ABC issued the following press release on 6/3 announcing that WWE superstar Chris Jericho will be the host of a new “high drama” game show this summer:
CHRIS JERICHO NAMED HOST OF “DOWNFALL,” THE HIGH STAKES AND HIGH DRAMA GAME SHOW PREMIERING JUNE 22 ON ABC
Courage and Smarts Play Against the Clock as Contestants Stand On the Edge of a High-Rise Building Trying to Win $1 Million + Prizes
Chris Jericho, a talented actor, television personality, radio host, rock star and WWE superstar wrestler, has been named as the Host of “Downfall.” The unique, high-stakes and adrenaline-pumping game show will put contestants on top of a 10-story building to see who has the focus and fearlessness to avoid his/her own ‘downfall’ — literally. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to win $1 million and a slew of incredible prizes, such as a pair of jet skis, a grand piano, a trip to Paris or a brand new car. The larger-than-life game show from FremantleMedia North America (“The Price Is Right,” “Family Feud,” “Let’s Make a Deal”) will premiere TUESDAY, JUNE 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.
Jericho has established himself as a multifaceted performer. Most recently he completed his first book, A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex, in which he chronicles, with a witty and humorous narrative, his rise in the wrestling business and the pitfalls of the industry. He made the cross-over to film with lead roles in the feature films “Android Apocalypse” and “Albino Farm.” He also appeared on stage before sold-out crowds and received standing ovations when he starred in the hilarious Norm Foster play, “Opening Night,” at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. In addition, Jericho has been invited to appear as a regular guest performer with legendary comedy troupe The Groundlings in the all-improv show, “Cookin’ with Gas.” On TV he starred in the comedy pilot “Ebaum’s World” for USA Network.
Jericho’s knack for comedy is obvious in his regular appearances on VH-1 and E!, lending his talent as a panelist or guest. He’s appeared on over a dozen shows, including G4TV’s “Attack of the Show” and “Filter”; E!’s “Biggest Celebrity Oops” and “Best Week Ever”; plus the “I Love the 70s, 80s and 90s” (and soon to be released 00s) series for VH1. Other recent guest appearances include “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Howard Stern Show,” “The Late, Late Show” and “Larry King Live.” Jericho also guest hosted “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” “MadTV” and “Headbanger’s Ball” on MTV2.
Jericho began wrestling at age 19 and is considered one of the most popular wrestling champions in history. In 2001 he was the first-ever Undisputed Champion of the WWE and is the only performer to have held six different titles in the 44-year history of World Wrestling Entertainment.
For “Downfall,” the six-episode series will be played atop the roof of a downtown Los Angeles high-rise, where contestants will try to answer a series of trivia questions against the clock. Fabricated facsimiles of prizes will be placed on the largest conveyor belt ever seen on TV, with a pile of cash at the end ranging from $5,000 to $1 million. In each round, players will try to answer all the questions before their prizes and cash go over the edge, off the roof and crashing 100 feet to the street below. If the cash goes off the roof, the game is over and that player is eliminated. Each player also risks going over the side of the building — but in this case wearing a decelerator harness to soften the fall.
