Why Chris Jericho Is The Most Important Wrestler In The World Today

Chris Jericho is the most important wrestler in the world because he represents possibilities. His freelance success defies the long-held assumption that WWE hold all the power, and that their's is the only stage in town. They made him an international megastar, but he doesn't need them anymore, and this could conceivably spur the Bryans and Lesnars of the world into similar positions, forcing McMahon to bend to their will at the negotiating table.

At worst, the situation goes nowhere, and 'The Alpha' goes down as no more than one 27-year veteran's Indian summer. But at best? We're looking an industry-wide paradigm shift.

In all likelihood, reality will fall somewhere in the middle, and we'll find a situation where a degree power returns to the workers' hands, diminishing WWE's ability to hold the labour market to ransom. After 18 years of total control, this should be considered a massive success.

Wrestling needs stories like this. WWE may never be threatened financially, but many of their post-Attitude problems stem from complacency created by a lack of competition, and if more wrestlers are empowered to take control of their own destiny, we all stand to benefit. The company must understand that guys like 'Y2J' now have options that didn't exist before. Him going to NJPW, succeeding, and becoming a huge asset in their ongoing American expansion isn't good for WWE's business, but it's great for the business, because those holding the power are the only people who profit from a monopoly.

Root for Chris Jericho: his steps towards greater independence could spark the evolution this sport dearly needs.