Short Summary
Chris Jericho is a renowned professional wrestler, musician, and author, celebrated for his dynamic career in the world of sports entertainment and music. He rose to fame with his charismatic persona and versatile wrestling skills, becoming a household name in WWE and later AEW. Jericho's influence extends beyond wrestling, as he is also the lead singer of the rock band Fozzy and has authored several books. His multi-faceted career has made him a prominent figure in entertainment.
Early Life & Education
Christopher Keith Irvine, known professionally as Chris Jericho, was born on November 9, 1970, in Manhasset, New York. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, after his family relocated there when he was young. Jericho's father, Ted Irvine, was a professional hockey player, which exposed him to the world of sports early on. He attended Red River Community College, where he pursued a degree in Creative Communications. Influenced by his father's sports career and his own passion for wrestling and music, Jericho set his sights on becoming a professional wrestler, a dream he nurtured from a young age.
Career Highlights
Jericho's wrestling career began in 1990, and he made his mark in promotions such as ECW and WCW before joining WWE in 1999. He became the first-ever Undisputed WWF Champion in 2001 by defeating The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin on the same night. Jericho is known for his innovative character work and in-ring prowess, contributing to his status as a top performer. In addition to wrestling, he pursued a music career as the frontman for Fozzy, releasing several albums. He continued to evolve his wrestling career by joining AEW in 2019, where he became the inaugural AEW World Champion.
Major Achievements
- Becoming the first Undisputed WWF Champion by defeating The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in 2001.
- Winning multiple championships across major wrestling promotions, including WWE and AEW.
- Fronting the rock band Fozzy, which has released several successful albums.
- Publishing multiple books, including his autobiography, "A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex."
- Inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2010.
Famous Quotes
- "I'm not the biggest, I'm not the strongest, but I am damn sure the toughest!"
- "If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do."
Interesting Facts
- Jericho made his wrestling debut in 1990 at the age of 19.
- He was trained by the legendary wrestling duo, the Hart Brothers.
- He hosts a popular podcast called "Talk is Jericho," featuring interviews with various celebrities.
- Jericho participated in the reality television competition "Dancing with the Stars" in 2011.
- He has dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
Legacy / Influence
Chris Jericho's legacy in professional wrestling is characterized by his adaptability and innovation. He has consistently reinvented his persona to stay relevant, influencing a generation of wrestlers to embrace creativity and versatility. His contributions to the music and literary fields showcase his diverse talents, further cementing his status as a multifaceted entertainer. Jericho remains a respected figure in wrestling and pop culture.
FAQ
Q: Why is Chris Jericho famous?
A: He is famous for his successful career as a professional wrestler, musician, and author.
Q: What band is Chris Jericho the lead singer of?
A: He is the lead singer of the rock band Fozzy.
Q: What is Chris Jericho's real name?
A: His real name is Christopher Keith Irvine.
Q: Has Chris Jericho written any books?
A: Yes, he has authored several books, including autobiographies about his wrestling career.