10 Precise Moments Wrestlers Wanted To Jump Ship

6. Chris Jericho

Dean Ambrose Gas Mask
AEW

Status In WWE:

Chris Jericho had it made. He could depart and return on a whim, in order to preserve his star aura and pursue external projects. In 2017, given the state of WWE and what it primarily held an interest in, he didn't even have to adjust his enduring Y2J act - though he did, as a prideful performer insistent on furthering his legend. Jericho enjoyed a degree of creative latitude, and (eventually) got much of his sh*t in as part of his career renaissance. The man with the most catchphrases ever created a new, incredible studio album instead of relying on the greatest hits. By that it is meant he created a new set of great catchphrases. This is not in reference to Fozzy. In short: they'd really have to do something exceptionally obnoxious to force him out of such a cushy gig.

Which they of course did.

Why And When They Wanted To Leave:

Speaking to Inside The Ropes in April of this year, Jericho revealed that the frustration he felt at WrestleMania 33 first gave him the idea. He was originally scheduled to win his first World Title as a babyface at the expense of Kevin Owens, but WWE went with Goldberg and Lesnar, and not the most well-received main roster story of the year.

"See, the problem here is Chris is that you're not quite part-time enough. Take more time. We'll be waiting!"

 
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Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!