Chris Jericho believes that members of the AEW roster would learn a lot if they spent time under the leadership of Vince McMahon.
WWE is a wrestling company unlike any other, and that extends to the very top. Never asking anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, McMahon led by example and had the work ethic to match. Very much wanting things to be run his way, if McMahon wanted it to be done then it would be done, something that Jericho is very familiar with having worked closely with McMahon for the best part of 2 decades.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, the former AEW World Champion was asked about his thoughts on McMahon stepping away from his creative role. Jericho stated that McMahon knew that the time was right and that he created an environment in the wrestling industry that would be beneficial to those within AEW:
“I mean, once again, there’s the reasons why he was stepping aside, and I’m not talking about that side of things. I never thought he would step down. And then I think had those other issues come up, there’s no way that he would have. But also, Vince is also smart. And I bet you he was like okay, I’m at the point now where this is not good for me to be here.
So he trained and groomed Triple H for 20 years, and probably felt confident enough that things are gonna continue without him. And I say this all the time in AEW, I think everybody could use six months working for Vince McMahon. Because that’s what you really understand what wrestling is, the wrestling business is and how the business works.”
Jericho would go on to describe his personal relationship with McMahon, stating that while there have been ups and downs, at the end of the day it’s McMahon’s company and he’s the boss:
“And I loved working for him and I loved going head to head with him and creating ideas and debating ideas and arguing ideas. But he always used to say I’m not here just to teach you wrestling lessons, I’m here to teach you life lessons. And he did teach me a lot of life lessons, the guys really f*cking a cool guy. From my experiences with him [he’s] not easy to deal with and an asshole sometimes, but he’s your boss. You’re not supposed to be friends with your boss all the time. But then you can still get on the private jet and drink for four hours.”
Jericho concluded by explaining how McMahon’s leading by example created a positive work ethic throughout the company, stating that some in AEW need to be aware that there can be repercussions:
“But he has that work ethic, he would always say I don’t expect you to do anything that I wouldn’t do myself. And that rubs off. There’s a way that the WWE works where you don’t say no to anything. I mean, they asked you to do press you do it, they ask you to sign 1,000 action figures you do it. Because if you don’t, you know there’s gonna be consequences, and big ones. And I think everybody in AEW needs to understand that sometimes.”
Chris Jericho Makes Surprise Appearance Overseas
Multiple wrestlers signed to AEW are able to make appearances for promotions around the world, with stars such as Jon Moxley and Sting competing internationally in 2023. Along with a debut match in Japanese promotion DDT, Chris Jericho made a surprise appearance in Vietnam.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit Chris Van Vliet and leave a h/t to Inside The Ropes.