Chris Jericho's Top 10 Moments

What's up, wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into the absolute madness that is the career of Chris Jericho. This guy isn't just a wrestler; he's a rockstar, a podcast legend, and a master of reinvention. Seriously, how does he do it?!

Over his incredible, legendary career, Y2J has delivered countless unforgettable moments. From his debut that shook the world to his championship reigns and epic rivalries, Jericho has a knack for making history. It’s tough to narrow it down, but we've managed to put together what we think are his top 10, based on impact, memorability, and sheer awesomeness. So buckle up, grab your favorite adult beverage, and let's get ready to celebrate the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla!

1. The Countdown to Y2J

Let's kick things off with the debut. The night of August 9, 1999, on an episode of Raw is still talked about today. The WWF (as it was then) was building up this mysterious countdown clock for weeks, and nobody knew who or what was coming. The anticipation was insane! Then, the clock hit zero, and out walked Chris Jericho, interrupting none other than The Rock. His entrance promo, "The Countdown has ended, and may God have mercy on your souls!" is etched into wrestling history. This wasn't just an arrival; it was an invasion. Jericho immediately established himself as a major player, a charismatic anti-hero with a unique style and an undeniable presence. His ability to connect with the audience, even as a heel, was remarkable. He brought a fresh energy to the company, a mix of arrogance, technical skill, and a flair for the dramatic that was unlike anything else at the time. This debut set the stage for everything that followed, proving that Chris Jericho was here to stay and ready to shake up the wrestling world. The sheer audacity of interrupting The Rock, one of the biggest stars in the company, on his grand entrance spoke volumes about Jericho's confidence and the belief the company had in him. It was a masterclass in building hype and delivering a payoff that exceeded expectations. The phrase "Y2J" itself became synonymous with this era, a pop culture phenomenon that transcended wrestling. It was a bold statement that Chris Jericho was not just another wrestler; he was a game-changer.

2. The First Undisputed Champion

Fast forward to December 9, 2001, at Vengeance. This night was huge. Jericho defeated both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night to become the first-ever Undisputed WWF Champion. Talk about a monumental achievement! He unified the WWF Championship and the WCW Championship, proving he was the absolute best in the world at that moment. This was the culmination of his long and arduous journey to the top. Winning both titles in a single night against two legends like Austin and The Rock wasn't just a victory; it was a statement. It solidified Jericho's place in the annals of wrestling history and proved that he wasn't just a great performer but a legitimate main-event star capable of carrying the company. The crowd's reaction, the sheer disbelief and then eruption of cheers, perfectly encapsulated the magnitude of the moment. It was a testament to his perseverance, his skill in the ring, and his unparalleled ability to connect with the audience. This win cemented his legacy and showed everyone that Y2J wasn't just a fad; he was a true champion. The strategic brilliance of winning both titles in one night demonstrated his dominance and created a unique historical footnote that only he could claim. It was a night where the wrestling world collectively acknowledged that Chris Jericho had reached the pinnacle of his profession, achieving a feat that many thought impossible. The strategic booking of having him defeat two iconic figures on the same night amplified the significance of his victory, positioning him as the undisputed king of sports entertainment at that time. The emotional weight of this victory, after years of hard work and dedication, was palpable, resonating deeply with fans who had followed his journey. It was a defining moment that showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and eras of wrestling, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest of all time.

3. The List of Jericho

Oh, the List of Jericho! This was pure gold, guys. Jericho returned in 2016, and this simple prop – a list he kept of people he deemed unworthy of his presence – became one of the most popular and hilarious gimmicks in recent memory. It was a perfect blend of arrogance and comedy. The crowd would pop HUGE every time he brought out the list, chanting "Y2J! Y2J!" as he meticulously went through his victims. It was a genius way to get heat and get the crowd involved, making every segment with the list an event. The beauty of the List of Jericho was its simplicity and relatability. Everyone has, at some point, felt like they were judging others or creating a mental list of grievances. Jericho tapped into that, but with his signature, over-the-top heel persona. The way he would pause, look at the list, then look at the poor soul who made it, and then dramatically cross them off was comedic genius. It transcended a typical wrestling gimmick; it became a cultural reference point. It wasn't just about who was on the list; it was about how Jericho presented it. His tone, his mannerisms, the exaggerated emphasis on certain names – it all contributed to its success. This gimmick proved that Jericho could still innovate and connect with the audience even after decades in the business, adapting his style to remain relevant and entertaining. The sheer joy the audience derived from seeing names added to or removed from the list highlighted Jericho's unparalleled ability to manipulate crowd reactions and generate buzz. It was a testament to his creativity and understanding of what makes wrestling compelling and entertaining, proving that even a simple prop could become an iconic element of his legendary career. The interactivity of the gimmick, with the crowd anticipating who would be next and often reacting vocally to their inclusion or exclusion, made it a dynamic and engaging part of his storylines. It showcased Jericho's mastery of the microphone and his capacity to turn a simple prop into a significant part of his narrative, solidifying his reputation as one of wrestling's most versatile and entertaining performers.

4. The Rivalry with Shawn Michaels

This feud was, and still is, iconic. The rivalry between Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels in 2008 was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology. It wasn't just about who was the better wrestler; it was a clash of egos, a battle for supremacy between two of the greatest performers of their generation. The "Codebreaker" on HBK at The Great American Bash was a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. This rivalry showcased Jericho's ability to elevate his opponents and tell compelling stories. The feud was meticulously crafted, with each segment building upon the last, creating a narrative that was both personal and captivating. The intensity of their matches, the emotional investment from both performers, and the way they played off each other's strengths made it a truly memorable experience for fans. It wasn't just about the physical battles; it was about the psychological warfare, the taunts, the betrayals, and the sheer animosity that was palpable. This feud cemented Jericho's status as a top-tier performer capable of main-eventing and delivering critically acclaimed matches against other legends. It demonstrated his versatility as a heel, capable of being both arrogant and deeply menacing. The iconic image of Jericho breaking Michaels's nose with a low blow after their final match is a brutal yet fitting testament to the intensity and animosity that defined their legendary rivalry. The segment where Jericho feigned retirement only to return and attack Michaels was a prime example of his brilliant storytelling and ability to shock the audience. This rivalry wasn't just a series of matches; it was a narrative arc that captivated fans and showcased the best of what professional wrestling had to offer. The depth of the storytelling, the believable animosity, and the exceptional in-ring performances combined to create a feud that is still revered by fans today, a benchmark for how two top talents can create magic together. The intricate storytelling and psychological warfare employed by both Jericho and Michaels during this feud were exceptional, delving into themes of jealousy, ego, and a desperate desire for validation. Each encounter felt significant, layered with history and personal animosity, making the eventual confrontations all the more impactful. The