A former AEW star has spoken very highly of Chris Jericho.
Currently involved in a feud with Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata and HOOK, the FTW Champion has feuded with rising stars along with established wrestlers during his 5-year run in AEW, losing to names such as Orange Cassidy, Action Andretti and former FTW Champion HOOK at Forbidden Door. According to one former star, this is something that Jericho has done more than multiple top names in the past.
Jake Hager was a part of the promotion from day 1 and was aligned with Jericho throughout his time in AEW. Appearing on No Shave Man Cave, Hager claimed that Jericho has put over new talent whereas The Undertaker, Triple H and Sting did not:
“Here’s the thing I like about it. Did you see Triple H putting over any new guys? Did you see Undertaker putting over any new guys? Did you see any top guys, who have been in the business for as long as Jericho, putting over anybody? Did Sting put over anybody? No. [Jericho’s] trying to build. He understands it. It drives me crazy that nobody talks about this. He’s putting over these guys. He’s putting the stamp on them. Did he make Orange Cassidy hot? I mean, come on. I’m biased, but I think the fact that he is so unselfish with building this company. Forget about it.”
In May 2024, it was revealed that Jake Hager had exited the company.
Chris Jericho Addresses In-Ring Future
Despite fans repeatedly calling for Jericho to retire, The Learning Tree has remained a frequent part of programming and has continued to anger a section of the wrestling fanbase with his requests for TV time. Discussing the topic of retirement in a recent interview, Chris Jericho explained why the time is not right.
H/t to Fightful.