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Chris Jericho isn’t just a wrestling legend; he’s a true entertainment jack-of-all-trades. Born on November 9, 1970, in New York but raised in Winnipeg, Canada, Jericho was inspired by his NHL player father and the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling.

He’s not just a professional wrestler. He’s also a musician, entrepreneur, TV host, author, and actor. Jericho is actively involved with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Here, he has the distinction of being the inaugural AEW World Champion and is the leader of The Inner Circle group.

Chris Jericho’s Early Days

From a young age, Jericho showed a keen interest in professional wrestling. He often watched local American Wrestling Association (AWA) events at the Winnipeg Arena with his family.

Wrestlers like Owen Hart, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and Shawn Michaels inspired him greatly, igniting his desire to pursue a career in wrestling.

Jericho’s formal entry into wrestling training began when he enrolled at the Hart Brothers School of Wrestling at the age of 19.

He received training under Ed Langley and local Calgary wrestler Brad Young. This training culminated in his wrestling debut on October 2, 1990, at the Moose Hall in Ponoka, Alberta, under the ring name “Cowboy” Chris Jericho​​.

Additionally, Jericho pursued academic education, attending Red River College in Winnipeg, where he graduated in 1990 with a diploma in Creative Communications​​. This blend of academic and practical training laid the foundation for his multifaceted career as a professional wrestler, musician, and media personality.

Chris Jericho’s Success

Starting his career in the early 1990s, Jericho traveled the world, learning his craft in places like Mexico, Germany, and Japan.

He picked up the nickname “Lionheart” and a flashy, rockstar-like style that made fans take notice. He quickly became a fan favorite when he joined the big wrestling leagues in the U.S., first with ECW and WCW and then with the WWE (formerly WWF).

What makes Jericho stand out? Well, for starters, he’s got a flair for the dramatic and knows how to make an entrance.

When he first appeared in WWE, he famously interrupted The Rock, one of the biggest stars at the time. He then declared that the show was now “Jericho’s show,” making a huge splash from day one. He also made history by beating two of wrestling’s biggest names in one night to become the first-ever Undisputed WWE Champion.

But wrestling isn’t his only gig. Jericho is also the frontman for a rock band called Fozzy. They’ve been around since 1999 and have had some pretty catchy tunes, like “Judas.” This song is one of Jericho’s wrestling themes. He’s a man of words, too, with a couple of best-selling autobiographies that give us a peek into his life and how he stays on top of his game.

Fun Facts about Chris Jericho

First Undisputed Champion: He made history in the WWE by becoming the first Undisputed Champion in 2001. He beat wrestling icons The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin the same night.

Intercontinental Champion: Jericho holds the record for the most reigns as WWE Intercontinental Champion, with nine total.

Musician: Outside the ring, he’s the lead singer of the heavy metal band Fozzy, which he started in 1999.

Author: Jericho is an accomplished author with best-selling autobiographies that detail his life and experiences in and out of the wrestling ring.

Podcast Host: He hosts the popular podcast “Talk Is Jericho,” where he interviews guests from different industries.

Entertainment Ventures: Jericho has appeared on television shows, including “Dancing with the Stars,” and has hosted the game show “Downfall.”

Charity Work: He is famous for his philanthropic efforts. In particular, he supports underprivileged children and those fighting juvenile diabetes.

Innovator: Jericho created the Money in the Bank ladder match concept. This has become a staple in WWE programming and an annual event.

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