Chris Jericho Makes Heartbreaking Confession About His Greatest WWE Achievement
Chris Jericho has had many achievements in WWE, but one of his greatest accomplishments was becoming WWE’s first-ever Undisputed Champion.
This historic moment took place on December 9, 2001, at the Vengeance PPV in San Diego, where Y2J defeated both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in a single night. Jericho went on to hold the Undisputed Championship for 98 days before losing it to Triple H in the main event of WrestleMania X8 in March 2002.
The Demo God recently appeared on the UNTAPPED Podcast, where he reflected on this unbelievable milestone. He gave an insight into what it truly meant to be the top champion at the world’s biggest professional wrestling company.
He made a heartbreaking confession, saying that while achieving the feat was difficult, it was only the beginning of an even tougher journey. As a top-level champion, there was no room for mistakes, and he had to stay completely locked in.
Chris Jericho Reflects On The Pressure Of Becoming WWE’s First Undisputed Champion
Chris Jericho admitted that the responsibility felt overwhelming at the time and that he didn’t feel fully ready for it. However, he added that the moment forced him to push himself harder and ultimately become the best version of himself that fans see today.
“When you get to that top level as the champion, you really have to make no mistakes, and you really have to lock in. And when I beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin the same night, I wasn’t really ready to be the top, top guy.”
“It was years after when I finally locked in — 2008, 2009 — that’s when I became the Chris Jericho that you’re talking to now. A guy who knows what he’s doing in all aspects, total confidence, total pro.”
“I wasn’t that at that point in time in 2001 when I was the Undisputed Champion. But it’s all part of the growing process and learning and building.”
Chris Jericho is heavily rumored to return to WWE in 2026. There are conflicting reports online, as some suggest his AEW contract expired at the end of 2025, while others indicate it may have been frozen or extended due to time missed for injury and tours with his band Fozzy.
With both the Royal Rumble 2026 and Elimination Chamber passing without an appearance, speculation has now shifted toward a surprise return at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026.
Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.