Chris Jericho doesn’t mind the hate he is getting from fans and believes that it’s the beauty of wrestling.
The Learning Tree recently had an interview with KCAL News to promote tonight’s Dynamite episode from Kia Forum in LA. He discussed things such as the reasons behind the recent growth in the popularity of wrestling.
During the interview, Jericho also talked about the latest evolution of his character. The former AEW Champion was asked how he feels about the heat he has been getting recently, and Chris said that it’s amazing:
“It’s amazing. When you have been in the business as long as I have, 33 years, you always wanna evolve and revamp your character. Kind of get some diversity with what you’re doing so I think reestablishing myself under this Leaning Tree, it gives you a new vibe, reinvigorates you, and keeps things fresh and fun.”
It’s The Beauty of Wrestling: Chris Jericho
Later in the interview, Chris Jericho proclaimed that character and stories are the most important things in the business. Fans will always come to see the show if you can connect with the people. When asked how he interacts with the fans, the wrestling veteran said that it’s very important to read the room:
“The one thing about wrestling is and it’s very important is you have to understand the concepts of being a good guy and when it starts getting stale, of being a bad guy. It’s kind of like when people say ‘It’s like a soap opera.’ In that way, it is a soap opera. You’re a good guy and then suddenly something happens and then you don’t like ’em for a while. You have to be able to read the room on that and know when people hate you.
People are really not liking me right now so it’s time to kind of change. And that’s ok, that’s the beauty of wrestling, you can just lean into it. I take great pride in kind of making people angry with things cause that’s what you want to do. You’re playing a character. When Chris Jericho comes on screen in AEW, it’s different from the Chris Jericho you’re talking to right now. That’s the way it should be. A larger-than-life character is kind of what wrestling is all about and I embrace that wholly.”
Chris Jericho successfully defended his FTW Championship at the Double or Nothing PPV this past Sunday. He will be debuting a new talk show dubbed ‘TV Time’ at this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite.
Quotes in this article have been edited for clarity