WWE News: Chris Jericho Talks Only Working Live Events, Now The ‘Anti-Brock Lesnar’
Chris Jericho is a future-WWE Hall of Fame wrestler for his contributions to the squared circle, and the industry altogether. After Shawn Michaels, Jericho continued to pave the way for the smaller wrestlers in the world, so they could main event shows and hold major championships. With Jericho, it wasn’t about the size of the man, but who had the most heart and creativity in the ring.
Over the last couple of years, Jericho has become the ultimate “part-time” wrestler. Fans in the WWE Universe get on Brock Lesnar’s case because he comes around a few times a year on television or pay-per-view. As for Jericho, he does the complete opposite.
Chris Jericho recently spoke with Slam! Wrestling about his days as a part-time wrestler with the WWE. They asked the former-WWE champion about the fact that he won’t work TV and about pro wrestling being less important in his life.
“I’m going back in January and February to just do live events — no TV, just house shows. (To do only live events) was my choice. I had some time off (between Fozzy tours), and I thought it would be fun to go back (on that schedule). It’s like I’m the anti-Brock Lesnar.
“I know that some fans would like to just seem me wrestle until I explode in a puff of dust — that won’t happen. I think everybody knows that wrestling is less and less of my life, and that my days of being a full-time wrestler (are over). But as long as I feel that I can still contribute, and can still perform at the highest level that I’ve set for myself, then I’ll go back from time to time.”
Jericho has always given back to the WWE and its young set of stars. Two years ago, Jericho worked a program with Fandango upon his debut on the main roster. Fandango wrestled his first match on TV at WrestleMania 29 with a win against a WWE legend. Jericho returns, then puts over talent, and then proceeds to leave again.
It is rare to find someone like Jericho, who continues to try and get the best out of every wrestler in the company. His excellent feud with Bray Wyatt brought with it great microphone battles and a moment that won a Slammy Award.
There is a chance that Jericho might not be working WrestleMania 31, which would hinder the product’s overall show. Since he will only be wrestling at live events in the next two months, it would be nearly impossible to set up anything long-term for the former-World Heavyweight champion. Either way, the WWE isn’t losing Jericho from the company, which is the overall goal for the WWE.
[Image via wrestlingnews.co]
