Chris Jericho Attempts to Justify Negativity Over Learning Tree Faction

Chris Jericho has been an innovator and important figure in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his constant evolutions, Jericho formed a new wresting faction in AEW, The Learning Tree assuming the name-sake moniker and serving as a guiding force for upcoming stars in it, Big Bill and Bryan Keith.

Moreover, Chris Jericho has also claimed that his new gimmick garners major ratings for AEW. Jericho explained that the inspiration for the group came from the criticism he has received on social media in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso.

The former AEW World Champion emphasized that wrestling is all about eliciting reactions from the audience, whether positive or negative, and The Learning Tree serves as a way to channel that energy.

Furthermore, Jericho highlighted that this group isn’t just about the theatrics; they have delivered some brutal beatdowns to notable wrestlers like Samoa Joe, HOOK, and Katsuyori Shibata, demonstrating their serious and aggressive side. Y2J also expressed his desire to continue evolving in his career, avoiding becoming a nostalgia act and instead taking risks to try new things.

“I’m a big proponent of letting the story lead you, not the other way around. That allows me to evolve. The whole Learning Tree is taking negativity from social media and getting a reaction out of it. That’s what wrestling is all about–getting people to react to what you’re doing. There’s a serious side, too–look at the vicious beatdowns we’ve given Samoa Joe and Hook and [Katsuyori] Shibata. It’s something I made a career out of, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve been doing it for so long at the highest of levels, which makes some people mad. This is what I do. I’ve never wanted to be a nostalgia act, I’ve never wanted to rest on my laurels. I’ve also never been afraid to take chances and do something different, and that’s what we’re doing right now.”

Chris Jericho’s comments reflect his commitment to staying relevant in the ever-changing world of professional wrestling. Now, he is using The Learning Tree, which he has claimed to be a hit, as a new avenue to engage with fans and push the boundaries of his character to stay a prime fixture in AEW for the years to come.

What are your thoughts on Chris Jericho’s Learning Tree gimmick in AEW? Do you think it will make a huge impact in the wrestling world? Sound off in the comments!