Matt Hardy Defends Chris Jericho from “Hyper-Critical” Fans Calling for His Retirement

Chris Jericho remains a regular presence on AEW television, but a huge portion of the AEW audience has voiced their discontent and for him to be removed from television. In response to this criticism, Matt Hardy has stepped up to defend Jericho, showing his support for his former colleague.

Chris Jericho has received a lot of criticism from fans over the past several months. Some feel his involvement in AEW, particularly with “The Learning Tree,” isn’t benefiting the show and that he’s slowing down the progress of younger wrestlers. Despite this backlash, AEW continues to give Jericho prominent roles on shows like Dynamite, and even let him win the ROH World Championship, which has only led to more frustration from fans.

While speaking on the Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy addressed the criticism Chris Jericho often gets online, where some fans say they don’t want to see him on TV anymore and just want him to retire. Hardy defended Jericho, stating that even though he’s over 50 and can’t wrestle like he did at 25, he’s still an incredibly talented and skilled performer.

Hardy explained that Jericho works for a unique audience that Tony Khan focuses on, often called the “sickos.” Some fans might expect Jericho to perform like younger wrestlers such as Kyle Fletcher or Will Ospreay, but that’s not realistic. Instead, Jericho offers entertainment, storytelling, and strong character work, even if his style isn’t for everyone.

Hardy compared Jericho’s situation to his and Jeff Hardy’s experiences. He said live crowds always cheered them on and showed support, but online fans were often critical and simply wanted Jericho gone from television.

“Chris Jericho is a really interesting example. Chris, much like me, is a little older—he’s obviously a few years older than me—and he’s been around longer. Of course, he’s not going to wrestle like he’s 25 years old, but he’s still extremely talented and gifted, especially considering he’s over 50.

He’s also performing in front of a very unique audience. Tony Khan caters to a specific group, and he’s said it over and over—the ‘sickos,’ as he calls them. I’m catering to that audience too. That can make people think, ‘Well, Jericho’s not giving me what a 25-year-old guy would. He’s not giving me what Kyle Fletcher or Will Ospreay would.’ But he’s not supposed to. Chris offers entertainment, character development, storytelling—things that go beyond just the moves in the ring.

I get that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s in a bit of a tricky spot since some fans want him to retire. Jeff and I have been in a similar position before. The live crowds were always great for us—every single time we went out there, they were into us. There was never a night where we got booed or the crowd was quiet. It was amazing. With Chris, though, you see the online feedback, and it’s similar to what we experienced. The die-hard fans online can be hyper-critical.”

Chris Jericho also previously denied claims of having go-away heat. It remains to be seen whether AEW will decide to repackage Chris Jericho in a way that will ensure he doesn’t face so much criticism online, as that may not happen anytime soon.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.