Chris Jericho’s Decision to Decline WWE Offer
Chris Jericho, a prominent figure in AEW, recently shared the story of turning down an offer from WWE in the 1990s. During the Horror, Rock & Wrestle Fest 2025 event, Jericho revealed that Jim Cornette, a WWE employee at the time, approached him with the opportunity. Despite it being his first full-time chance with a major North American promotion, Jericho declined the offer due to not wanting to be associated with a hockey player-inspired gimmick.
Jericho’s Encounter with WWE and WCW
Recalling the moment, Jericho mentioned how he was approached by Jim Cornette, who presented him with the WWE offer. However, the prospect of being associated with characters like The Goon and Salvatore Sincere did not appeal to Jericho. Consequently, he opted to decline the offer. Soon after, Jericho received a call from WCW’s Kevin Sullivan, offering him a try-out opportunity. Impressing WCW officials during the try-out, Jericho secured a full-time contract in 1996, without the need for a gimmick like “The Goon.”
Jericho’s Journey to Wrestling Stardom
Transitioning to WCW, Jericho made a name for himself in the Cruiserweight division before eventually joining WWE in 1999. His decision to decline the initial WWE offer paved the way for a successful career in professional wrestling. Jericho’s journey from WCW to WWE marked a significant turning point in his career, leading him to become one of the industry’s most prominent stars.
AEW Star’s Experience Working with Jericho
Bryan Keith, an AEW star, recently shared his experience of working with Chris Jericho. Describing it as “amazing,” Keith highlighted Jericho’s decades of wrestling experience as a valuable learning opportunity. Keith expressed his admiration for Jericho’s advice, stating that he absorbed it “like a sponge.” This collaboration between Jericho and Keith exemplifies the mentorship and knowledge-sharing within the wrestling industry.
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