10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE Raw From 1999

7. Chris Jericho’s Debut Could’ve Been Better

Vince McMahon WWF Champion
WWE.com

"Raw is Jericho", baby!

It has always amazed this writer when fans point to Chris Jericho's WWF debut as one of the most amazing things in wrestling history. Sure, he became big news, but the ex-WCW midcarder visibly toiled when trying to match The Rock on the mic. Plus, his boo-boo facial expressions made 'Y2J' look like a scolded poodle.

Jericho was up front and honest about the problems with his company bow in print; he expressed regret for those facials in his first/second book, and said he definitely could've done more to appear like the WWF's next big thing. Of course, he did become a smash hit, but those first few appearances weren't all that promising.

His 9 August debut remains a curious piece of company lore, and yet it could've been so much better. Honestly, go back and watch. You'll get goosebumps when the video counts down, and enjoy the crowd pop, but you'll cringe your way through everything else.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.