Chris Jericho Then and Now

Chris Jericho Then

Chris Jericho, born Christopher Keith Irvine on November 9, 1970, in Manhasset, New York, grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports. 

His father, Ted Irvine, was a professional ice hockey player, and after his retirement, the family relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

It was in Winnipeg that Jericho’s passion for professional wrestling was ignited. 

Attending American Wrestling Association (AWA) events at the Winnipeg Arena, he became captivated by the spectacle of wrestling, laying the groundwork for his future career.

As a young adult, Jericho pursued his education at Red River College, earning a BA in creative communications in 1990. 

However, his passion for wrestling led him to the Hart Brothers School of Wrestling at just 19. 

Under the mentorship of the legendary Hart family, Jericho honed his skills and made his professional debut in Ponoka, Alberta. 

His early wrestling years were spent in various independent promotions, where he often partnered with Lance Storm. 

Together, they made their mark in the Canadian National Wrestling Alliance (CNWA) and Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling, establishing themselves as rising stars in the wrestling world.

Jericho’s career quickly became international. In 1991, he and Storm traveled to Japan to wrestle for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, gaining valuable experience on a global stage. 

Related Article: Shawn Michaels Then and Now

Jericho’s versatility and adaptability in the ring helped him thrive in different wrestling environments. 

He also gained popularity in Mexico, competing under the names Leon D’Oro and Corazón de León, where he adopted a high-flying, lucha libre-inspired style. 

By 1994, Jericho’s international exposure extended to Japan once more, where he wrestled for Genichiro Tenryu’s Wrestling and Romance promotion, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dynamic wrestler. These early years were pivotal in shaping Jericho’s illustrious career.

Related Article: Triple H Then and Now

Chris Jericho’s Wrestling Career

Chris Jericho’s wrestling career took a significant leap forward in 1995 when he joined the Philadelphia-based promotion Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). 

Known for its hardcore style and passionate fanbase, ECW provided Jericho with a platform to showcase his skills, culminating in his win of the World Television Championship in 1996. 

This victory helped him gain attention, eventually leading to his debut with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) shortly after. 

In WCW, Jericho’s momentum continued to build, as he captured the WCW Cruiserweight Championship twice in 1997, defeating the likes of Syxx. 

Related Article: The Undertaker Then and Now

During this time, he also made his debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, further expanding his global presence.

Jericho’s ability to adapt to different wrestling environments was evident in 1998 when he shifted to a more prominent role in WCW. 

His heated rivalry with Dean Malenko was a major storyline during this period. 

After losing to Malenko, Jericho bounced back with a victory over Stevie Ray, winning the WCW World Television Championship. Despite this success, he lost the title to Konnan later that year. 

Related Article: Dave Bautista Then and Now

As Jericho continued to compete in both WCW and Japan, his skills and personality caught the attention of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), leading him to sign a contract in 1999.

Upon his debut in WWF, Jericho quickly found himself embroiled in a notable feud with Chyna for the Intercontinental Championship. 

His victory over her at Armageddon marked his first WWF Championship win. 

Although he briefly lost the title to Kurt Angle, Jericho continued to assert himself as a major player, winning the title multiple times and engaging in fierce rivalries with stars like Chris Benoit. 

Related Article: Randy Orton Then and Now

His triumph over Benoit at the 2001 Royal Rumble marked his fourth Intercontinental Championship victory, solidifying his place as a top-tier talent in WWF.

One of Jericho’s defining moments came in 2001 when he won the WCW Championship by defeating The Rock at No Mercy. 

This victory set the stage for an intense feud between the two, with Jericho eventually defeating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night at Vengeance to become the first-ever Undisputed WWF Champion. 

This historic accomplishment made Jericho the first wrestler to hold both the WCW and WWF Championships simultaneously. 

Related Article: John Cena Then and Now

He successfully defended the Undisputed Championship against The Rock at the Royal Rumble and Austin at No Way Out, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest champions of his era.

Jericho’s accolades extended far beyond the Undisputed WWF Championship. 

He won the WCW Championship twice and became a three-time World Heavyweight Champion. 

Additionally, he set a record with nine WWE Intercontinental Championship wins and achieved the prestigious statuses of Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion. 

Related Article: Ultimate Warrior Then and Now

Jericho’s versatility was also recognized when he won the Slammy Awards for Superstar of the Year in 2008 and Tag Team of the Year in 2009, the only wrestler to win both awards.

After leaving WWE in 2018, Jericho returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he added to his already impressive résumé by capturing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. 

This victory made him the first man to hold both WWE and IWGP Intercontinental titles, underscoring his international success. 

Related Article: Jim Duggan Then and Now

In 2019, Jericho became one of the marquee stars of the newly formed All Elite Wrestling (AEW). 

He quickly became the inaugural AEW World Champion and led the faction known as The Inner Circle, proving once again that Jericho’s ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant was unparalleled in professional wrestling.

Related Article: Butch Reed Then and Now

Chris Jericho Wrestling Competition

• American Wrestling Association (AWA)
• Canadian National Wrestling Alliance (CNWA)
• Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling
• Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW)
• Wrestling and Romance (WAR)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
• Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide
• Pro Wrestling Noah
• Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW)
• World Wrestling Association (WWA)
• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL)

Chris Jericho’s Wife and Children

In 2000, Chris Jericho married Jessica Lockhart, marking the beginning of a long-lasting and supportive partnership. 

Despite the demanding schedule and high-profile nature of Jericho’s professional wrestling career, he and Jessica have maintained a stable and private family life. 

Related Article: Ron Simmons Then and Now

The couple chose to settle in Odessa, Florida, where they have built a home together. 

They have three children: a son named Ash and identical twin daughters, Sierra and Cheyenne.

Chris Jericho Now

As of September 2024, Chris Jericho is 53 years old and is widely recognized by his ring name, Chris Jericho. 

An American-Canadian professional wrestler and rock musician, Jericho has made significant contributions to the world of wrestling over several decades. 

Since January 2019, he has been signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he continues to be a central figure in the promotion.

Related Article: Sting Then and Now

In AEW, Jericho initially led a faction known as The Inner Circle, captivating audiences with his leadership and in-ring prowess. 

More recently, he has become the leader of the Jericho Appreciation Society, a stable that highlights his influence and veteran status within the company. 

He appears every Wednesday night on TBS during AEW’s flagship show, where he remains one of the top stars, engaging fans with his dynamic performances and compelling storylines.

Related Article: Ox Baker Then and Now

Beyond wrestling, Chris Jericho is highly active on social media. On Instagram, he boasts 4.3 million followers, where he frequently uploads videos and photos. 

His posts offer fans an inside look at his life, both professionally and personally, showcasing moments from his wrestling career, musical endeavors with his band Fozzy, and glimpses into his family life. 

This active online presence allows Jericho to connect with a global audience, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer and influential figure in popular culture.

Related Article: Ray Stevens Then and Now

Chris Jericho Net Worth

Chris Jericho, a dual Canadian-American professional wrestler and accomplished musician, has built a successful career spanning several decades, leading to an impressive net worth of $18 million. 

Related Article: Baron Von Raschke Then and Now

FAQs