The FTW Champion Reflectes on the Backstage Fallout and His Known WWE Promo
One of the most successful and adaptable wrestlers in professional wrestling history, Chris Jericho, recently discussed a particularly contentious period in his career. The self-described “Demo God” revealed a tale that has gone down in wrestling history during an episode of his “Talk Is Jericho” podcast: his controversial promo on WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker. In addition to drawing a lot of backstage criticism, the incident was crucial to Jericho’s early WWE career.
The Scene: A Dangerous Promotion Against a WWE Icon
In or out of the ring, Chris Jericho has never shied away from controversy or taking chances. Cutting a promo that called The Undertaker “boring” was a daring move, even by his standards, especially considering that it was only his second night in the WWE. Not only was Jericho’s choice to target one of the most respected names in professional wrestling bold, but it also might have jeopardized his career.
Recalling the event, Jericho disclosed that the original intention of the promo was to go after “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. But once Austin decided not to participate, Jericho turned his attention to The Undertaker, who had just given a long, mysterious promo that included Big Show, a desert, and a scorpion bite. According to Jericho, the segment was a complete bust. Jericho chose to attempt The Undertaker’s promo technique because he saw a chance to make a statement.
The Teaser: A Career Risk
Jericho, who was well-known for his sharp tongue and fast wit, made the unusual decision to call out The Undertaker. Jericho remembered telling the undertaker, “You’re washed up and boring.” The remark was biting and forthright at the same time. Jericho’s goal was to “bury” WWE’s biggest performers, which could either immediately propel him to new heights or, more metaphorically, sink him within the organization.
The response backstage was anything but pleasant, even though Jericho’s remarks might have struck a chord with some of the fans who thought The Undertaker’s promo lacked inspiration that evening. Jericho acknowledges that he encountered a wall of criticism from his colleagues. A suggestion that has since become legendary in the world of professional wrestling was given to Jericho by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, a personal friend of The Undertaker: “Something you might not want to do on the second night in the company is tell the top star in the company how boring he is.”
Lessons Learned and Backstage Heat in The Fallout
When Jericho decided to confront The Undertaker, it had instant repercussions. The Undertaker was not someone who should be treated lightly since he was one of the most revered and guarded characters in the WWE. Numerous influential people disapproved of Jericho backstage. According to reports, The Undertaker himself accepted Jericho’s remarks and even made an unforgettable retort, saying, “I’ve had more shower time than you’ve had ring time.” The Undertaker’s comment was aimed to put Jericho in his place, but the Canadian superstar quickly corrected it, pointing out that by then, he had already competed in over 1,500 matches, thus it was inaccurate.
Still, there was an immediate and harsh pushback. In the locker area, Jericho had to maneuver through a stressful situation. He was never one to back down from a fight, but this specific instance made him consider the thin line that separates establishing oneself from destroying relationships in the process. Even though Jericho still thinks his criticism of The Undertaker’s promo was justified, he now admits that Michaels’ counsel was sound.
The Undertaker’s Promotion: An Uncommon Error?
It’s crucial to take The Undertaker’s initial segment into account to fully comprehend the significance of Jericho’s promo. The Undertaker, often known as “The Phenom,” is well-known for his fascinating and even spooky promotional videos. His charisma and aura have always been essential components of who he is. But on this specific night, not even The Undertaker’s aura could save a promo that many people thought was inadequate, including Jericho.
The Undertaker’s promotional video had a complicated tale about him and Big Show strolling through the desert, coming across a scorpion, and surviving a near-death incident. Although The Undertaker’s supernatural reputation was intended to be evoked by the visuals, both fans and other wrestlers found it offensive. In many respects, Jericho’s choice to criticize The Undertaker for being dull was a reflection of what some audience members were probably thinking at the time. However, it was also a historically rare transgression of the unwritten standards that the wrestling industry upholds, standards that demand deference to long-standing celebrities, particularly those of The Undertaker’s caliber.
An Important Turning Point in Jericho’s Career
In retrospect, the episode highlights Chris Jericho’s distinct approach to his career. He’s never shied away from taking chances, pushing the envelope, and questioning the status quo. He may have gained notoriety for this specific promo, but it also established the tone for the remainder of his WWE career. Jericho has been a remarkable performer for more than thirty years, in part because of his propensity to defy expectations and cause agitation.
Now a part of Jericho’s legacy, the promo against The Undertaker highlights the difficulties and opportunities involved in establishing a niche in the WWE. This narrative emphasizes the value of understanding when to push the boundaries and when to back off—a balance that Jericho has now perfected.
The Undertaker and Chris Jericho: A Civilised Competition
Both Chris Jericho and The Undertaker have had legendary careers in the years since that promo. The two men have joined the ring on multiple occasions, producing remarkable contests that have enthralled viewers worldwide, despite the initial animosity. Because of their mutual admiration and competition, they still have a tremendous level of respect for one another. With numerous world titles, memorable events, and even a smooth move to AEW, where he still innovates and entertains, Jericho’s career has taken off.
Regarding The Undertaker, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. His work is everything but forgettable, despite the forgettable nature of his promo on that fateful night. The Deadman’s endurance, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his profession characterize his career.
The Success and Controversy of Jericho’s Legacy
Although Chris Jericho’s career has been filled with highs and lows, his contentious promo against The Undertaker is one of the highlights that helped to mold him into the legendary wrestler that he is today. The episode acts as a warning about the dangers of ambition and the lessons gained from pushing boundaries. Jericho’s career is characterized by ongoing reinvention and a reluctance to play it safe. One of the defining characteristics of his career is his willingness to speak his thoughts, even at the risk of temporary popularity.
Chris Jericho’s path has ultimately been one of measured risks, audacious choices, and an unwavering will to achieve on his terms. There’s no doubting the influence his promo against The Undertaker had on his career and the wrestling industry as a whole, regardless of whether you saw it as a mistake or a smart move. It’s just another development in the life of Chris Jericho, the man who successfully converted controversy into success.
