Torch Feedback Jericho's Return Reax #3: "I like, more than anything, when Chris Jericho is able to be funny without being too geeky."
Nov 28, 2007 - 3:12:00 PM
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Daren Compton: Thus far, here is my take on Jericho's return. It is still intriguing to me, a diehard Jericholic. However, I do admit his clothesline of the torch runner last week was incredibly lame and softened the anticipation for his return to the stage. It felt like. it was less special than a Triple H Quad Injury Return. After eight weeks of build up, which was four weeks too long, WWE dropped the ball last Monday, again. However, I don't think it'd been such a let down without all the 'net whiners setting the bar in the heavens, as they always do. Now, onto week two of the second coming of Jericho, I think pairing Jericho up with Santino is gold. Granted, I think Jericho should main event, but I think Santino needs to be paired again, post-WM 24, with Jericho as a heel tag team or in a feud. The heel turn can't come now, not to true Jericho fans. I think pairing Santino and Jericho later on, would elevate Santino's credibility, and this is a much needed thing, as no one is better than Santino on the mic... well, except Edge, and no one is in his league on the mic right now.
Chris Jericho [artist Joseph Borzotta (c) PWTorch]
Not Signed: As far as Jericho being a cheesy face, you can rest assure that as soon as the last SaveUs_222 shirt has been sold, the heel turn/swerve is coming. He is natural as a heel and the more goody-goody he is now, the bigger the impact he will make on his heel turn.
Alfonso A. Sanchez of Central Islip, N.Y. (Ocupation: College Sophomore): There has always been a very divisive crowd among internet "smarks" when it comes to the topic of Chris Jericho. Some feel his character is stale, annoying, goofy, and boring, while others feel he's exciting, funny, edgy, and intense. While I can see why there are many that aren't completely sold on Chris Jericho, he's always had that magic for me. As a kid, I grew up watching wrestling with my brothers, and whether it was the Hitman, the Hulkster, the Warrior, or the Undertaker, one of us was always hooked on one particular wrestler that just did it for us. For me, it started as the Undertaker - his entrance an overwhelming spectacle and his look something childhood flashbacks are filled with. Later in my wrestling fandom, when I discovered Chris Jericho, it was discovering someone that exuded charisma and enthusiasm in everything he did. Yes, I can admit that a lot of his stuff comes off as geeky or goofy, but the man is always passionate in what he does, whether positioned at the bottom of the card or in the marquee match. I think it's very early to start analyzing what the future holds for Y2J, as young fans are still learning who he is, and older fans are adjusting to the fact that a guy that has been gone for two years is coming back into the company's spot of number one good guy (Also, to be fair, the crowds at both shows thus far have been far from stellar). There's no denying that he can put on an incredible match given the right opportunity, and cut an incredible promo given the right conext. I like, more than anything, when Chris Jericho is able to be funny without being too geeky, and intense without being too militant. He doesn't always find that medium, but in certain feuds (HBK, the Rock, Triple H in 2000, Benoit) he has, and it's been nothing short of spectacular. One of my favorite promos of his was as Undisputed Champion on a Smackdown before the 2002 Royal Rumble. He was angered that so many of the competitors in the actual Rumble match were looking past him and onto his opponent the Rock as their potential opponent for WrestleMania. He really showed a lot of intensity and frustration in that promo, but unfortunately he hasn't had many chances to do that since. I'd like to see him retain his comedy routine for the younger fans while also implementing an edge and intensity that go hand in hand with his undeniable geekiness. Here's hoping that Jericho is able to continue to find that medium (Monday was a great step toward it) and retain his current status as number one babyface on Raw.
Send us your thoughts, and just to add a twist to the PWTorch Reax feature, from now on include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Jericho's return, click here.
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