History of Chris Jericho in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

Chris Jericho is a highly decorated professional wrestler, musician, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in wrestling history. Debuting in the early 1990s, he achieved major success in organizations including ECW, WCW, WWE, and AEW. Jericho is recognized for his innovative ring work, exceptional mic skills, and his unique ability to reinvent his character through various personas over three decades. Beyond the ring, he is the lead singer of the heavy metal band Fozzy and has hosted the popular 'Talk Is Jericho' podcast. A prolific author and media personality, Jericho has successfully transitioned into acting and reality television, cementing his status as a multi-talented icon in global entertainment and sports culture.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1950: Mid 20th Century Period Begins

The year 1950 marks the commencement of the mid-20th century era, a period encompassing the cultural and historical context surrounding the early life of figures relevant to the timeline.

1969: Mid 20th Century Period Ends

The year 1969 concludes the specific mid-20th century timeframe mentioned in the records, setting the stage for subsequent historical developments.

November 9, 1970: Birth of Christopher Keith Irvine

On November 9, 1970, Christopher Keith Irvine, who would later achieve fame as professional wrestler and musician Chris Jericho, was born.

1975: Birth of Chris Jericho

Christopher Keith Irvine, known professionally as Chris Jericho, was born in 1975 in Manhasset, New York.

October 2, 1990: Chris Jericho's Professional Wrestling Debut

On October 2, 1990, Chris Jericho made his professional wrestling debut at the Moose Hall in Ponoka, Alberta. Performing under the name "Cowboy" Chris Jericho, he competed in a ten-minute time limit draw against a wrestler named Storm.

1990: Graduation from Red River College

In 1990, Christopher Keith Irvine completed his higher education and graduated from Red River College in Winnipeg with a diploma in Creative Communications.

October 1991: Chris Jericho tours Japan with FMW

In October 1991, Chris Jericho and Lance Storm, performing as the tag team "Sudden Impact," participated in Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling's "Super Radical Force - To The West!" tour. During this October 1991 excursion, Jericho faced notable Japanese wrestlers such as Atsushi Onita and also formed a friendship with Ricky Fuji.

September 1992: FMW 3rd Anniversary Show Appearance

In September 1992, Chris Jericho competed at the FMW 3rd Anniversary Show held at Yokohama Stadium. After his original partner Lance Storm declined the invitation, Jericho teamed up with Eric Freeze to secure a victory against Eiji Ezaki and Koji Nakagawa.

1992: Chris Jericho Begins Wrestling in Mexico

In 1992, Chris Jericho traveled to Mexico to compete, initially using the name Leon D'Oro, which was chosen via a fan vote, before adopting the moniker Corazón de León while wrestling for independent promotions in Nuevo León.

March 1993: Chris Jericho Debuts with Universal Wrestling Association

In March 1993, Chris Jericho expanded his professional wrestling career by making his first appearance for the Universal Wrestling Association.

April 1993: Debut in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

In April 1993, Chris Jericho began his tenure competing for the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

December 1993: NWA World Middleweight Championship Win

In December 1993, Chris Jericho commenced an 11-month reign as the NWA World Middleweight Champion after competing against wrestlers such as Silver King, Negro Casas, and Último Dragón.

February 1994: Chris Jericho begins regular competition in Japan as Lion Heart

In February 1994, Chris Jericho started wrestling regularly for Genichiro Tenryu's promotion, Wrestling and Romance (WAR), adopting the persona "Lion Heart" for his appearances in Japan.

March 1994: Formation of The Thrillseekers

In March 1994, Chris Jericho and Lance Storm joined Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) promotion as the babyface tag team known as The Thrillseekers.

July 1994: Participation in the 2nd Anniversary of Revolution

During the 2nd Anniversary of Revolution event in July 1994, Jericho competed in a tag team match alongside Vampiro Casanova and The Warlord, ultimately suffering a defeat against the team of Atsushi Onita, Crusher Bam Bam Bigelow, and Genichiro Tenryu.

August 1994: Victory at The Night of the Legends

During the August 1994 event titled The Night of the Legends, The Thrillseekers defeated the Heavenly Bodies in a street fight. Jericho performed in this match despite having suffered a broken arm earlier while practicing a shooting star press, and he departed from SMW immediately following this event in August 1994.

November 1994: Loss of the NWA World Middleweight Championship

In November 1994, Chris Jericho was defeated by Último Dragón, resulting in Jericho losing the NWA World Middleweight Championship that he had previously earned while competing in Mexico.

March 1995: WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final

In March 1995, Chris Jericho competed in a tournament to determine the first-ever WAR International Junior Heavyweight Champion, but he was defeated in the final match by Gedo.

June 1995: Winning the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship

During June 1995, Chris Jericho successfully defeated Gedo to capture the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship title.

September 1995: Final CMLL Appearance

In September 1995, Chris Jericho made his final appearance for CMLL at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City, where he unsuccessfully challenged Apolo Dantés for the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship.

December 1995: Participation in the Super J-Cup

In December 1995, Chris Jericho took part in the second Super J-Cup tournament; he secured a victory against Hanzo Nakajima in the opening round but was later eliminated by Wild Pegasus in the second round.

1995: Joining Fuyuki-Gun

In 1995, Chris Jericho joined the heel stable known as Fuyuki-Gun, also referred to as the Fuyuki Army, alongside members Hiromichi Fuyuki, Gedo, and Jado. During this time, he adopted the ring name Lion Do.

February 1996: International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Victory

In February 1996, Jericho and his partner Gedo secured a tournament victory to become the inaugural holders of the International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship after defeating Lance Storm and Yuji Yasuraoka.

July 1996: Final WAR Appearance

In July 1996, Jericho concluded his tenure with WAR after completing 24 tours. His final match took place at the WAR 4th Anniversary Show, where he competed in a tag team match alongside Gedo, Jushin Thunder Liger, and Juventud Guerrera, ultimately suffering a defeat.

1999: Jericho joins Fozzy

In 1999, Chris Jericho began his role as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Fozzy.

1999: World Wrestling Federation Debut

In 1999, Chris Jericho made his highly anticipated debut for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), marking a significant turning point in his professional wrestling career.

2001: Undisputed WWF Champion Victory

In 2001, Chris Jericho achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Undisputed WWF Champion. On this date in 2001, he unified the WWF and World Heavyweight titles after defeating Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock on the same night.

2002: World Heavyweight Championship reign begins

In 2002, Chris Jericho established himself as a dominant force by beginning his tenure as a three-time World Heavyweight Champion.

2002: WWF Rebranded to WWE

In 2002, the wrestling organization known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) officially underwent a name change to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

2005: Release of All That Remains

In 2005, the band Fozzy transitioned to creating original music with the release of their third album, All That Remains.

2008: Slammy Award Superstar of the Year

In 2008, Chris Jericho was honored with the Superstar of the Year Slammy Award, recognizing his outstanding performance within the organization.

2009: Slammy Award Tag Team of the Year

During 2009, Chris Jericho teamed up with Big Show, collectively known as Jeri-Show, to win the Tag Team of the Year Slammy Award, making Jericho the only wrestler to win both top individual and team honors.

2010: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, Chris Jericho received significant professional recognition when he was formally inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.

2011: Television Appearances and Hosting

Throughout 2011, Jericho expanded his television presence by appearing on the season of Dancing with the Stars and serving as the host for the ABC game show Downfall and the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.

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2012: Hosting Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

In 2012, Chris Jericho took on the hosting responsibilities for the UK-based Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards.

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2013: Conclusion of World Heavyweight Championship era

The year 2013 marked the end of the recognized period for the specific version of the World Heavyweight Championship that Jericho held three times throughout his career.

2017: Hosting Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

Chris Jericho returned to host the UK's Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards once again in 2017.

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2018: Departure from WWE and NJPW Signing

In 2018, Chris Jericho concluded his tenure with WWE and officially signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). During this period, he achieved the milestone of becoming the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, marking a unique accomplishment as the first wrestler to hold both the WWE and NJPW versions of that title.

January 2019: Signing with All Elite Wrestling

As of January 2019, Chris Jericho officially signed with the professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he began performing under the mononym Jericho.

January 2019: Joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

In January 2019, Chris Jericho officially signed with the newly formed promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This move served as a pivotal moment in his career and for the landscape of professional wrestling.

February 2019: Origin Story of the Chris Jericho Ring Name

During a February 2019 interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Chris Jericho revealed that his stage name was inspired by the album Walls of Jericho by the band Helloween. He explained that he chose the name after deciding against his original plan to call himself "Jack Action."

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June 2024: Return to CMLL

In June 2024, Chris Jericho made a surprise return to the wrestling promotion CMLL after an absence of nearly 29 years, during which he assaulted Mistico and issued a challenge for a future match at the 91st CMLL Anniversary Show.

September 2024: 91st CMLL Anniversary Show Match

During the 91st CMLL Anniversary Show in September 2024, Chris Jericho faced off against Mistico in a high-profile match, ultimately resulting in a defeat for Jericho.