10 Reasons Why Chris Jericho’s Post-WWE Run Is His Best Ever

1. Tony Khan's Big Star

Chris Jericho AEW
allelitewrestling.com

Chris Jericho's AEW World Heavyweight Title win at All Out wasn't just another case of 'The Painmaker' scooping up another strap to add to his vast and ever-increasing collection. It was a statement of intent from the organisation that they too - in spite of a multitude of digs at WWE for doing the same - are still wowed by solidified stars than unproven commodities.

There's always money in the chase of course, but Adam Page's chase will have to start at the back of a long line if the company intend to adhere to their wins/losses "real sports" philosophy in the booking of the top belt.

And that, fundamentally, is the position Chris Jericho has worked himself into. Wrestling only twice in an official capacity for the company thus far, he's used his star power to help kick doors down for the company (so he claims), whilst using the gimmick of being a star too big not to be champion to actually go the whole way and lead the organisation bravely into the unknown on TNT.

He began this remarkable stage of the journey not a big enough star to convince WWE bosses that he was a better choice for WrestleMania than Bill Goldberg. Like the former WCW Champion, his mere presence will now be a necessity for huge, huge numbers.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett