Add as a preferred source on Google Chris Jericho is still trying to bring a new feel to his current AEW run. Since returning to the company in April, the veteran has been referred to simply as “Jericho” on AEW programming, something that, according to Fightful Select, came at his own request.
Speaking recently on Ringer Wrestling, Jericho explained that the idea came from comparing it to self-titled albums by major bands.
To him, the last name alone already carries everything fans need to connect with his career.
“Well, whenever I get asked that, I always say the current version cuz if I didn’t, then I’d be like, ‘What am I doing?’ But I like the idea of what I’m doing now with with Jericho. And just by by by not using that first name a lot, it created this whole intrigue online. Like, what’s he doing? What’s the idea? What’s the reason?”
“Honestly, it’s like a self-titled album. That’s where I kind of got the idea from. Um I could create you know, a a dozen other uh nicknames, but how many more do I need? Everyone knows who Jericho is.”
“And when you hear that name, then you can go remember whatever memories that you have on your own. So, it really is like, you know, Metallica, the black album. You don’t need to It didn’t need to be called that. You know who Metallica is. You know what’s going on. The Beatles, the white album. Same thing.”
“So, that’s kind of what the idea is for for the Jericho era. And I like it. I like I like kind of what’s been going on and kind of going with the flow and seeing what what’s working and what’s not.” h/t Ringside News
The change comes during a rebuilding phase after months of speculation about his future. Jericho returned to AEW after rumors of a possible move to WWE, but recently chose not to fully clear up the situation, only saying he enjoys the suspense surrounding it.
For now, Jericho is involved in the road to AEW Double or Nothing, which takes place on May 24 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.