’02 – ’05: King of the RAW Mid-Card
Following his fourth run with the IC Title, Jericho would become WWF Undisputed Champion with both the Big Eagle and Big Gold Belt on his shoulders. This period would end at WrestleMania X8, when Jericho’s loss to Triple H set up another long mid-card run for Jericho.
While Jericho’s Undisputed Championship run was met with a mixed reaction, his ensuing mid-card run was adorned with entertaining segments and more quality opponents from a stacked roster. Jericho would capture the IC Title from Rob Van Dam on RAW, multiple times. This includes a title reign that lasted less than 15 minutes. Jericho defeated RVD with the help of Eric Bischoff, before co-GM Steve Austin restarted the match in a steel cage, where RVD would gain back his title.
Aside from a few Elimination Chamber matches and an amazing WrestleMania feud with Shawn Michaels, this period of Jericho’s career is marked by his friendship with Christian. The fellow Canadian would consistently appear with Jericho either backstage or in the ring, with their alliance turning into a feud over Trish Stratus. The storyline was capped-off with Jericho defeating Christian in a ladder match at Unforgiven, gaining his seventh Intercontinental Championship.
What is most impressive about Chris Jericho is how well he did with whatever he was given. Despite being one of the company’s most popular superstars throughout his career, Jericho worked through several long mid-card runs. And he never let up. Whether it was hosting “The Highlight Reel,” or protesting Steve Austin’s position as co-GM of RAW, Jericho consistently made the Monday show better during Triple H’s “Reign of Terror.” And, of course, the IC Title was never far behind.
Recommended Matches:
Christian (c) vs. Chris Jericho – RAW 9/1/2003
Chris Jericho vs. Christian, Ladder Match – Unforgiven 2004
Next Page: A Detailed Look At Chris Jericho’s History w/ The IC Title Ahead Of His IC Match At NJPW’s Dominion (cont.)
