Chris Jericho Ranks His Greatest Wrestling Feuds: Michaels, Owens & MJF

Professional wrestling icon Chris Jericho recently reflected on some of the most memorable rivalries of his 35-year career, spanning his time in WCW, WWE, and AEW. In a new interview, Jericho highlighted specific feuds that stood out due to their length, intensity, and overall impact.

Defining Rivalries

Jericho identified his 2008 feud with Shawn Michaels as an “all-time great” within the WWE landscape. He also pointed to his 2016 rivalry with Kevin Owens and his 2020 program with MJF as particularly significant moments in his career.

The Importance of Long-Term Storytelling

According to Jericho, the most impactful feuds are those that unfold over an extended period. “The ones that are my favourite are the long builds that take six, seven, eight months,” he stated. He explained that these longer storylines require a “special, magical” quality to sustain audience engagement.

Did You Know? The rivalry between Chris Jericho and MJF in AEW lasted an extraordinary 366 days.

The 2008 feud with Shawn Michaels, for example, evolved from initial respect to a deeply personal conflict, culminating in an Unsanctioned Match at Unforgiven and a Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy. Jericho’s program with MJF involved the factions Inner Circle and The Pinnacle.

Notable Moments

Jericho also recalled the “Festival of Friendship” segment that emerged from his 2016 work with Kevin Owens. He emphasized that extended storylines, like the one with MJF, are successful when they possess a compelling narrative that can hold audience attention for a considerable duration.

Expert Insight: Jericho’s preference for extended feuds speaks to a broader trend in professional wrestling, where complex, character-driven narratives are increasingly valued for their ability to build anticipation and emotional investment among fans.

While Jericho highlighted these specific rivalries, he acknowledged a career spanning 35 years has produced many memorable conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What feuds did Chris Jericho specifically mention?

Chris Jericho specifically mentioned his feuds with Shawn Michaels (2008), Kevin Owens (2016), and MJF (2020) as being particularly great.

What does Jericho value in a wrestling feud?

Jericho values long-term builds that take six, seven, or eight months to culminate, believing these require a “special, magical” quality to maintain audience interest.

What were some key matches in the feud with Shawn Michaels?

The feud with Shawn Michaels included an Unsanctioned Match at Unforgiven and a Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Mercy.

Considering the emphasis Jericho places on long-term storytelling, what role do you think patience plays in a fan’s enjoyment of professional wrestling?