As I’ve said before, Chris Jericho my favorite wrestler of all time. I love him so much that at the tender age of 11 I made a beaded bracelet featuring his name surrounded by hearts, a bracelet that I still have… and still sometimes wear.
Without further ado, here are five facts about the G.O.A.T.
1. He’s From Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada (You Idiot!), But Was Born In New York
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o77NwC2TLR8]
Jericho might be one of Canada’s greatest exports, but he was actually born Chris Irvine in Manhasset, New York on Nov. 9, 1970. His father, NHL player Ted Irvine, was a left winger for the New York Rangers at the time. Jericho’s family moved back to Winnipeg after his father retired.
2. He Took His Ring Name From the Album of a German Power Metal Band
While “Jericho” is certainly a biblical name, Chris Jericho actually took his ring name from the debut album of German power metal band Helloween, titled Walls of Jericho. “Walls of Jericho” is also the name of his most famous finishing move.
3. He’s a Record 9-Time Intercontinental Champion
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MujMu42O_Ec]
Chris Jericho has won the WWE Intercontinental Championship nine times, more than anyone else in history (although The Miz is currently nipping at his heels with seven wins). Even more impressive, overall Jericho has won 30 championships in WWE, ECW, and WCW alone.
4. He’s a Grand Slam Champion
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tozSjboXkLU]
On Jan. 9, 2017, Jericho defeated Roman Reigns to win the United States Championship, thus becoming the 7th Grand Slam Champion under the current format. His other qualifying wins include his WWE Championship win in 1999, WWE Tag Team Championship win (with Edge) in 2009, and Intercontinental Championship wins in 1999.
5. He Owns a Business with Tim Tebow and Chipper Jones
Here’s a fact out of left field (pun intended). Alongside former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and former Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, Jericho is co-owner of a D1 Sports Training and Therapy franchise in Tampa, Florida. Who knew!
Those are just a few facts about Jericho; this list could go on for far, far longer. But if you just have to know more about the G.O.A.T., I highly recommend reading his three autobiographies: A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex, Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps, and The Best In The World…At What I Have No Idea. If you don’t read them… well, you know what happens to people who don’t read them, right?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjyezodCPJo]
Do you love Chris Jericho? Do you think he’s the G.O.A.T.? Share your thoughts below!