In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Chris Jericho expressed his opinion on how crucial he was to the success of AEW Dynamite in its first year. The former AEW World Champion completed thirty years in the business a week before the one-year anniversary of AEW’s weekly episodic TV show.

Jericho may not hold executive positions like the Elite, but his role in the success of Dynamite has been far superior than theirs. Jericho said, “I loved working for WWE, but I feel like I am AEW.”

The Segments of Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho’s promos on Dynamite were as self-conceited as they were ridiculously entertaining. His title reign was one of the most entertaining parts of Dynamite.

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The matches with the likes of Scorpio Sky, Darby Allin and many such mid-carders helped elevate them to the status of potential main-eventers.

Y2J also breathed new life into the concept of faction warfare. The Inner Circle quickly became one of wrestling’s top factions. Their rivalries with the Nightmare Family and the Elite were all thoroughly enjoyable.

Chris Jericho versus Cody and Jon Moxley

Jericho had two high profile feuds while he held the AEW Title. His rivalry versus Cody will go down as one of the most important rivalries in AEW.

The match was great, but the promos and segments that led to the match were truly something to behold. Jericho’s next challenge was 2019’s most valuable wrestler, Jon Moxley.

The rivalry between the two was even more brutal than the one with Cody. Both men brutalized each other to unheard levels. It was quality storytelling, and that made for excellent television. In the interview, he spoke of both his title challengers. He said, “Moxley wasn’t what he was in WWE, he paled in comparison. Even Cody, look at how great Cody is, he was never given the chance nor was it planned out for him.”

Jericho as the Demo-god

Jericho was part of the ‘Monday Night Wars’, where WCW battled WWE in a ratings war. AEW and NXT are involved in a similar war.

AEW has come out on top most of the times and Jericho’s role in this is undeniable. He is the most popular wrestler not working for WWE.

His association with AEW attracts more eyeballs than even the Elite, irrespective of their talents. To have a better look at his drawing prowess, take a look at NJPWs Wrestle Kingdom 12.

Jericho faced Kenny Omega in a brilliant war of attrition for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. With Jericho on the card, Wrestle Kingdom 12 became the most purchased Japanese wrestling event of all time. He has worked similar wonders for AEW Dynamite. On the issue of no crowds in attendance, Jericho says, “We’ve done a show without fans, longer than we’ve done with fans. We had no choice and we continued to make the best of it.”

Working with the younger wrestlers is what reignited his passion for wrestling. He says, “I’ve never lost my passion in AEW.”

In WWE, Jericho did his best work with the younger wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. He’s doing the same with the younger wrestlers of AEW like Sammy, Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin. These are testament to the enormous influence Chris Jericho has had in the success of AEW Dynamite. He will definitely have a positive influence on the roster even after his eventual retirement.