10 Best Matches of Chris Jericho’s Career
Chris Jericho
10- Chris Jericho vs. Triple H - Fully Loaded (2000)
This was a grueling Last Man Standing Match that helped establish Jericho as a main event star in the WWF. Jericho challenged the dominant, cerebral Triple H in a brutal contest where the goal was to keep your opponent down for a ten-count. The match was a chaotic, physical war that involved heavy use of weapons and incredible resilience from both competitors. Jericho scored the unexpected victory, a monumental upset that proved he could hang with the absolute top tier of the company.
9- Chris Jericho vs. Juventud Guerrera - SuperBrawl VIII (1998)
This was a key WCW Cruiserweight Championship match with a Title vs. Mask stipulation. Jericho was in the midst of a brilliant run as the arrogant, self-proclaimed "Lionheart" heel, while Juventud Guerrera was one of the division's top high-flyers. The match was a tremendous display of cruiserweight wrestling. Jericho won the bout, forcing Guerrera to unmask, which was a huge, defining moment for Jericho's heel character and a crucial victory that elevated his standing in WCW.
8- Stadium Stampede Match - Double or Nothing (2020)
This unique, cinematic match saw The Inner Circle (Jericho, Santana, Ortiz, Sammy Guevara, and Jake Hager) battle The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt Hardy, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Page) in a football stadium. The match was a spectacular, innovative brawl filmed across the massive stadium, utilizing various locations and cinematic elements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jericho was a major focus, taking part in several memorable comedy and action sequences. The contest was highly praised for its creativity, becoming one of AEW's defining matches.
7- Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk - Payback (2013)
This match marked CM Punk’s return to action in his hometown of Chicago, following a hiatus, making the atmosphere electric. Jericho challenged Punk, who was accompanied by Paul Heyman, continuing their complex, personal rivalry from the previous year. The match was a technical wrestling masterclass, blending Jericho's experience with Punk's intensity. The crowd's passionate involvement heightened the tension. Punk won the match with the GTS, providing a huge moment for the hometown hero and delivering another standout, high-quality performance in their storied series.
6- Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho vs. Steve Austin & Triple H - Raw (May 21, 2001)
This Tag Team Championship match was an action-packed main event on Raw. Jericho and Benoit, forming a formidable team, challenged two of the top stars in the company, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H. Despite being the challengers, Jericho and Benoit were presented as legitimate threats. The contest was a brilliant mix of technical wrestling and high-impact offense. Jericho and Benoit scored the unlikely victory to capture the Tag Team Championship, a huge win that solidified their main event status during the acclaimed "Invasion" era.
5- Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels - No Mercy (2008)
Culminating one of Jericho’s most critically acclaimed feuds, this Ladder Match was for the World Heavyweight Championship. The rivalry was deeply personal, including a moment where Jericho attacked Michaels’ wife. The match was filled with drama and physicality, befitting the intense blood feud. It featured thrilling exchanges on and around the ladders. Jericho ultimately won, retrieving the belt and ending their long-running, multi-year program with one of the best ladder matches in WWE history, further cementing both men's legacies as all-time greats.
4- Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega - Wrestle Kingdom 12 (2018)
Billed as "Alpha vs. Omega," this non-sanctioned match at NJPW's biggest show was a historic moment, as it was Jericho's first major match outside of WWE since 1999. The bout was significant for opening the "forbidden door" between promotions. It was a vicious, hard-hitting brawl, mixing high spots with raw intensity, demonstrating Jericho's ability to adapt and perform at the highest level in a completely new environment. Kenny Omega won the match, but the contest was hailed for its historical importance and the quality of the action.
3- Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho - Royal Rumble (2001)
This was a brutal and highly rated Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship, marking a significant chapter in the intense rivalry between Chris Benoit and Jericho. Both men were known for their technical prowess and intensity, and they pushed the limits of the ladder match stipulation. The match was characterized by stiff shots, high-risk maneuvers off the ladders, and a relentless pace. Jericho successfully retrieved the title, adding another great performance to his legacy and elevating the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship.
2- Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio - The Bash (2009)
This Intercontinental Title match had a Mask vs. Title stipulation, putting Mysterio's sacred mask against Jericho's prestigious championship. Their feud was intensely personal, with Jericho repeatedly trying to humiliate Mysterio by tearing off his mask. The bout was a fast-paced, high-stakes contest that demonstrated Jericho's ability to work a technical and vicious style against Mysterio's high-flying offense. Mysterio ultimately won by cleverly confusing Jericho, who tore off one mask only to find Mysterio was wearing a second one underneath, allowing him to hit the 619 for the victory.
1- Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XIX (2003)
This "dream match" pitted Jericho, the arrogant upstart, against his childhood idol, Shawn Michaels. The incredible storyline focused on Jericho's desire to prove he was superior to the man he modeled himself after. It was an instant classic, featuring high-flying action and masterful storytelling. Michaels scored the pinfall with a small package. The memorable conclusion saw Jericho feign an emotional embrace before delivering a vicious low blow, solidifying his heel status and leaving a lasting impression. The match is highly regarded for its phenomenal build-up and in-ring execution.
