One big thing: Vince McMahon gave Chris Jericho veto power over uncomfortable angles
Chris Jericho, a 30-year veteran of pro wrestling, recently disclosed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon allowed him to reject storylines that made him uncomfortable.
The details:
• Jericho joined WWE in 1999 during the provocative Attitude Era.
• On his “Talk is Jericho” podcast, he recalled expressing discomfort with sexual storylines to McMahon.
• McMahon assured Jericho he could speak up if ever uncomfortable with a storyline.
• Jericho confirmed that McMahon kept his word, never putting him in “ridiculous” situations.
Direct quote:
“If there is anything you ever don’t want to do, just tell me, you don’t have to do it. We’ll never have you do anything like that anyway,” Jericho recalled McMahon saying.
Why it matters:
This revelation provides insight into the working relationship between top WWE talent and management during a controversial era in wrestling. It suggests that some performers had more agency in their storylines than previously thought.
By the numbers:
• Jericho’s WWE career spanned approximately 19 years (1999-2018).
• The Attitude Era, known for its edgy content, lasted from 1997 to 2002.
The big picture:
Jericho’s experience contrasts with the often-held perception that WWE talent had little say in their storylines during the Attitude Era. It highlights the nuanced relationships between top stars and management in professional wrestling.
What’s your take on Vince McMahon’s approach to talent comfort levels with storylines? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!