WWE legend highlights Chris Jericho's contribution to wrestling despite his age
A WWE veteran recently defended Chris Jericho following the backlash regarding his booking. He mentioned how important he still meant to the industry despite everything. This would be Matt Hardy.
After becoming the leader of The Learning Tree, Jericho has been frequently on-screen on all three of the promotion's weekly shows. He has also made constant appearances on pay-per-view, despite many not in favor of him getting more exposure than others. Almost two weeks ago, Jericho dethroned Mark Briscoe to become the new ROH World Champion, something no one around the industry expected.
On the latest edition of his Extreme Life podcast, Matt Hardy credited Chris Jericho for his impact on the wrestling industry. He was in disagreement with those who claimed that he should be kept off TV.
"I think the people that say Chris Jericho should not be on TV at this stage of the game, I just think they’re absolutely wrong. I think he has a benefit, I think he adds a lot to pro wrestling.”
His co-host was one of those who did not want The Neuve on TV, and Hardy went into detail about why he thinks the opposite. He mentioned how Jericho was one of those who helped put AEW on the map and how he remained one of the bigger names in the industry.
"I think he is extremely beneficial to AEW programming and ROH programming and I think Tony Khan realizes that and he is seeing the value in Chris Jericho when it comes to ticket sales or whatever else it may be and I think that’s why he understands to keep him around. Also, I feel like there’s probably a lot of loyalty from Tony Khan to Chris Jericho because he is one of the guys, in many ways he was like their Hogan in the beginning because he helped put AEW on the map.” [H/T ITRWrestling]
Chris Jericho may have become ROH World Champion for a specific reason
A few days ago, it was reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that ROH may be near to securing a TV Deal. It was noted that TruTV is the rumored destination, and Jericho becoming the promotion's new world champion may play a part in making this happen.
With a high-profile name like the former AEW World Champion leading the brand, this could bring good things for ROH. He mentioned how he had plans to elevate the company, and with several other names and factions becoming more frequent competitors there, this could increase the company's overall stock.
At this point, everything remains to be seen as there has yet to be official confirmation on the future of ROH and its new world champion.