Michael Perry on June 16, 2022
Chris Jericho has been constantly reinventing himself since his pro wrestling debut in 1990. Jericho has adapted to age, trends, and even in-ring styles to remain relevant for three decades. His latest trick was to turn himself into a wizard.
Jericho recently began using fireballs as a heel tactic in AEW. He frequently threatens his foes with them, declaring that he can do it because he’s a wizard. The nickname quickly caught on with fans.
In an interview with TSN, Chris Jericho explained the origins of his latest moniker. He thought using fireballs would be an interesting throwback. Once he saw the reaction in the room, he came up with the name unintentionally.
“‘The Wizard’ just came up because we wanted to do a fireball and nobody had done a fireball in years, so when I did it, I saw the reaction – once again, read the room – and I just said one day on commentary or on a promo ‘I’m a wizard’ because I threw a fireball. Isn’t that what wizards do? I don’t know, do wizards throw fireballs? I think so. They cast spells and sh*t, so I figure they can throw fireballs. And people started responding to that.
You guys just gotta realize when I put my mind to something, I get it over no matter what. I just love the concept of ‘The Wizard.’ What is it? Nothing! What is it? Everything! This character thinks he’s a wizard. He can cast these spells in AEW and is the most popular performer and the best wrestler in the world, so that’s basically a wizard…am I ever gonna come out with a Gandalf hat or a Gandalf gown and have a big staff? It’s like, ‘That’s what you gotta do!’ No, I don’t! If I came out dressed like a wizard, then it becomes completely stupid and not threatening.”
Chris Jericho is currently preparing for a huge tag team affair at the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view. Jericho will team with Sammy Guevara and Minoru Suzuki to take on Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta, and Shota Umino. Perhaps Chris will introduce some wizardry to the Japanese contingent.
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June 16, 2022 3:01 pm
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