Despite persistent speculation and online rumors, a long-awaited WWE return for Chris Jericho does not appear to be imminent. While fans continue to hold out hope that Y2J will one day step back into a WWE ring, the veteran star recently shifted the focus to reflection, opening up about one of his favorite opponents and the performer he believes belongs in the greatest-of-all-time conversation.
Speaking on the UNTAPPED podcast with Spencer Matthews, Jericho looked back on his 35-year career spanning multiple promotions, including All Elite Wrestling and WWE. The conversation turned nostalgic as he revisited some of his most defining rivalries and career-shaping moments. When the topic shifted to who deserves recognition as one of the greatest of all time, Jericho didn’t hesitate, offering what he views as the perfect answer while reflecting on the legends he has shared the ring with throughout his storied run.
Chris Jericho Considers Shawn Michaels As The Greatest of All Time
Y2J talked about several rivalries he had during his career in the WWE and talked about his iconic rivalry with Shawn Michaels. He further stated, “For me, the greatest of all time is Shawn Michaels. That’s the best for what I like in wrestling.” He further praised HBK’s in-ring skills, his overall character work, and his storylines.
“Shawn, to me, was the best from an athletic standpoint, from a character standpoint, from a storyline standpoint. I don’t think it gets much better than Shawn,” said Jericho.
“For me, the greatest of all time is Shawn Michaels. That's the best for what I like in wrestling.
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) March 2, 2026
Shawn, to me, was the best from an athletic standpoint, from a character standpoint, from a storyline standpoint. I don't think it gets much better than Shawn.”
– Chris Jericho… pic.twitter.com/RQ1OWZnLge
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Well, there might be no doubt in saying that HBK is the greatest of all time from every standpoint. With Jericho saying that and having delivered classics at WrestleMania 19 and No Mercy 2008, it shows how both veterans respect their work and have immense dedication to the craft.
Chris Jericho Talks About The Impact Of His Encounter With Kenny Omega At Wrestle Kingdom 12
From an array of his impactful rivalries over the years, Chris Jericho’s rivalry with Kenny Omega in NJPW might be one of his most unforgettable rivalries of all time. Like every other prominent WWE wrestler, Jericho also showcased a different version of himself in Japan.
The former IWJP Intercontinental Champion displayed himself as the Painmaker during his reign in the NJPW and had a great rivalry with Omega during this time. Their rivalry was elevated to another level after their match at Wrestle Kingdom 12, which might have changed the professional wrestling business, according to Jericho.
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During the same podcast, Jericho stated, “We changed the business when we had our match at the Tokyo Dome, which at the time was crazy because nobody ever thought it would happen”.
Chris Jericho reflects on the impact of his match with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12, how it helped form AEW:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) March 2, 2026
“We changed the business when we had our match at the Tokyo Dome, which at the time was crazy because nobody ever thought it would happen. We're both from the same… pic.twitter.com/jjH7ziUMLa
He also thinks that the match might have convinced Tony Khan to form All Elite Wrestling at the time, as there was a huge demand for a WWE substitute at the time. “The digital streaming was through the roof for New Japan Pro Wrestling, which then led to Tony Khan seeing and deciding that he could form AEW,” said Y2J.
With Omega defeating Jericho in their IWJP Intercontinental match at WK 12, their match is still considered to be one of the best matches for Y2J throughout his NJPW career.
