Chris Jericho returned to AEW television earlier this year with more than just a fresh direction.
Fans quickly noticed that commentary, graphics, and ring introductions had quietly dropped his first name altogether, simply referring to him as “Jericho.” Now, the wrestling veteran has finally explained the thinking behind the change.
The adjustment may have looked small on paper, but according to Jericho, there was a much bigger idea behind it.
In typical Jericho fashion, the explanation blended reinvention, rock music, and just enough mystery to keep fans working themselves into a shoot online.
Chris Jericho explains the inspiration behind ‘Jericho’ era
Jericho returned to AEW on the April 1 episode of Dynamite in Winnipeg after not appearing on television for nearly a year. Since then, AEW programming has consistently presented him using only his last name.
Speaking with Ringer Wrestling, Jericho revealed that the move was intentional and inspired by the legendary self-titled music albums concept.
“I like the idea of what I’m doing now with ‘Jericho,’” he explained. “By not using that first name a lot, it created this whole intrigue online like ‘What’s he doing? What’s the reason?’”
Jericho compared the concept to iconic records like Metallica’s Black Album and The Beatles’ White Album.
“Honestly, it’s like a self-titled album,” Jericho said. “I could create a dozen other nicknames, but how many more do I need? Everyone knows who Jericho is.”
He added that the simplified presentation allows fans to connect the name with different memories from across his decades-long wrestling career.
“When you hear that name, then you can remember whatever memories you have on your own,” Jericho stated.
The AEW star also addressed the ongoing evolution of his character, saying his current version is always his favorite because otherwise he’d question “what am I doing.”
The former AEW World Champion continues leaning into the intrigue surrounding this latest phase of his career ahead of Double or Nothing, where he is scheduled to compete in Stadium Stampede. At this stage, Jericho clearly believes less is more — and apparently, one name is enough to make the walls shake again.
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