Chris Jericho's Last WWE Appearance: A Look Back

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the career of one of the most versatile and enduring performers in professional wrestling history: Chris Jericho. From his early days in WCW to his iconic runs in WWE and his current success in AEW, Jericho has consistently reinvented himself, captivating audiences with his charisma, in-ring skills, and masterful storytelling. But what about Chris Jericho's last appearance in WWE? When was it? What happened? Let's get into it, guys!

A Storied Career: From WCW to WWE

Before we pinpoint that last WWE appearance, it’s essential to appreciate Jericho's incredible journey. Jericho, born Christopher Irvine, honed his craft in various promotions before making a splash in WCW during the late 1990s. While there, he showcased his technical prowess and comedic timing, capturing the Cruiserweight Championship multiple times and engaging in memorable feuds with the likes of Dean Malenko. However, Jericho felt creatively stifled in WCW and sought greater opportunities to shine. His eventual departure marked a turning point in his career, leading him to the grand stage of WWE.

Jericho's WWE debut in 1999 was nothing short of iconic. Interrupting The Rock with his now-famous catchphrase, “Raw Is Jericho!,” he immediately established himself as a major player. Throughout the Attitude Era and beyond, Jericho proved his mettle, winning numerous championships, including the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and Tag Team Championships. His ability to seamlessly transition between heel and face roles, along with his innovative character work, solidified his status as a top-tier performer. Memorable feuds with Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Shawn Michaels further cemented his legacy.

The Highlight Reel: Memorable WWE Moments

Jericho's WWE career is filled with countless highlights. Who can forget his epic rivalry with Triple H in 2000, culminating in a WWE Championship match that saw Jericho briefly capture the title? Or his hilarious and often poignant partnership with Chris Benoit, which resulted in a Tag Team Championship victory? Then there was his intense feud with Shawn Michaels in 2008, marked by personal animosity and unforgettable matches.

Jericho's ability to adapt and reinvent himself was perhaps his greatest strength. Whether he was portraying the arrogant heel Y2J, the suit-wearing, condescending Chris Jericho, or the rockstar persona of Fozzy, he always managed to stay relevant and engaging. His mastery of the microphone, combined with his exceptional in-ring skills, made him a complete package – a true main event player.

Chris Jericho's Last WWE Appearance: The Details

Alright, guys, let's cut to the chase: Chris Jericho's last televised WWE appearance occurred on July 25, 2016, on Monday Night Raw. This appearance was part of his most recent full-time run with the company, which began earlier that year. On that night, Jericho was involved in a segment with Enzo Amore and Big Cass, building towards a match at SummerSlam. Now, to understand the context, let's rewind a bit.

The 2016 WWE Run: A Brief Recap

In early 2016, Chris Jericho made a surprise return to WWE after a hiatus. This run was marked by several notable moments and feuds. He initially aligned himself with AJ Styles, only to turn on him later, leading to a match at WrestleMania 32. Following this feud, Jericho formed a tag team with Kevin Owens, which became one of the most entertaining aspects of Monday Night Raw. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and their comedic timing was impeccable. They called themselves "Jeri-KO", a portmanteau of their names, and quickly became fan favorites.

Their tag team run was filled with memorable moments, including the creation of “The List of Jericho,” a notepad where Jericho would write down the names of anyone who annoyed him. This simple prop became incredibly popular with fans, who would chant “You just made the list!” whenever Jericho threatened to add someone’s name. Jeri-KO’s antics and in-ring performances made them a formidable duo, and they even managed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships.

However, as with all good things, Jeri-KO eventually came to an end. Tensions began to rise between Jericho and Owens, leading to a betrayal that culminated in a United States Championship match at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, where Owens defeated Jericho for the title. Although Jericho would appear sporadically for WWE in the future, this marked the end of his full-time run.

The Final Raw: What Happened?

So, back to Chris Jericho's last appearance on July 25, 2016. On that night's Raw, Jericho teamed with Kevin Owens to face Enzo Amore and Big Cass. The match was intended to build towards a SummerSlam match between the two teams. While the match itself was solid, the real highlight was the interaction between the competitors. Jericho and Owens, as Jeri-KO, were in their element, delivering witty insults and entertaining the crowd. However, as we know, this would be among the last times we'd see Jericho on WWE Raw.

While Jericho did participate in the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble and a match against Dolph Ziggler later that year, his appearance on July 25, 2016, was his final appearance on WWE television as a full-time performer. Following his departure from WWE, Jericho embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Life After WWE: The AEW Era

In 2019, Chris Jericho surprised many by signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new promotion founded by Tony Khan. This move marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape, as AEW aimed to provide an alternative to WWE. Jericho quickly established himself as a top star in AEW, becoming the inaugural AEW World Champion.

Reinventing Himself Again: Le Champion

Jericho's AEW run has been nothing short of remarkable. He debuted a new persona, “Le Champion,” a cocky and arrogant heel who believed he was the greatest wrestler in the world. This character was a perfect fit for AEW’s edgy and unpredictable style. Jericho’s promos were as sharp as ever, and his in-ring performances were consistently excellent.

As Le Champion, Jericho formed a stable known as The Inner Circle, which included Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, Santana, and Ortiz. The Inner Circle quickly became one of the most popular and entertaining factions in AEW, engaging in memorable feuds with The Elite, The Pinnacle, and other top stars. Jericho’s leadership and charisma were instrumental in the group’s success.

Continued Success and Innovation

Jericho's contributions to AEW extend beyond his in-ring work. He has also served as a mentor to younger talent, helping to elevate stars like Sammy Guevara and MJF. His creative input and experience have been invaluable to AEW’s growth and success. Jericho has proven that he is not just a wrestler but a true innovator and visionary in the world of professional wrestling.

The Legacy of Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho's last appearance in WWE may have been years ago, but his legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world. From his groundbreaking work in WCW to his iconic runs in WWE and his current success in AEW, Jericho has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a professional wrestler. His ability to reinvent himself, his mastery of the microphone, and his exceptional in-ring skills have made him one of the most beloved and respected performers in the history of the business.

Whether you remember him as Y2J, Le Champion, or simply Chris Jericho, there’s no denying that he is a true legend of professional wrestling. His contributions to the sport will be celebrated for generations to come. So, here's to Chris Jericho – a man who has always known how to entertain and surprise us! Thanks for everything, Y2J!