In late 2001, Chris Jericho turned heel and became the first WWE Undisputed Champion by defeating Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night, something he repeatedly reminded fans of for years to come. That win set in motion a two-year run that saw Jericho rise to the top of the industry as one of its greatest heat magnets. Brash, cocky, overbearing and obnoxious at times, Jericho often talked down to both fans and fellow Superstars alike. With his own talk show known as the Highlight Reel, he had a forum to say what he wanted and run down any opponent he so chose. In 2008, he returned to his villainous ways after years of playing to the audience and he did so by completely changing his character. Gone was the sparkly attire and long, blond hair. In its place was a more serious, more methodical villain who spoke softly and was more vicious and vile than ever before. He targeted Shawn Michaels and made it his personal mission to tear his childhood idol down in front of an international audience. He beat and bloodied Michaels, nearly forcing him into retirement following an eye injury. When Jericho missed a hard right to Michaels and leveled his wife instead, the rivalry became intensely personal. Despite being left in a heap by the Heartbreak Kid at Unforgiven in September '08, he emerged from the pay-per-view with the World Heavyweight Championship. A month later, he brought his epic feud with Michaels to an end by defeating him in a Match of the Year candidate Ladder match. He would lose the title shortly thereafter but feuds with Batista, the legendary Ricky Steamboat and Edge helped Jericho maintain his heat and solidify himself as one of the best heels of the last decade.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
