Fans Outraged as Chris Jericho Defeats Rising Star HOOK at AEW Dynasty
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is no stranger to dramatic storylines and intense rivalries, but the recent turn of events at AEW Dynasty has left fans in a state of shock and dismay. This reaction comes after Chris Jericho, a seasoned wrestling veteran, defeated HOOK, one of AEW’s fastest-rising stars, in a match for the FTW Championship.1
The outcome of this contest has stirred up significant controversy among fans, many of whom feel that HOOK’s loss was not only unjust but also detrimental to his rising status in the company.
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The Match Setup: HOOK vs. Chris Jericho
The match between HOOK and Jericho was set after the young talent rejected Jericho’s offer to take him under his wing. It was a classic tale of the mentor seeking to guide a promising protégé, only to be rebuffed.
HOOK’s refusal to align with Jericho led to a more personal vendetta when the veteran laid hands on Tazz, HOOK’s father and a revered figure in AEW. This incident set the stage for a high-stakes contest, with the FTW Championship on the line.
Jericho’s Victory: A Controversial Win
Despite the excitement surrounding the match, the outcome left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans. Jericho’s victory came after he used a baseball bat to incapacitate HOOK, allowing him to secure the pin and become the new FTW Champion.
This unsanctioned championship win was Jericho’s first singles title since losing the AEW World Championship, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. However, fans felt that this win came at the expense of HOOK’s momentum and growth within AEW.
Fan Reaction: Anger and Speculation
The reaction from fans was swift and intense. Many took to social media to express their disappointment with HOOK’s loss and criticized AEW for seemingly “burying” the young star.
The use of a baseball bat to secure the victory was seen as an underhanded tactic, and fans questioned why a veteran like Jericho would need to resort to such measures to defeat a rising talent.
Also Read: Chris Jericho Future Amidst Kylie Rae Allegations
Ricky Starks Suggests Chris Jericho Should Retire from AEW
Chris Jericho has had an illustrious career in professional wrestling spanning more than three decades. He’s known for his charismatic persona, in-ring prowess, and ability to reinvent himself over the years.2
However, some believe that his time in the ring might be nearing its end. One such person is Ricky Starks, an AEW star who recently suggested that Jericho should consider retirement.
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The Longevity of Chris Jericho’s Career
Chris Jericho has had an impressive journey, performing in major promotions like WCW, WWE, and AEW. His ability to adapt to changing trends in the wrestling industry is commendable, and his dedication to the craft is undeniable.
However, Jericho’s extended career has raised questions about when he will finally retire, especially given the toll that wrestling takes on the body.
Ricky Starks’ Point of View
Ricky Starks, one of AEW’s rising stars, has voiced his opinion that Jericho should retire. Starks’ perspective isn’t necessarily rooted in negativity or criticism; instead, it comes from recognizing the strain that wrestling places on an athlete’s body and the importance of knowing when to step away.
Starks may have personal experience with the rigors of professional wrestling, and seeing Jericho, who has achieved so much in his career, continue to put his body on the line could be concerning. Starks’ suggestion might be driven by respect for Jericho’s career and a desire to see him retire while he still has his health.
The Legacy of Chris Jericho
- Chris Jericho’s legacy in professional wrestling is cemented. He’s a multi-time world champion, a major draw for audiences, and a creative force in AEW’s programming.3
- Jericho’s influence extends beyond the ring, as he has contributed to the development of other wrestlers and the growth of AEW as a promotion.
- Jericho’s longevity has allowed him to work with multiple generations of wrestlers, inspiring younger talent and bringing experience to AEW’s roster.
- His ability to maintain relevance while elevating others is a testament to his skill and understanding of the wrestling business.
- Retirement is a difficult decision for any professional athlete, especially someone like Jericho, who has spent most of his life in the wrestling business.
Chris Jericho: The Man of a Thousand Reinventions
Christopher Keith Irvine, born November 9, 1970, is a name synonymous with professional wrestling and rock music. Known worldwide by his ring name Chris Jericho, he is a celebrated American-Canadian professional wrestler who has made his mark in various wrestling promotions, including WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Jericho is currently signed to AEW, where he is the reigning FTW Champion in his first reign. His over-the-top rock star persona, combined with technical wrestling prowess and an uncanny ability to reinvent his character, has earned him the reputation of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Early Beginnings and Wrestling Evolution
Chris Jericho began his wrestling career in 1990, training at the Hart Brothers School of Wrestling in Calgary, Alberta. He quickly established himself in the wrestling scene with his high-energy performances and charismatic presence.
Chris Jericho (@IamJericho) Signs Extension With #AEW Through 2025 – Increasing Roles And Responsibilities
Read full release – https://t.co/9wFb4l7g37 pic.twitter.com/57Ng4esh2M— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 18, 2022
His early career took him across the globe, including stops in Japan, Mexico, and Europe, where he gained invaluable experience and honed his craft.
The Y2J Phenomenon and WWE Success
- In 1999, Jericho made a high-profile debut in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), interrupting The Rock during an episode of Raw is War.
- This grand entrance established him as “Y2J,” a character who seamlessly blended rock star swagger with wrestling prowess.
- Jericho quickly became a fan-favorite, captivating audiences with his witty promos, catchphrases, and innovative wrestling style.
- His time in WWE was filled with notable achievements. Jericho became the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion in 2001, unifying the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship.
- He won multiple Intercontinental Championships, Tag Team Championships, and World Heavyweight Championships. Jericho’s versatility allowed him to thrive as both a heel and a babyface, adapting to the evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
Also Read: How Rich is Chris Jericho? WWE Star Net worth in 2023 Explored
Chris Jericho: From ECW to WCW and NJPW – The Journey of a Wrestling Icon
Professional wrestling is a dynamic and often unpredictable world where athletes carve out their legacies through hard work, charisma, and memorable performances.
One such figure who has left an indelible mark on the industry is Chris Jericho. His journey through Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to different wrestling styles and cultures.
The ECW Era: Grit, Innovation, and the World Television Championship
- In 1995, Chris Jericho joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), a promotion renowned for its hardcore wrestling and rebellious spirit.
- ECW was a breeding ground for unique talents and unconventional styles, making it the perfect platform for a young wrestler seeking to make a name for himself.
- Jericho quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his high-flying moves, technical prowess, and undeniable charisma.
- During his time in ECW, Jericho engaged in memorable matches with the likes of Sabu, Shane Douglas, and Taz.
- His ability to adapt to the promotion’s hardcore style while maintaining his unique flair set him apart from his peers. In 1996, Jericho’s hard work paid off when he captured the ECW World Television Championship, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
- This victory showcased his versatility and solidified his status as a rising star in the wrestling world.
The WCW Experience: Cruiserweight Success and Beyond
Following his successful stint in ECW, Chris Jericho transitioned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996. At the time, WCW was in the midst of the Monday Night Wars, a fierce ratings battle with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE).
Jericho’s arrival at WCW added depth to the promotion’s cruiserweight division, which was known for its fast-paced, high-energy matches.
The Debut in NJPW: An Introduction to Japanese Wrestling Culture
While making waves in WCW, Chris Jericho also expanded his horizons by debuting for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1997. NJPW is one of Japan’s premier wrestling promotions, known for its strong style and technical prowess. Jericho’s debut in NJPW opened new doors for him and exposed him to a different wrestling culture.
Chris Jericho: A Multi-Talented Superstar
Chris Jericho is a name synonymous with professional wrestling, rock music, and television entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades, Jericho has achieved immense success and fame. This extensive career has contributed to a significant net worth, estimated to be around $18 million in 2023, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
However, Jericho’s income doesn’t solely come from wrestling; he has diversified his career to include various other avenues of entertainment and business.
The Wrestling Career of Chris Jericho
- Chris Jericho’s journey in professional wrestling began in 1990, and he quickly rose through the ranks, gaining fame in various wrestling promotions.
- His success reached new heights in the late 1990s and early 2000s when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
- During his time in WWE, Jericho achieved numerous accolades, including becoming the first Undisputed WWE Champion.
- His wrestling career is characterized by charismatic performances, memorable promos, and a distinct in-ring style.
- Jericho’s ability to reinvent himself has allowed him to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. These factors have contributed significantly to his earnings over the years.
Transition to All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
In 2019, Chris Jericho made a significant career move by joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new wrestling promotion that quickly gained popularity. Jericho’s signing with AEW brought him a lucrative contract, which has contributed substantially to his net worth.
Additionally, his role as a top star and mentor to younger wrestlers has solidified his status as a key figure in the promotion’s growth.
Chris Jericho’s Music Career
In addition to his wrestling success, Chris Jericho has made a name for himself in the music industry. He is the lead singer of the rock band Fozzy, which has released several albums and toured internationally.
Jericho’s music career has not only garnered him recognition but has also provided an additional source of income through album sales, concert ticket sales, and merchandise.
FAQ’S
1. What caused the fan backlash after Chris Jericho’s AEW PPV victory?
Ans: Fans expressed disappointment with Chris Jericho’s victory due to perceptions that AEW might be relying too heavily on established WWE talent. Some believe this could limit opportunities for newer or homegrown AEW wrestlers to shine.
2. Why do fans suggest that ‘WWE is calling’ after Jericho’s victory?
Ans: The phrase “WWE is calling” implies that fans think Jericho’s victory aligns with WWE’s booking style, favoring veteran wrestlers over newer talent. This has fueled speculation that AEW might be following similar trends as WWE, causing concerns among fans who prefer AEW’s distinct approach.
3. What was the significance of Chris Jericho’s win at the AEW PPV?
Ans: Jericho’s victory might have been part of a larger storyline or a way to keep his character relevant in AEW. Despite the backlash, his presence continues to attract viewers and add credibility to AEW’s roster, given his extensive experience and fan base.
4. How has AEW responded to the fan backlash?
Ans: AEW generally does not directly respond to fan criticism. However, the company might address fan concerns by focusing more on promoting emerging talent and creating engaging storylines to maintain interest among their diverse fanbase.
5. How can AEW balance veteran star power with new talent?
Ans: AEW can balance veteran star power with new talent by using experienced wrestlers like Jericho to elevate younger stars. This can be achieved through feuds, tag-team pairings, or mentorship roles, allowing new talent to gain exposure and credibility while still benefiting from the star power of veterans.
