AEW’s Chris Jericho Addresses ‘Jericho Vortex’ Criticism

AEW’s Chris Jericho has addressed criticism that he drags stars down in a phenomenon referred to, among some fans, as the ‘Jericho Vortex’.

The ROH World Champion addressed the suggestion that he doesn’t elevate other stars in a recent interview, naming a number of AEW stars who have benefitted from his association.

Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Learning Tree explored the perception that some fans have of him, stating:

“It’s funny how I’ve become kind of public enemy number one as a heel, by the way. Isn’t that kind of the idea? Aren’t you supposed to be public enemy number one as a heel? Aren’t you supposed to not like somebody’s character when that character is a heel? Maybe I’m actually smarter than everyone and I’m manipulating people to what I want them to do.”

Jericho would go on to note that segments in which he is involved tend to perform well, before exploring the ‘Jericho Vortex’ fan theory, saying:

“I always love the concept of the Jericho Vortex and how anybody that works with me gets dragged down. Name one. Name one person that got dragged down from working with me.

“Maybe afterwards they didn’t go higher, but that’s not up to me. I’m not in charge of booking the entire company. All I can do is influence the storylines that I work on. But everybody that I can think of who worked with me certainly went to a higher level.

“I did a year with MJF and look where he’s at, Danny Garcia, Sammy Guevara, Daddy Magic last week comes off of commentary and gets a big pop. Who do you think put him in that position? All of those guys. I mean, I think Big Bill and Bryan Keith have grown by leaps and bounds from working here with me.

“I’m not going to go through the entire cast of characters, but I definitely know what my intentions are, and it’s not to bury anybody. It’s to build as many people as I can and give them experience so they can learn how to start shouldering things on their own.”

In the interview, Jericho would also reveal that, while he may make suggestions, he doesn’t choose the opponents he faces in AEW, with Tony Khan leading the charge in that capacity.

Chris Jericho has previously discussed the possibility of being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, casting doubt on the likelihood it will happen.

Transcript from chrisvanvliet.com.