Chris Jericho has seen it all in professional wrestling—from the peak of the Attitude Era to today’s modern landscape. And in his recent interview with Chris Van Vliet for Insight, the veteran wrestler made one thing clear: while the Attitude Era may have been more widely watched, today’s wrestling business is far more lucrative.
“Maybe from an overall popularity standpoint the Attitude Era was bigger, but you weren’t making the money that you are now—as both a wrestler and as a wrestling company,” Jericho stated.
“I know the difference in salaries of what a top guy made then versus now—because I was one then, and I am one now.”
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, wrestling’s biggest stars were drawing massive TV ratings, sometimes exceeding 8 million viewers per episode. But Jericho pointed out that viewing habits have drastically changed. Fans now consume wrestling differently, whether through streaming, social media, or highlights on YouTube—metrics that weren’t available during the industry’s previous boom period.
Chris Jericho has been a top star in the business since the late 1990’s
Beyond financial growth, Jericho also addressed how modern fans and critics perceive wrestling. He believes that today’s audience places too much emphasis on match quality in a way that can be misleading.
“25 years ago, you could do a lot less and have people think it’s an amazing match. Now, you can do the exact same thing, have the crowd react the same way, but critics will say it was terrible.”
Chris Jericho Quits Twitter
That increased scrutiny, amplified by social media, is something Jericho has largely tuned out. He admitted that while he used to engage with online criticism, he now avoids platforms like Twitter altogether.
“I’m done with Twitter. It’s just so negative—why waste your time?”
Despite criticisms from online fans, Jericho remains one of AEW’s biggest draws, consistently appearing in high-rated segments. He also pushed back on claims that working with him “drags people down” in AEW, arguing that many wrestlers he’s feuded with—like MJF, Daniel Garcia, and Sammy Guevara—have only elevated their careers.
Jericho’s insight sheds light on the evolution of wrestling’s business model. While nostalgia may keep the Attitude Era on a pedestal, today’s industry is more financially successful than ever—whether fans and critics want to admit it or not.
In AEW, Chris Jericho has feuded with several wrestlers, but some fans have taken issue with how these programs have played out. Whether it be Hook, Eddie Kingston, or his extended rivalry with Ricky Starks, many believe that Jericho does little to elevate his opponents. Some even argue that these wrestlers might have fared better if they had never worked with him at all.
The idea of talent being ‘sucked’ into feuds with Chris has been dubbed the ‘Jericho Vortex’ a term the Canadian filed to trademark for merchandise in April 2024. On the Insight podcast, Jericho fired back at the notion he’s dragged down talent.
“Name one. Name one person that got dragged down from working with me. Maybe afterwards they didn’t go higher, but that’s not up to me. I’m not in charge of booking the entire company.”
Jericho added that he can only do what is asked of him, and referenced AEW success stories like MJF and Sammy Guevara as proof he doesn’t drag down others. Today, fans can find Jericho leading the Learning Tree, which he cited as more evidence against the ‘vortex.’
“Big Bill and Bryan Keith have grown by leaps and bounds from working here with me… I definitely know what my intentions are, and it’s not to bury anybody. It’s to build as many people as I can.”
Jericho is confident that his intentions in AEW is to help others, no matter what some fans may believe. Ultimately, Jericho will continue to work with talent both fresh and established in AEW as one of the company’s leading stars.
Chris Jericho is an established legend of the ring, but in recent years, many fans have grown tired of the 54-year-old Canadian wrestler. This resentment has led to fans calling for Jericho to retire from the ring, opening up his spot for a younger, fresher talent.
On the Insight podcast, Jericho chalked up the chant to being “one of those things” and has even considered making merch with the two-word demand. The first-ever AEW World Champion added that fans calling for him to retire wouldn’t be saying so to his face.
“If I saw them on the street they’d probably say hi. Whenever I do a convention or something like that, my lines are down the street.”
Ever a music fan, Jericho compared himself to the Rolling Stones and their Steel Wheel Tour of 1989. While some at the time felt the bandmates were too old, Jericho was pleased to see “one of the best bands in the business” live last year.
The response to Jericho has sparked a debate about whether he has genuine heat from fans wanting to see him beaten, or ‘go away’ heat from fans who are sick of him. Ultimately, as long as fans are booking, Jericho is confident he’s done his job.
“This is a job where the idea is to elicit emotions, positive, negative, anything in between. When you sign up for it, you have to understand that people are going to respond.”
Currently in his second reign as ROH World Champion, Jericho holds another title that some believe would be better suited for a rising star. But with no signs of stepping away, fans can expect Jericho to remain a fixture in the ring for the foreseeable future.
Chris Jericho has built a resume worthy of a WWE Hall of Fame induction. As the first-ever WWE Undisputed Champion, a nine-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a multi-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, his legacy in the company is undeniable.
Throughout his storied WWE career, Jericho has been involved in legendary rivalries with Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Steve Austin, Triple H, CM Punk, Kevin Owens, and many others. He is also a multi-time Tag Team Champion, having held gold alongside partners such as The Rock, Edge, Big Show, and Chris Benoit.
Jericho is one of the few wrestlers to have held major titles across WWE, WCW, and AEW. He headlined WrestleMania X8, defending the Undisputed Championship against Triple H. His ability to reinvent himself over the years has solidified his status as one of WWE’s all-time greats.
With WWE announcing new Hall of Fame inductees each year ahead of WrestleMania, the question remains—if offered an induction, would Jericho accept the honor? Speaking to The Toronto Sun, Jericho addressed the idea:
“I’m not one of those guys who cares about the Hall of Fame because I don’t think it’s really real anyway. In some ways, it’s like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ In other ways, I want to pull a Sex Pistols and just refuse to show up. Send a letter saying, ‘Do not mention my name,’ like Axl Rose did. What a great wrestling thing to do. It doesn’t matter to me, it really doesn’t. It’s great that guys go in there and I’m glad they get a chance to, but I’m already a Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame is up here [points to head]. It’s more for the fans. At this point in time, I could get put in the Hall of Fame and maybe get booed out of the building. We’ll see what happens. For right here, right now, I’m enjoying what I’m still doing and I definitely wouldn’t go in the Hall of Fame if I’m still actively performing in the ring. We’ll see where it goes.
For right now, I feel good, I’m doing great work, and when I feel it’s time to hang up the boots, I will do so. Until then, I’m enjoying being part of the business, as I always have for the last 34 years.”
Currently, Jericho is the reigning ROH World Champion and remains an active competitor in AEW.
Britt Baker has been a major topic of discussion lately, with rumors that she may be done with AEW after not appearing for the promotion for months. While speaking to The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, Chris Jericho was asked about Britt Baker’s status in AEW and whether she might be leaving the company.
“I don’t see her leaving or going anywhere, and I’m looking forward to having her come back on the show because she has a great character and a great presence and, once again, a great fan base within AEW and within the wrestling world.”
Jericho added that Baker is an AEW ‘OG’ and highlighted the former Women’s World Champion as “one of our first homegrown stars.” Though it’s been reported that Baker is massively unpopular within AEW, a follow-up report said that this was an exaggeration.
Britt Baker has not appeared on AEW television since the November 13 episode of AEW Dynamite, where she defeated Penelope Ford and was confronted by Serena Deeb. Only time will tell when “The Doctor” will make her return, but Jericho remains confident that she will be back.
Dark Match, a new horror movie starring AEW’s Chris Jericho, will land on the popular horror streaming service Shudder later this month. A description for the film reads:
A wrestling company lands a lucrative gig in a remote town, only to find themselves at the mercy of a cult leader with sinister intentions.
Jericho will play the role of ‘Prophet’ but isn’t the only notable name attached. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Westworld), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (The Call), and Jonathan Cherry (Goon). Lowell Dean (Wolfcop) is attached as writer and director.
A wrestling company lands a lucrative gig in a remote town, only to find themselves at the mercy of a cult leader with sinister intentions.
Dark Match will mark the latest big-screen role for Jericho, who’s first foray into horror acting came in 2009’s Albino Farm. In 2022, Jericho played ‘Burke’ in Terrifier 2 and reprised the role for the film’s sequel last year.
Jericho’s love of horror has also extended into his pro-wrestling career, with his ‘Painmaker’ character during his New Japan run blending elements of horror and the macabre. While Jericho has shared his goal to develop the character and create a Painmaker movie, little has been heard about this project in recent years.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho as the wrestling legend continues to show his entertaining chops both in and out of the ring.
WWE’s roster evolution continues as major wrestling contracts expire in 2025. From veteran superstars to rising technical talents, here’s who could potentially join WWE’s ranks.
Veterans With Expiring Contracts
Wrestler
Current Promotion
Contract Ends
Chris Jericho
AEW
December 2025
The Miz
WWE
June 2025
Jim Ross
AEW
March 2025
Jeff Hardy
TNA
November 2025
Matt Hardy
TNA
November 2025
Chris Jericho may decide to retire in WWE
Emerging Talent Watch
Wrestler
Style
Current Promotion
Available
Jonathan Gresham
Technical
TNA
January 2025
Angelo Parker
Tag Team
AEW
August 2025
Matt Menard
Tag Team
AEW
August 2025
Strategic Opportunities for WWE
Veteran Leadership: Jericho and the Hardys bring mainstream appeal and mentorship potential
Technical Division: Gresham could enhance WWE’s pure wrestling presentation
Tag Team Depth: Parker and Menard offer experienced tag team options
Broadcasting: Jim Ross provides legendary commentary possibilities
Contract status information courtesy of industry reports and public statements from talent. Dates subject to change based on contract extensions or early releases.
A Potential Glimpse into WWE’s Future: The Independent Scene’s Role in 2025
As WWE navigates its 2025 free-agent landscape, the company’s ability to scout and secure fresh talent from the independent wrestling scene remains critical. While the big names of current WWE superstars dominate headlines, several rising stars from the independent circuit could potentially reshape the roster’s future.
Here’s a look at some noteworthy independent wrestlers poised to make waves in the coming years:
Megan Bayne
Ranked an impressive 139 in the 2024 PWI 500, Megan Bayne is redefining what it means to be a versatile, dominant performer. Known for her strength and ability to compete in intergender matches, Bayne has built a reputation by defeating prominent opponents like Joey Janela and Alec Price.
Her unique blend of power, charisma, and versatility makes her a compelling candidate for WWE, where her talent could shine across both the women’s and men’s divisions.
Alec Price
Breaking into the top 100 of the PWI 500 at 92, Alec Price has emerged as a technical marvel in the indie scene. Known for his adaptability and fierce in-ring style, Price has already made a name for himself against opponents like Jonathan Gresham and Mustafa Ali.
His charisma and in-ring storytelling would make him a fantastic addition to WWE’s roster, especially in programs requiring high-energy, technical matches.
Richard Holliday
One of the most talked-about heels in the indie circuit, Richard Holliday ranks at 215 but brings a character-driven approach that resonates deeply with audiences.
His recovery from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2023 further exemplifies his determination and love for wrestling. Holliday’s flair for trash talk and ability to seamlessly play the villain make him a natural fit for WWE’s entertainment-focused brand, drawing comparisons to stars like The Miz and MJF.
Zilla Fatu
The son of Umaga, Zilla Fatu, has emerged as a standout with just 33 matches in 2024. His natural charisma, in-ring presence, and heritage make him a compelling addition to any major wrestling promotion. As he transitions from Game Changer Wrestling and builds a wider profile, Fatu is a prime candidate for WWE’s developmental system.
Calvin Tankman
With his imposing 350-pound frame and agility, Calvin Tankman has made waves across promotions like Deadlock Pro and West Coast Pro Wrestling. At 29 years old, Tankman combines experience with untapped potential, making him a valuable asset for any roster.
Titus Alexander
A staple of the West Coast wrestling scene, Titus Alexander, 24, has competed in promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and NOAH. Known for his high-energy performances and technical skill, Alexander could thrive in WWE’s high-octane environment.
Ichiban
Drawing comparisons to El Generico for his fun, lighthearted demeanor, Ichiban is a masked sensation from the Northeast indie scene. At just 24 years old, he competed in an astounding 94 matches in 2024, showcasing his resilience and versatility.
Jordan Oliver
Recovering from an ACL injury in 2024, Jordan Oliver has a promising career ahead as he returns to the ring. With a history in MLW and an exciting tag team career with Nick Wayne, Oliver could shine as either a solo or tag competitor in WWE.
Blake Christian
Having previously held a contract with WWE’s NXT, Blake Christian has since excelled on the independent scene. His year-long GCW World Title reign and matches against top talent like Will Ospreay have solidified his reputation as a main-event-caliber performer.
Viva Van
A unique presence on the indie circuit, Viva Van blends athleticism with a magnetic persona. Her work across promotions like GCW has cemented her as one of the most exciting female talents in recent memory.
Sam Holloway
At 6’9” and 264 pounds, Sam Holloway has a commanding presence that evokes comparisons to WWE’s Creed Brothers. With 59 matches in 2024, he’s shown potential as a future powerhouse in professional wrestling.
Starboy Charlie
At just 21 years old, Starboy Charlie has already made his mark on the West Coast scene, competing in high-profile matches for promotions like NOAH and GCW. His youth and skill set make him a prime candidate for WWE’s developmental system.
Why WWE Should Invest in Independent Talent
While marquee signings and contract renewals dominate WWE’s 2025 free-agent strategy, nurturing independent talent like Bayne, Mathers, Price, and Holliday offers a sustainable path for long-term success. Each brings a unique skill set and untapped potential, ensuring that WWE’s roster remains dynamic and diverse for years to come.
By keeping an eye on the independent scene and integrating fresh faces into its developmental and main roster programs, WWE can solidify its reputation as the premier destination for wrestling talent.
ROH World Champion Chris Jericho has confirmed that he’ll be wrestling at the final episode of AEW Rampage this Friday.
Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed had challenged The Learning Tree for a singles match at last Saturday’s Collision after Jericho and his teammates interrupted the Costco Guys. The current champion at the time had refused to fight.
The wrestling veteran, however, granted Bowens’ wish in a segment on the Christmas special of Dynamite. Standing on 34th Street in New York, Chris Jericho announced that he’ll face the former tag champion at the December 27 Rampage:
#ROH World Champion Chris Jericho presents another 'New York Minute' as he has one more gift to give in the form of a match this Friday at #AEWRampage!
AEW’s TV rights renewal deal with WBD brought some big changes for the company. This included the end of AEW exclusivity with the network, allowing Tony Khan to negotiate with other TV channels for potential new programs.
The exclusion of Rampage in the announcement of the new deals also made fans curious. The AEW president has since confirmed that the show will be going on a hiatus and that the December 27 episode of Rampage will be the final episode of the Friday Night show ‘for the foreseeable future.’
AEW already taped the upcoming episode from Hammerstein Ballroom earlier in the week. You can check out the spoiler results for the final Rampage here.
Chris Jericho believes AEW shows moving to smaller venues in 2025 will help the company’s growth and make the product hot again.
After spending most of 2024 battling with low ticket sales, Tony Khan hinted that they’ll be changing their strategy for 2025. During the Full Gear media scrum last month, the AEW president had said that he wanted to find markets and buildings ‘where it’s going to be packed and red hot.’
Chris Jericho was asked about Khan’s comments during a recent interview with Z100 New York. The current ROH World Champion was there to promote ROH’s Final Battle PPV from Hammerstein Ballroom and he explained that smaller venues that are packed with fans can change the entire vibe of the shows:
“I think the worst thing you could ever do is to kind of in any business overprice yourself or overextend yourself. We’re at a place where to go to some of the middle-size venues not in every city but in some of them, it’s a very smart move.
For many reasons but most importantly just the vibe of the fans. Like you want to put 10,000 people into an arena and if you can, you do. If you’re down to 5,000 but you go to a 4,000-seat arena, it increases demand.”
The wrestling veteran discussed how AEW has been the ‘cool promotion’ for the majority of its existence. Per Chris Jericho, creating demand with smaller venues can help them regain some of their lost charm:
“It just makes the show that much more exciting and it translates so much better on TV. So I think right now with all of the different choices that people have to buy tickets to go to shows, I think we’re smart to moving to some of these like you mentioned different sized venues.
Because it just makes it cooler and we have always had the cool factor in AEW, especially when we started and then going into the pandemic, coming out of the pandemic. I think one way is the supply and demand. If you have this many tickets for sale and they’re gone. It just makes the product hotter and you can just continue to grow.”
Chris Jericho successfully defended the ROH Championship against Matt Cardona at Final Battle but he was confronted by a returning star afterward. You can check out more about it here.
Chris Jericho may have retained his ROH World Championship at ROH Final Battle, but the champ didn’t have much time to celebrate. At Ring of Honor’s latest pay-per-view, Jericho arrived in style to the match, walking out with dancing women to Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York.
Ol' Blue Eyes (& the Nuevettes?) plays out the "King of New York"?
The match saw both men trade control, with Big Bill distracting the referee during a pin attempt by Cardona that should have sealed him the win. With the official occupied, Bryan Keith struck Cardona with the title, allowing for Jericho to get the win and retain.
After the match, The Learning Tree continued their assault on Cardona, until the returning Bandido made the save, the culmination of recent vignettes teasing his return. Bandido suffered a wrist injury in June 2023 and after undergoing surgery in July 2023, underwent a second surgery in December 2023.
This return certainly suggests that Bandido will be next in line for a shot at the ROH World Title. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from Ring of Honor and the reign of Chris Jericho.
Tony Khan has revealed Matt Cardona helped put together Chris Jericho’s recent GCW appearance.
The Deathmatch King is set to challenge Y2J for the ROH title at the upcoming Final Battle event on December 20. After Cardona made multiple appearances on ROH TV to build the bout, Jericho returned the favor with an appearance at the December 15 GCW event. Wearing an AEW shirt, he interfered in the match between Matt and Effy, attacking both the indie stars.
The AEW President was asked about this appearance by Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone during the Final Battle media call. Tony Khan explained that Cardona helped put the whole thing together and he was happy to send Jericho:
“Matt helped put that together, Matt asked me about it, and obviously, I was happy to send Chris to promote the match that is happening on ROH as part of the double main event.
With Matt appearing there, and this being a title match, it made sense to do something to promote. It’s very much along the lines of things we’ve done with other matches along the ways over the years.”
This appearance comes as an interesting turn in the AEW-GCW relationship. When Ricky Starks was abruptly pulled from the GCW shows, many speculated that Effy’s comments about Shad Khan were the reason behind it.
With Tony Khan allowing Jericho to work with Effy during his GCW appearance, however, the question now is if the problem was on Starks’ end and if his promo about not being used in AEW was the reason for the action.
Chris Jericho stunned fans by appearing in GCW and attacking two of the promotion’s top stars, amid GCW’s ongoing tensions with AEW. At the event, a masked figure entered the ring during Effy Vs. Matt Cardona and laid out the Indy God. After Effy got the win, the masked man revealed himself to be Jericho and floored Effy. Jericho then removed his hoodie to reveal an AEW shirt underneath.
Jericho’s arrival in AEW certainly comes at an interesting time. Recently, AEW pulled Ricky Starks from a GCW event and all future GCW events. The move caused a backlash against Tony Khan, with fans taking issue with Starks not being allowed to work in GCW, despite AEW not using him in any way. Starks was reportedly pulled from GCW after Effy made a comment about Tony Khan’s father.
Jericho has been with AEW since the very start and has been fiercely loyal to the company, especially during the backstage drama of 2022 and 2023 related to CM Punk and others. The reigning ROH World Champion will put his title on the line at ROH Final Battle next week against Cardona. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho, as his appearance in GCW was certainly a surprise for more than one reason.
Chris Jericho has made a name for himself in both pro-wrestling and music and now the AEW star has visited the street that bears his name. On Instagram, Jericho shared footage from his native Winnipeg, saying it was “cool” that a road had been named in his honor. The road holds extra significance for the first-ever AEW World Champion, who used to live and deliver newspapers on the street now named after him.
When not named after the wrestling legend, the street is called Wordsworth Way and has already appeared in Jericho’s entertainment endeavors. The street received its own track on Fozzy’s album Judas, with Jericho himself writing the lyrics for the track. The album was released in October 2017 and Jericho would use the titular track in New Japan and AEW.
Jericho is currently visiting Winnipeg as part of a ‘Jericho History’ tour hosted on his social media channels. Chris, who these days resides in Florida like several wrestlers, is back in Canada to celebrate the birthday of his father, NHL legend Ted Irvine.
When not giving history lessons in Winnipeg, Jericho can be found appearing for AEW and is the reigning Ring of Honor World Champion. Jericho will defend against Matt Cardona later this month at ROH Final Battle inside the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho and his adventures both in and out of the squared circle.
‘Indy God’ Matt Cardona made a surprise appearance on AEW Rampage this week ahead of his ROH World Championship showdown with Chris Jericho. In the ring, Jericho declared himself the ‘King of New York’ and dared Cardona, who confronted him on the latest ROH on HonorClub, to meet him face-to-face.
Cardona arrived on the scene, marking his AEW Rampage debut, and spoke of “busting my ass for this opportunity” against the ROH World Champion. Cardona added that he would prove himself by beating Jericho, who retorted by saying “You might be a bigger star now, but you’re still just Zack.”
#ROH Champion Chris Jericho and his #ROHFinalBattle Challenger Matt Cardona face-off before their HUGE MATCH for the World Title on December 20th from the Hammerstein Ballroom!
Jericho slapped Cardona, sparking a brawl that saw Bryan Keith blindside the former Long Island Iced-Z. Jericho whipped his upcoming challenger with the ROH World Title while Keith delivered a shot with a belt buckle.
Cardona and Jericho will collide at ROH Final Battle, which will take place on December 20, from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from ROH Final Battle including breaking news and live results as Matt Cardona seeks to add another championship to his resume.
ROH Final Battle will see Chris Jericho defend the ROH World Championship against one of the independent scene’s very top stars. During the December 4, tapings of ROH on Hobor Club, it was revealed that Matt Cardona will challenge Jericho for the gold.
This marks Cardona’s debut for Ring of Honor, and his first time sharing the ring with Jericho in over eight years. The pair last did battle on the July 4, 2016 episode of WWE Raw, on opposite ends of a 16-Man Tag Team Match in which Cardona’s team would get the win. The pair’s most recent singles match took place on Raw in March that same year, with Cardona once again getting the victory over Y2J.
Cardona has appeared for AEW in the past but opted not to sign with the promotion following his release from WWE in 2020. Instead, the former Long Island Iced-Z has spent the last four years establishing himself as a top-tier name on the independents, though has shown interest in a WWE return.
ROH Final Battle 2024 will take place on December 20, from the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, the home of various ECW events. The card for the show currently stands as follows:
Chris Jericho (c) Vs. Matt Cardona (ROH World Championship)
Red Velvet (c) Vs. Layla Hirsch (ROH Women’s World Television Championship)
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on ROH Final Battle 2024, including breaking news and live results from the much-anticipated pay-per-view.
Chris Jericho, the reigning Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion, is set to host a special segment titled “TV Time with Chris Jericho” on the December 5, 2024, episode of ROH on HonorClub. This announcement was made during a “New York Minute” segment on the December 4 episode of AEW Dynamite, where Jericho also promoted AEW’s upcoming events at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
In “TV Time with Chris Jericho,” the champion is expected to discuss his challenger for the upcoming ROH Final Battle event, scheduled for December 20, 2024, in New York City. Jericho’s involvement in ROH programming has been significant since he captured the ROH World Championship from Mark Briscoe in a Ladder War match on October 23, 2024.
The ROH World Champion Chris Jericho is here with your NEW YORK MINUTE!
Jericho’s presence is anticipated to elevate ROH’s profile, especially amid ongoing negotiations for a television deal. His status as a prominent figure in professional wrestling is viewed as a strategic asset in these discussions.
The December 5 episode of ROH on HonorClub will also feature matches including Alex Reynolds versus Katsuyori Shibata, and Rachael Ellering facing Trish Adora.
Fans can watch the episode on HonorClub and stay updated through ROH’s official channels.
Chris Jericho and Mark Briscoe went to war at WrestleDream 2024 in a match that saw Briscoe retain the ROH World Championship. This week, the pair once again did battle for the richest prize in Ring of Honor, but it was Jericho who’d leave the October 23, edition of AEW Dynamite with the gold.
In a ladder match, Briscoe and Jericho held nothing back and used the titular item to full effect as a weapon. The closing moments of the match saw Mark hit a Jay Driller on the Learning Tree and climb the ladder, seemingly poised to retain the title. That was until Big Bill interfered and chokeslammed him through a table. Bill then propped Jericho on his shoulders, allowing the veteran to capture the gold.
#ANDNEW#ROH World Champion 'The Learning Tree' Chris Jericho…But a familiar challenger has arrived!
After the match, Jericho and Bill’s celebration was cut short by Tomohiro Ishii. The Japanese legend had previously been taken out by Jericho and now has his sights set on the new Ring of Honor World Champion.
In a backstage segment, Mark Briscoe was at a loss for words after his brutal defeat at the hands of Jericho (and Big Bill.)
This win marks Jericho’s second time holding the Ring of Honor World Championship and his ninth World title overall in his career. He previously held the gold from September to December 2022, both winning from and losing the gold to Claudio Castagnoli.
Chris Jericho’s next Hollywood project, Dark Match, is slated for release on Friday, January 31, 2025. This wrestling-themed action-horror film was one of several exciting titles announced by Shudder during the New York Comic Con.
Dark Match was first announced in December 2022 and is directed by Lowell Dean. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Westworld), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (The Call), and Jonathan Cherry (Goon).
Produced by John K. MacDonald, Don Depoe, Michael Feehan, Rhonda Baker, and Michael Peterson, with executive producers Eleanor Wiebe and Chris Jericho, Dark Match promises to thrill action and horror fans alike.
The official synopsis reads: “A small-time wrestling company accepts a lucrative gig in a remote, backwoods town, only to discover that the community is controlled by a mysterious cult leader with sinister plans for their match.”
Jericho, already well-known for his role in the Terrifier movies, is seeing continued success with Terrifier 3, which has grossed nearly $30 million since its debut on October 11, 2024.
The situation between Chris Jericho and MVP has already been hashed out since the latter joined All Elite Wrestling a couple weeks ago.
The most recent AEW signee has had a rocky relationship with Y2J in the last few years. There have been reports of the two having a physical altercation at a past edition of Jericho Cruise. An argument between the two at an AEW hotel had also been reported.
That’s why a lot of people wondered how things will play out when MVP made his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion during the Grand Slam special of Dynamite.
Fightful Select is reporting that the tensions have already been relieved after an initiative from the Hurt Syndicate Manager. According to them, MVP went directly to Jericho’s locker room on his very first day on the job.
While specific details of how the meeting went down are not provided, the belief in AEW is that things have been hashed out and there won’t be an issue between the two moving forward.
The two AEW stars have been seen interacting with each other backstage since then and MVP has been praised by people backstage for taking the initiative and addressing the issues up front.
While the backstage issues have been resolved, MVP’s debut is a matter of concern for the roster on screen. The former WWE star has teased the arrival of The Hurt Syndicate since his first appearance for the company.
With Shelton Benjamin having already joined the promotion, it’s only a matter of time before we see Bobby Lashley reuniting with the two. The arrival of this formidable trio that dominated Raw during the pandemic era is certainly a matter of concern for anyone finding themselves in a prominent position on AEW programming.
Chris Jericho is taking a big fat victory lap after All Elite Wrestling (AEW) secured a new multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. After several months of wrestling pundits spewing doom and gloom about AEW’s long-term prospects, Jericho says they’ve made those “experts” look like idiots.
The Learning Tree appeared on Busted Open Radio on Wednesday and touted the importance of there being more than one thriving major wrestling promotion.
“I think we proved a lot of so-called ‘experts,’ and we made them look like idiots. We knew what was going on with this. The landscape changes constantly. numbers go up and numbers go down, but the overall demo of what AEW brings to the table as a live sporting event is invaluable.
We knew it was something that people would want to be involved with. Warner Brothers Discovery didn’t want us to go anywhere, and you can see, $185 million a year for a company that has only been going five years. That’s never happened before. Ever.”
Jericho’s comments come amid growing speculation about AEW’s future, particularly in light of their new lucrative deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. He emphasized that AEW’s rapid growth and success have proven the naysayers wrong, while setting the stage for an exciting new chapter.
“Obviously, WWE is the gold standard. They didn’t have a deal like that five years in. With all the growing pains, good and bad, that AEW has, we’re still such a young company. That showed we have a real commitment.
We’re not going anywhere. Tony Khan is not going anywhere. I’m not going anywhere, much to people’s chagrin. Neither is the rest of the company. It’s going to be a really great next three to five years.”
– Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho, formerly known as “The Ocho” to signify his eight World Title reigns, looks be become The Nueve this Saturday night when he challenges Mark Briscoe for the Ring of Honor Worlds Championship at AEW WrestleDream.
Chris Jericho held the ROH World Championship for a handful of months in 2022, in Jericho’s first-ever title reign as part of the promotion. Now, Jericho plans on holding the gold again, and used some shocking tactics to get into the head of champion Mark Briscoe.
On Dynamite’s fifth anniversary, Jericho hosted a Learning Tree segment in the ring with Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Now dubbing himself ‘The Nueve’ Jericho challenged Briscoe to a ROH World Championship match at AEW WrestleDream.
Briscoe came out to accept the match, adding that Jericho’s recent victory over him came thanks to interference by Big Bill. It was here that Jericho sunk to a new low as he said that Mark Briscoe couldn’t beat him before stating that his brother, Jay Briscoe, could have. Jericho went on to say that everyone knows that Mark will never be as good as Jay was. Mark responded by dropping Jericho with a shot to the jaw and promised a Briscoe brother-style ass-whooping at WrestleDream.
Chris Jericho made his challenge to #ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe for #AEWWrestleDream way too personal.
Jay Briscoe sadly passed in January 2023 in a car crash, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. Tributes to Jay have poured in from the wrestling world and a locker room was named in his memory at the school where his daughters, who were injured in the crash, attend.
The loss of his brother left Mark contemplating retirement, but the remaining Briscoe has not only continued in the ring but is thriving as ROH World Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream including breaking news and live results.
In recent days, Hurricane Helene has ravaged the United States, with at least 125 people losing their lives and many more being affected. Alongside national assistance, individuals have been trying to do what they can to help out, and the world of wrestling is opening its hearts, and its wallets, to those in need.
AEW’s Cash Wheeler has launched a GoFundMe to help those affected by Hurricane Helene which has proven to be a huge success. The fundraiser has already smashed past its original goal of $25,000 USD and at this time, is sitting at over $53,000.
Here are some notable names from wrestling who have pitched in:
AEW President Tony Khan – $10,000
Chris Jericho – $5,000
Nick Massie (aka Nick Jackson) – $2,000
Orange Cassidy – $1,500
Pamela Martinez (aka Bayley) – $1,250
MJF – $1,000
Matt Cardona – $500
Cezar Bononi – $300
Hurricane Helene has affected several plans in the world of wrestling, with MLW canceling its October 4, event due to the storm. TNA has similarly canceled its upcoming tapings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that had been scheduled for October 4. CJ Perry’s mother was left stranded due to the storm, as was her father, though Perry has since shared that her mom and dad have now been reunited.
Hurricane Helene has devastated lives, and Wheeler’s GoFundMe will do a lot of good to help those most in need. We here at SEScoops are sending our very best wishes to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Despite being seven-foot-tall, Big Bill knows what it’s like to fight from underneath and his baby nephew Connor is doing the same after only just being born at 28 weeks.
Big Bill, real name William Morrissey, who is nearing five years of sobriety, spoke with me ahead of his trios tag match involving The Learning Tree taking on The Congolmoration on the upcoming episode of AEW Collision.
Big Bill is no stranger to Arthur Ashe Stadium as Queens, NY is his almost literal backyard, but did give details about Connor who is now home after spending nearly three months in the neonatal unit for premature babies. Bill mentioned Connor was nominated for the 2024 Good Housekeeping Baby Of The Year Award and if Connor wins, the family will take home $25,000 to benefit his future. Big Bill also said how appreciative he is for the wrestling fans and the support they’ve already shown for baby Connor.
“No matter what side you’re on, or who you love or who you hate, the wrestling community always comes together for something like this so put it out there and a lot of people have responded so I’m really, really appreciative of that.”
Can't thank @TheCaZXL enough for the time to talk about his baby nephew Connor who was born at 28 weeks! Spread the word and be sure to vote for him for #BabyOfTheYear BEFORE 7 PM ET TONIGHT! #PremiePower 👶💪 FULL INTERVIEW IN COMMENTS!
Big Bill is also appreciative of his Learning Tree branches in Bryan Keith and Chris Jericho Bill mentioned Chris helped donate to Connor and planned on thanking him at Arthur Ashe, but did say what he’s actually learned from Jericho. A big takeaway is always playing it straight no matter how ridiculous a segment can be.
“I agree with him. No matter how goofy things may seem, no matter how silly, no matter how much you think someone may look at that and be, ‘Oh, that is so stupid.’ As long as you play it straight, you believe it and you believe it’s real, it’s going to work and I feel like that’s what we’ve been doing.
“The thing with a character like that is yeah, you can be funny, but when things get real you gotta lock in and I think we’re also very good at that.”
As for Keith, Bill knows that he’s one mean man, and “The Bad Apple” conveys viciousness, but has the charisma factor as well.
“T-shirt material. He’s got all these things that he says that can all be t-shirts. He’s killing it.”
AEW veteran commentator Tony Schiavone has made it clear that he still feels excited when the former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho gets inside the ring.
Jericho and Schiavone both have been in the pro wrestling business for decades. They were once a part of WCW back in the 90s. They then reunited in AEW following its inception in 2019. Over the years, ‘The Learning Tree’ has been criticized for being out of shape but Tony said that he enjoys watching Jericho perform in the ring.
Speaking on his podcast What Happened When, Tony responded to the critics. He spoke highly of the 53-year-old wrestler for his efforts in his performances and explained that being out of shape is understandable given his age. Tony Schiavone explained:
“I’m always pumped when Chris Jericho is in the event or is wrestling for us or is doing an angle because he’s so cool and I know he gets a lot of heat because a lot of fans say ‘Well, he’s not [in] the shape he used to be.’ Of course, he’s not. None of us are at that age, but I really enjoy everything he does and all the effort he puts into it.”
Chris Jericho recently locked horns with The Conglomeration’s Orange Cassidy on this week’s AEW Dynamite. The duo has reignited their feud and it doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. In the final moments of the match, Cassidy hit an Orange Punch on Jericho with a stack of quarters to get the pinfall. The former AEW World Champion was furious with the outcome and sent out a stern message to Cassidy.
AEW star Chris Jericho wants retribution on Orange Cassidy and The Conglomeration.
Chris Jericho and Orange Cassidy have been involved in a feud for weeks. During the latest edition of AEW Dynamite, the pair collided in a singles match. In the final moments of the match, Cassidy took a stack of quarters from Jericho and hit the Orange Punch to secure the win. This marks Orange Cassidy’s first clash against Chris Jericho in four years and he has once again won the match.
In an AEW digital exclusive, Chris Jericho sent a stern warning to Orange Cassidy and called him a ‘cheater.’ The veteran star also made it clear that his feud with The Conglomeration is far from over. He said:
“You should be filming me. Filming Orange Cassidy, that cheater, after he beat me on Dynamite with a stack of rolled quarters in his hand. What is your problem with change, Orange? Now we know what you’re all about. So the Learning Tree has a lesson for you. The next time I see you or any of those dopey Conglomeration members that you call buddies, friends, pals, I’m gonna take this all out on the three of you with ‘The Redwood’ and ‘The Bad Apple.’ This is not the end of The Learning Tree versus The Conglomeration. Thanks, Orange, for being a low-life cheater. Shame on you. I should tell your orange mother what you did.”
The Conglomeration, which was formed a few months back, has become one of the most popular factions in the promotion. The faction consists of Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, Tomohiro Ishii, and Willow Nightingale.
By the looks of it, the feud doesn’t seem to end anytime soon.
