Why Did Chris Jericho Leave WWE 2010?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Chris Jericho, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, stunned the WWE Universe in 2010 when he made the decision to leave the company. Fans were left wondering why such a prominent and beloved superstar would walk away from the world’s biggest wrestling promotion. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that led to Chris Jericho’s departure. The Frustrations of Creative Direction One of the primary reasons behind Chris Jericho’s departure from WWE was his frustration with the creative direction of his character. Despite being a multiple-time world champion and an incredibly talented performer, Jericho felt that he was being underutilized and not given enough meaningful storylines. Jericho expressed his discontent in various interviews: “I felt like I had accomplished everything I could in WWE at that time. “ “The creative team didn’t have any fresh ideas for me. “ “I wanted to explore new opportunities and challenge myself creatively. “ The Desire for New Challenges Chris Jericho is known for his versatility and willingness to explore different ventures outside of wrestling. He is an accomplished musician, author, and podcast host. During his time with WWE, he felt restricted by their schedule and wanted to pursue other interests. Additionally, Jericho expressed a desire to work with other talented wrestlers around the world who were not under contract with WWE. This desire for new challenges and experiences ultimately influenced his decision to leave. The Need for Time Off Wrestling is an incredibly demanding profession both physically and mentally. After years of grueling schedules, injuries, and constant travel, Chris Jericho reached a point where he needed a break to recharge and spend time with his family. Jericho explained, “I was burnt out and needed some time away from the wrestling world. I wanted to focus on my personal life and take care of my body.” Exploring Opportunities Outside WWE Upon leaving WWE, Chris Jericho didn’t remain idle. He decided to explore opportunities in other wrestling promotions, such as New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Jericho’s decision to join NJPW: “I wanted to challenge myself by facing new opponents in a different wrestling culture.” “The opportunity to wrestle Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 was too good to pass up.” Jericho’s involvement with AEW: “I believe in what AEW is trying to achieve – providing an alternative for wrestling fans.” “It gives me the chance to work with talented individuals who may not have had the opportunity in WWE.” A Potential Return? While Chris Jericho left WWE in 2010, it doesn’t mean he won’t return at some point. Jericho has demonstrated throughout his career that he is open to new opportunities and loves surprising fans. In conclusion, Chris Jericho’s departure from WWE in 2010 was a result of frustrations with creative direction, a desire for new challenges, the need for time off, and the exploration of opportunities outside of WWE. His decision led him down exciting paths and allowed him to continue making an impact on the wrestling world.
