, building unique characters and engaging in memorable feuds with wrestling greats like Dean Malenko and Eddie Guerrero. In WCW, Jericho’s rivalry with Goldberg-Gilberg and alliances with figures such as Ralph as his manager set him apart as a creative force.
Comes to WWF. One of the great pops of all time. His ‘Break The Walls Down’ Jericho showing up… Has the run in WWE, which is I guess it would have been ’99 through 2018, is that right? 2017? That is a long ass time to stay relevant, and capture all those titles, and have classic matches with Shawn Michaels, and Kevin Owens. In a tag team with the Big Show, Jeri-Show. I think the stuff with the Festival of Friendship and the clipboard and being on the list is some of the best Sports Entertainment promo stuff ever.
—Paul Walter Hauser, actor and wrestler
Jericho’s Recent Decade Lauded as Sport’s Best by Hauser
Expanding on his views in the interview, Paul Walter Hauser stressed that Jericho’s contributions during the last ten years set a new standard in professional wrestling. From creative segments such as the Festival of Friendship to innovative work in AEW, Jericho has remained a dynamic presence within the industry.
Some of the best stuff from the last 10 years for sure. And he is a huge part of why AEW exists and was taken seriously. What he’s done there, and then in Japan, and going into the Painmaker, and having the ‘bit of the bubbly. Having the musical number with MJF. I think he’s easily a Rushmore guy… The promos, the matches, the pre-tapes. It’s like, there aren’t that many people who can do all of the things well. He’s done all of the things well, whether anybody likes him or not. And I think he deserves to be on some Rushmore,
—Paul Walter Hauser, actor and wrestler
Hauser specifically credited Jericho for AEW’s legitimacy, his exceptional runs in Japan, the creation of the Painmaker character, and memorable moments like the musical number with MJF. Across promotions — whether in tag teams, individual matches, or in unexpected roles — Jericho has continually evolved, staying relevant against an ever-changing industry landscape.
The Enduring Impact of Chris Jericho’s Wrestling Career
Paul Walter Hauser’s passionate defense of Chris Jericho’s spot on pro wrestling’s Mount Rushmore has reignited the debate among wrestling fans and insiders. As Hauser highlighted, Jericho’s multi-faceted persona, ongoing reinvention, and milestones across major organizations such as WCW, WWE, AEW, ECW, and beyond, underline his lasting influence.
Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and Sting represent legends from different eras and styles, yet Hauser’s inclusion of Jericho points to a rare blend of longevity and adaptability. With classic feuds, countless championships, and memorable events from WrestleMania to the Festival of Friendship, Jericho’s journey remains one of wrestling’s most celebrated. As new generations of fans and wrestlers emerge, the conversation around Chris Jericho’s legacy on pro wrestling Mount Rushmore is likely to shape debates about greatness for years to come.
