Chris Jericho's WWE Allies: A Look Back

What's up, wrestling fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into the amazing career of the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla himself, Chris Jericho. This guy has been a cornerstone of WWE for years, and one of the most fascinating aspects of his journey has been the incredible allies he's formed along the way. We're talking about partnerships that shaped storylines, created unforgettable moments, and sometimes, well, just plain surprised us all. Jericho is a master manipulator and a true showman, and his ability to bring others into his orbit has been key to his enduring success. Whether he was forming a heel faction to dominate the roster or finding common ground with a fellow babyface to overcome a mutual enemy, these alliances have been crucial chapters in the Y2J saga. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let's explore some of the most iconic and impactful allies Chris Jericho has had in WWE. It’s a wild ride, guys, and we’re going to cover a lot of ground, from his early days to his more recent runs, exploring the dynamics of these partnerships and why they resonated so strongly with us fans.

The List of Jericho and its Early Impact

When we talk about Chris Jericho's WWE allies, we absolutely have to start with one of his most defining moments and factions: The List of Jericho. Introduced during his heel run in 2016, this wasn't just a prop; it was a philosophy. Jericho, in his brilliant, arrogant heel persona, would create a list of people who had wronged him or who he simply deemed unworthy of his greatness. And guess who always ended up on that list? His best friend, Kevin Owens. This dynamic was pure gold. Owens, initially confused and then gradually embracing his role as Jericho's confidante and enforcer, provided a perfect foil to Jericho's verbal assaults and increasingly bizarre behavior. Their alliance, often fueled by Jericho's seemingly arbitrary judgments and Owens' willingness to go along with it (or at least pretend to), became a highlight of Monday Night Raw. The beauty of this alliance was its complexity. Were they truly best friends? Or was Owens just playing Jericho, biding his time? The ambiguity made their interactions electric. Fans were constantly guessing, and that's the sign of brilliant storytelling. The List itself became a character, a symbol of Jericho's power and influence. Anyone who found themselves on it was marked for humiliation, often at the hands of Owens. This alliance wasn't just about power; it was about psychological warfare, a masterclass in heel work by two exceptional performers. They used the list to target opponents, justify their actions, and create a palpable sense of unease for anyone who dared to cross them. The chemistry between Jericho and Owens was undeniable, and it showed in every segment. They played off each other perfectly, with Jericho delivering the verbose, witty insults and Owens providing the silent, menacing stare or the occasional, perfectly timed grunt of agreement. This period solidified Jericho's ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant, even after decades in the business, by forming compelling partnerships that captivated the audience.

The Undisputed Era: A Powerhouse Alliance

Moving on, another significant group that saw Jericho operating within a powerful alliance was during his time with The Undisputed Era in NXT. Now, technically, this wasn't strictly a WWE main roster alliance in the traditional sense, but given NXT's role as WWE's developmental brand and the massive impact this group had, it's impossible to ignore. When Jericho made his shocking return to NXT, he aligned himself with the dominant faction of Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, and Roderick Strong. This was a game-changer for NXT. Jericho, the veteran superstar, lending his star power and in-ring prowess to this already formidable unit elevated them to another level. The dynamic was fascinating: Jericho, the seasoned legend, working alongside the young, hungry, and incredibly talented Undisputed Era. He acted as a mentor, a partner in crime, and an undisputed leader when needed. Their matches, particularly the WarGames encounters, were brutal and unforgettable. Jericho brought his vast experience and his signature intensity to the group, helping them solidify their dominance over the black and gold brand. The storylines were compelling, showcasing the sheer ruthlessness and strategic brilliance of the Undisputed Era, with Jericho serving as the perfect catalyst. He fit seamlessly into their already established chemistry, adding another layer of threat and charisma. This alliance wasn't just about Jericho; it was about The Undisputed Era cementing their legacy as one of the greatest factions in NXT history, with Jericho playing a pivotal role in that narrative. His willingness to work with and elevate younger talent showcased his professionalism and his commitment to the business. The visual of Jericho standing tall with Cole, Fish, O'Reilly, and Strong was an iconic image, representing a passing of the torch in some ways, while also demonstrating Jericho's incredible ability to adapt and thrive in any environment. This period proved that Jericho wasn't just a solo act; he was a master strategist who understood the power of a united front, especially when that front was as dominant as The Undisputed Era.

AJ Styles and the Festival of Friendship

Let's rewind a bit to a surprisingly delightful and ultimately tragic alliance: Chris Jericho and AJ Styles. When AJ Styles made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble in 2016, it was a seismic event. His initial feud with the veteran Chris Jericho was a masterclass in contrasting styles and personalities. However, what started as animosity quickly evolved into a bizarre, yet compelling, friendship. Jericho, embracing a more flamboyant and self-aggrandizing persona, decided that AJ Styles was worthy of being his best friend. This led to some of the most entertaining segments of the era, culminating in the infamous Festival of Friendship. This elaborate, over-the-top celebration, planned entirely by Jericho for Styles, was a testament to Jericho's commitment to character work. The gifts, the embarrassing photos, the terrible balloon animals – it was all part of Jericho's unique brand of affection. The segment was hilarious and heartwarming, showcasing a genuine camaraderie between the two. However, as is often the case in WWE, such alliances are rarely built to last. The betrayal, when it came, was brutal. Jericho, unable to handle Styles' rising popularity and the fact that Styles was gaining more adoration from the WWE Universe, turned on his