Chris Jericho Interview Highlights

Chris Jericho: I was to originally host WWE Tough Enough!


By Phil Allely

Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho is currently in the UK on tour with his rock band Fozzy, our very own Phil Allely caught up with Chris to chat about what he and Fozzy have been up to over the past year, his wrestling plans and much more.

‘I’m not a big fan of reality TV shows, but I was tempted with the offer to host WWE’s Tough Enough. So it could have been me there fronting it instead of Steve (Austin), but dancing with the Stars came up and I couldn’t do both. It would have been cool to do it. Steve’s awesome on it though and he’s made it his own, I’m glad it’s got a second series. People ask if I’d be a trainer on the show (like) Trish, Booker and a Bill. But that’s not me really. Hosting is a different matter, I’m game for that. I’d love to do another game show or other things, I’ve plenty of interests and lots to explore in showbiz.’

Every month or so the rumour of a Jericho return to the WWE rears its head. As one of the most high profile freelancers in the business the former multiple time world champion could have his pick of wrestling organisation, if he so desired to return to the ring.

‘I mean there have always been rumours about me, people want to see me back in the ring. I’m not against going back I’m busy elsewhere though, at present I have no plans to appear for the WWE. I’d not do a one-off I don’t believe in that, if I never go back I’m fine with that, I’d want to come back for a reason and make it a long run. I’m either in or out, no one shot deals or false starts. My loyalties are with the WWE though, so I’ll not be turning up in TNA or doing a Japan show. I don’t see the sense on going somewhere else when I have worked for the best.’

WWE’s most ambitious storyline yet is the year-long build up to the Rock versus John Cena encounter planned for WrestleMania. Would a match of that magnitude on the table have persuaded Jericho to step back into the ring we wondered?

‘That’s a tough call, I maybe would have gone for a spot like that, but I’d have not really went for a short time deal. I mean Rock is only doing a handful of appearances between then and Mania. I’ve always been a bit radical, so I’d make a deal like that suit, Rock and Cena will be fun to watch, it’s a long drawn out thing though. Maybe a bit too long, I’m not sure? You know in all honesty in my 2009-2010 run I think I was at my career best, so if I never wrestle again I have no regrets’.

Acclaimed author Jericho has also signed a new deal for a third book based on his career, this as yet unnamed title will look at the period from 2007 to the present days, taking in his return to the WWE and his tours with Fozzy.

After many years of slogging away on the UK/European and US live circuit Fozzy have began to make their mark. This summer they were included on the bill for the Sonisphere Festival, and event that Chris is extremely proud to have been a part of.

‘That was a great show, the crowd were wonderful. We were on before Slipknot and we loved the experience, it was a cool vibe. I think we all really enjoy the big stage, there’s lots of space to go roaming around. We played tracks from our current album Chasing the Grail. In fact this tour we are on now is the last one for Grail. Next year we are heading to the studio to record our new album, then next summer we will be back hitting the road in the UK to showcase it.

Visit www.fozzyrock.com for more information on the band and their music.

Tour dates are as below.

Nov 02, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Sub 89 Reading, UK

Nov 03, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Talking Heads Southampton, UK

Nov 04, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM CF-10 Cardiff Univ Cardiff, Wales, UK

Nov 05, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM Kasbah Coventry, UK

Nov 06, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM The Well Leeds, UK

Nov 07, 2011 Mon 7:00 PM Rock City Basement Nottingham, UK

Nov 08, 2011 Tue 7:00 PM Cathouse Glasgow, Scotland,

Nov 09, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Fibbers York, UK

Nov 10, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Central Station Wrexham, Wales, UK

Nov 11, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM White Rabbit Plymouth, UK

Nov 12, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM WAMA High Wycombe, UK

Nov 13, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM Concorde 2 Brighton, UK