Do you consider Chris Jericho a legend? I do.

[lordslix0129]

You don't have to be on the level of Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold to be considered a legend. Chris Jericho has been largely overshadowed by guys like Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Triple H, Undertaker, Kurt Angle, and so many other's before him. However, I think Chris Jericho has accomplished enough and has solidified himself as an awesome enough star to earn the right to be called a legend.

 

[Paradox]

Now THESE are true legends! Sorry, but Jericho (neither Steve Austin, The Rock, HHH, etc) doesn't qualify as a legend.

All the way through your post I agreed with the list of superstars you listed. But I completely disagree with this statement.

Honestly are you telling me that men like Austin, Rock, Hogan (who you didn't mention in your list) Michaels, and 'Taker are not legends? (Along with Jericho who I believe is.) How can you say that Steve Austin is not a legend? He is still one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling, behind the Rock and Hogan. The man was the biggest draw during the wrestling biggest period.

He is a six time WWF champion.
A two time IC champion.
A four time Tag team champion.
Along with winning King of the Ring.
Being a three time rumble winner. (Which hasn't been matched.)

Not to mention his other titles in wcw is a not a legend? Are you really going there? Do I need to show you what the other men have done to be considered legends?


Back to Jericho.
You want to see what he's done to be considered a legend? Here's just what he's done in WWF/E

Undisputed Champion. (First to accomplish that)
WCW Champion twice.
He was the WHC twice.
The european Champion once.
Hardcore Champion once.
The Intercontinental Champion nine times. (A record)
WWE Unified Tag Team Champion once.
World Tag Team Champion four times

Going with his WcW days.
Cruiserweight Champion 4 times.
T.V. Champion once.

Along with many other titles from the indy scene and Japan. I don't see how he's not considered a legend with nearly 20 years of work. (Or more...)

 

[WorldHeavyweightChampion]

All the way through your post I agreed with the list of superstars you listed. But I completely disagree with this statement.

Honestly are you telling me that men like Austin, Rock, Hogan (who you didn't mention in your list) Michaels, and 'Taker are not legends? (Along with Jericho who I believe is.) How can you say that Steve Austin is not a legend? He is still one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling, behind the Rock and Hogan. The man was the biggest draw during the wrestling biggest period.

He is a six time WWF champion.
A two time IC champion.
A four time Tag team champion.
Along with winning King of the Ring.
Being a three time rumble winner. (Which hasn't been matched.)

Not to mention his other titles in wcw is a not a legend? Are you really going there? Do I need to show you what the other men have done to be considered legends?


Back to Jericho.
You want to see what he's done to be considered a legend? Here's just what he's done in WWF/E

Undisputed Champion. (First to accomplish that)
WCW Champion twice.
He was the WHC twice.
The european Champion once.
Hardcore Champion once.
The Intercontinental Champion nine times. (A record)
WWE Unified Tag Team Champion once.
World Tag Team Champion four times

Going with his WcW days.
Cruiserweight Champion 4 times.
T.V. Champion once.

Along with many other titles from the indy scene and Japan. I don't see how he's not considered a legend with nearly 20 years of work. (Or more...)

The people on my list not only had longivity, but longivity on top on the business and on large-scale international levels at that. And they all had long title reigns, especially as World Heavyweight Champion. None of Jericho's title reigns of any title have been of any length of time. The guys I named would hold top titles anywhere from 6-8 months to 6-8 years per reign, and defended those titles 300-350 times per year, and twice on Sunday (lol). And these are household names known the world-over. Wrestlers who were main eventers for 15 or more years. Jericho is not in their league. Neither is Rock, HBK, HHH, Austin (though I DO know of his U.S, TV, and World Tag titles in WCW), etc.

As for Hogan, he is an utter disgrace. But that is another topic for another forum. But to quote the (LEGEND) Lou Thez, "Hulk Hogan doesn't know a wrist lock from a wrist watch. And that leg drop of his, my mother did it better than that".

 

[hArdyPUNKmArk]

How is Jericho not a fucking legend?! Jericho is in every way a legend. He is almost the perfect wrestler. He's amazing on the mic, has great ring chemistry and wrestling skills, he has the ability to play a great baby face or an evil heel. The guy is too damn fucking good to not be considered a legend.

If Michaels were to turn heel I think he would still get pretty decent heet if he played the role right. Michaels is just as good as Jericho at being a heel, to say he couldn't draw heet is stupidity. Taker is the only on in the wrestling world right now that couldn't draw real heel heet, maybe Sting too, but Michaels could.

Back on topic, yes Jericho is a god damn legend. The legends I believe in wrestling that are still active are Michaels, Taker, Jericho, Triple H, Sting and Kurt Angle. Guys like Cena and Orton are obviously on their way too.

Anyways, yes Y2J is what a legend is.

 

[VKO]

While Jericho has the accomplishments to be considered in the same breath as a Taker,Hogan,Michaels etc. He doesn't have it what I mean by it is that feeling that they can't lose that a Hulk Hogan and the Undertaker have achieved. Jericho doesn't have that. He is a great performer and very good at what he does. He will go into the Hall of Fame. But I don't see him on the same level as Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair.

 

[Paradox]

The people on my list not only had longivity, but longivity on top on the business and on large-scale international levels at that. And they all had long title reigns, especially as World Heavyweight Champion. None of Jericho's title reigns of any title have been of any length of time. The guys I named would hold top titles anywhere from 6-8 months to 6-8 years per reign, and defended those titles 300-350 times per year, and twice on Sunday (lol). And these are household names known the world-over. Wrestlers who were main eventers for 15 or more years. Jericho is not in their league. Neither is Rock, HBK, HHH, Austin (though I DO know of his U.S, TV, and World Tag titles in WCW), etc.

As for Hogan, he is an utter disgrace. But that is another topic for another forum. But to quote the (LEGEND) Lou Thez, "Hulk Hogan doesn't know a wrist lock from a wrist watch. And that leg drop of his, my mother did it better than that".

Yes, but you are looking at from a strictly wrestling stand point. I'm sorry to say that does not define a legend anymore. If it wasn't for men like Hogan and Austin, and the Rock. The WWE would most likely not be in business today. Those men completely revolutionized the business, and for that they cemented their places as Legends. As they more recognized than anyone in wrestling history.

You don't have to be a Main Eventer for 15 years. If that's the case, no one from the modern era or the attitude era even stand a chance. I love how you mention that they have to longevity to be a legend. Yet you piss on Hogan. (I'm not saying he's a great in ring wrestler, but. He more than anyone has made wrestling what it is.) Hogan if I'm not mistaken was a Main Eventer for 20 some odd years. with multiple title reigns. Yet he doesn't make your list.

Then with your 6-8 reigns I'm sure Austin has had one or two. Not sure. Also if this was the case. Cena would already be nearly legendary status. He has already had 3 reigns over 6 months if I'm not mistaken. One being a year, which is unheard of in this day. I think we will both agree that Cena is no where near being a legend at this point in his career.

Also we would put Triple h in the category of being a legend. He has 13 world title reigns. Multiple IC reigns, tag team reigns, and he's nearing his 11th year as a Main Eventer. I have no doubt that he will be a legend, but I'm not willing to call him one. And I have a feeling you aren' either.

I could go on...

Jericho has been in this business for over 20 years. He has one all sorts of titles in that time frame. (as I've listed.) He is a legend in that regard. Jericho had a very nice reign when he beat both Austin and Rock, in back to back ppvs. While most of his reigns were short. He had some very nice defense in there. With HBK, Austin, Rock. To deny him that would be ridiculous.

 

[Rzarectah]

All-time he'll rank among the likes of Owen Hart (who due to the tragedy is revered more than what his in-ring accomplishments foretold), Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, etc. - a level below that of legend.

First of all, yes Chris Jericho is a legend. He has has great runs in Japan, WCW and of course WWE. He was the first Undisputed WWE champion, beating The Rock and Stone Cold in one night. Let me repeat that he beat Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in ONE NIGHT. That right there is almost enough to elavate you to legend status. And Second of all what the fuck are you talking about when you say Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero are "a level below that of a legend" those two are two of the biggest legends EVER. To even suggest that those two are below legend status is foolish.

 

[Rzarectah]

He is missing that one moment that really makes him stand out. For example, HBK has his iron man match with Bret Hart along with many other great matches. Taker has his undefeated streak at Mania. Jericho doesn't really have any of those moments that everyone will remember. For that reason i don't quite consider him a legend.

Soooo beating The Rock and Stone Cold back to back to win the Undisputed Championship isn't a moment everyone will remember? Jericho is a legend and has PLENTY of moments that everyone will remember. Hell his elimination chamber matches, even though he lost are moments that everyone will remember. For that reason I DO consider him a legend.

 

[twist_of_fate]

Yes I consider Chris Jericho a legend considering all the achievements he accomplished in the past few years. He was the superstar of the year in 2008, he had a lot of great feuds in the past (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, etc....) and he is one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time. That is why i consider Chris Jericho as a Legend.

 

[DugoutDan17]

Good thread, some great points by everyone.

I do consider Jericho a legend but it depends how you mean legend. I think Jericho deserves his place in the WWE HOF when the time comes round. If you look at achievements then yes again he’s a legend, you don’t need me to list everything he’s accomplished in his wrestling career to be honest probably the only thing that isn’t on his list is a Royal Rumble win which is probably long overdue so you never no hopefully he might win that this year. Not only does Jericho have the ability to have a great match with anyone put in the ring with him but he is also probably one of the best (some would say the best) on the mic we’ve ever seen. Jericho aswell also pulls off a good face or heel and gets a great reaction either way.

The only thing i can say which is not in Jericho’s favour then it’s like someone else said that if you went on the street and spoke to someone who didn’t have a clue about wrestling there really is only a select few you could say that they would no say like Hulk Hogan, The rock, SCSA, John Cena to name a couple but other than that people would struggle to name anyone else but you can’t hold that against Jericho the others have done movies which would always make them more known then the likes of Jericho. Just my opinion tho but yes i do consider Jericho a legend.

 

[GeminiJ13]

Chris Jericho is every bit of the wrestler that Eddie Guerrerro was. Although Eddie and Chris Benoit are probably my top 2, Jericho might be in the top 5. I recently grabbed his autobiography and it is fantastic. A good look at what he had to do to get to where he is. Jericho went from an 18yr old punk that idolized Shawn Michaels, to beating him on the biggest stage. There is a reason why Jericho is the first every undisputed champion. He is the top heel in the WWE because he is in fact "the best in the world at what he does". Which doesnt mean he is the best wrestler, he is simply flawless at being a heel and knows exactly what he is doing. Jericho has succeeded in all 3 brands, which is impressive. That means he is undeniably good, no politics or bigotry kept him from earning titles despite many different creative directors. Jericho is just as good as anybody out there. Rarely does Jericho mess up a spot or run out of gas. He always is where is needs to be and has to be very easy to wrestle with. You can hate Jerichos character, but Chris is a LEGEND and a guarenteed Hall of Famer. He has better credentials than half the WWE HOFamers. Hes better than Mr.Perfect,Jimmy Snuka, Andre the Giant,Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat. He has won more major titles than ALL of them. When Jericho is not in the title picture he is simply doing whats best for the business, because he is a main eventer playing a midcard role right now. Just wait until Edge comes back and that fued gets going, its gonna be intense!Definately a LEGEND, there should be no discussion.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

Chris Jericho is every bit of the wrestler that Eddie Guerrerro was. Although Eddie and Chris Benoit are probably my top 2, Jericho might be in the top 5. I recently grabbed his autobiography and it is fantastic. A good look at what he had to do to get to where he is. Jericho went from an 18yr old punk that idolized Shawn Michaels, to beating him on the biggest stage. There is a reason why Jericho is the first every undisputed champion. He is the top heel in the WWE because he is in fact "the best in the world at what he does". Which doesnt mean he is the best wrestler, he is simply flawless at being a heel and knows exactly what he is doing. Jericho has succeeded in all 3 brands, which is impressive. That means he is undeniably good, no politics or bigotry kept him from earning titles despite many different creative directors. Jericho is just as good as anybody out there. Rarely does Jericho mess up a spot or run out of gas. He always is where is needs to be and has to be very easy to wrestle with. You can hate Jerichos character, but Chris is a LEGEND and a guarenteed Hall of Famer. He has better credentials than half the WWE HOFamers. Hes better than Mr.Perfect,Jimmy Snuka, Andre the Giant,Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat. He has won more major titles than ALL of them. When Jericho is not in the title picture he is simply doing whats best for the business, because he is a main eventer playing a midcard role right now. Just wait until Edge comes back and that fued gets going, its gonna be intense!Definately a LEGEND, there should be no discussion.

1. Shawn Michaels beat Jericho at Wrestlemania 19 and not the other way around.

2. Who actually remembers Jericho winning a title on ECW? As far as succeeding all three brands, Big Show has him beat because he actually won a world title in all three.

3. Him winning more titles than Mr. Perfect, Savage, and Steamboat doesn't make him greater than them. Edge has more titles than Bret Hart but I don't consider Hart greater than Edge.

4. Jericho is one of the most overrated champions of all time in my opinion. What was memorable about his title reigns? What match was so great with him as champion? Same goes for his Intercontinental championships as well. I only remember two of them and one was last year.

5. The only memorable moment people can look back on in twenty years Jericho has had is him beating the Rock and Stone Cold on the same night. Won't be as memorable because Jericho can't wait to say every chance he gets because he knows we will forget in about five years.

 

[Tastycles]

It depends on how big the legends category is. He will retire as big a legend as Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart, having had some great feuds, great matches and pulling off some great promos. However, like those he was a terrible champion, and perhaps even further than that, he has been a largely poor midcard champion too. His recent tag reign with Big Show is probably his best ever reign. I don't think that objectively speaking he has done enough to be considered the best of his generation, which is what a legend is after all, so while he's one of my favourites ever, he isn't a sure-fire legend.

 

[Loveless]

I think to be a legend you have to have been the main man, at least at some point of your career and Jericho has never even been close to that level. He has also repeatedly failed to stay amongst the main eventers, despite his obvious talent, because he simply doesn't look like a main eventer and he hasn't been consistently booked like one either.

 

[sMoKe]

I don't think right at this moment he is a legend but by the time he decides to retire he should be there. I think that at this rate he will have multiple WWE titles under his belt. He is a nine time IC title holder, thats a WWE record. He cuts great promos night after night. Jericho is one of the few in the WWE that can have a great promo. He was the first undisputed champion beating the two biggest names in one night: Stone Cold and the Rock.

 

[FromTheSouth]

I do think Chris Jericho is a legend.

First of all, he is the single most important guy on a WWE contract. Some will argue that it's Cena, because he draws the money, however, it is Jericho that lends instant credibility to any level on the card or title he is performing in. His run with the IC title made it important again due to his feud with Mysterio. The importance still exists, and I truly think it was Jericho's run that is giving the title, and thus the holder importance. It is much like Kofi's US Title run. It made the best matter. It made the holder legit. He did the same with the tag belts. Tag team wrestling matters again in the WWE. It was not only Jericho performance, but also his presence that is to thank for that.

Secondly, he united the once mighty WCW title with the almighty WWE Championship. This is no small feat, and the ultimate vote of confidence from McMahon. He has never disappointed in the main event. He has won as the uberface, the smarmy heel, and some sort of super cereal villain, and been convincing and credible in all of those roles.

Chris Jericho is very talented in the ring, in the top five all time on the mic (IMO), a success at all levels of the card, and a very competent main eventer. He simply draws interest to whatever he's doing. His charisma makes him good, his ability makes him great, and, I believe, his versatility is what makes him a legend.