For weeks now, there have been cryptic vignettes on WWE television promoting a big return. "The end of the world is near..." says the vignette.... last night it was revealed. The return of "Y2J" Chris Jericho. And he stood in the ring for 10 minutes, saying not a word, just playing to the crowd to get cheers. By the end of the segment, the fans were booing him. Why?
I understand some people were frustrated because they felt for all of that build up, there should be a payoff. But I think this is in part a reflection on a very important misconception in the pro wrestling industry, forwarded by promoters that their primary job is to entertain fans and give them what they want. It's not.
What Jericho did last night was stage one of a character change for him. His goal was to frustrate his fans, leaving them scratching their heads going "What was that!?" It's part of a journey he plans to take WWE viewers on as he defines his new character and makes you want to pay money to see a babyface whom fans like and identify with beat him up at Wrestlemania (CM Punk anyone?).
That's pro wrestling promoting. Not giving everyone what they want, when they want it, but rather creating a strong emotional reaction.
If you were bored during that 10-minute Jericho spoof love-fest, that's part of the frustration that Jericho was trying to create. I couldn't take my eyes off it, even if it was monotonous.
This whole act is a bit of a throwback to Jericho's WCW days where he listed all 1,004 holds he knew. They cut to commercial, and when they returned, he was still listing them. He was going for the same reaction that night as he was last night. Drive people nuts so he could get some heat and draw money when a babyface beats him. I'd argue that's truly the way to draw money and crowds. Tell a story without having to fall 20 feet off a ladder through tables that are on fire. Make the crowd focus on you without taking an unprotected chairshot to the head.
I, for one, can't wait to see where this goes next.
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