Debuting in 1999 as Y2J, Chris Jericho touched down in WWE right as the Attitude Era was reaching the peak of its powers. Yet there was room for improvement in a roster that included the dour crew cuts of Dan Severn, Ken Shamrock and Steve Blackman. There were precious few hairstyles to really get excited about; memories of Jake Roberts' lank mullet, Koko B. Ware's bleached curls and British Bulldog's ricockulous dreadlocks were fading fast (in fact, Davey Boy had recently returned to the WWE ring, but it was with a short-back-and-sides haircut to match his similarly spectacular ring attire jackboots and jeans). Jericho mixed it up, augmenting his long locks with a top-knot that was years ahead of its time. It encapsulated the character, being something both familiar and fresh; a new take on a vintage look. While other wrestlers of the time sported long blond hair (think Andrew Test, but resist the urge to fall asleep), Jericho made it his own, and briefly doubled-down with a bottom-knotted beard. His style, informed by 1980s hair metal bands, brought a splash of colour to Attitude Era story arcs that were threatening to turn into pity parties. Don't be distracted by Mankind's short-lived Union faction just check out Y2J's majestic curls instead!
