CanadianChick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 WWE.com finally got a chance to catch up with Chris Jericho. The man that some have called the MVP of RAW in 2003 is extremely busy these days, but he took time out to discuss the holidays, WWE, Fozzy and more. WWE.com: How was your Christmas? Jericho: It was great. I went up to Winnipeg, to the Great White North. I really miss the snow and the ice, and real hockey and real hockey commentating. I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. WWE.com: What are your plans for New Year’s? Jericho: I’m going to have a New Year’s Eve party at my house. Over the last couple of years, we’ve always done something on New Year’s – went to the Dominican Republic, went skiing. This year, because we have RAW right in the middle of everything, we only have three days off. So I figured I’d stay home, invite friends over and hang out there. WWE.com: What did you think of SmackDown! going to Baghdad for Christmas? Jericho: When I first heard about it, I was kind of hesitant, thinking, “Oh man, I don’t know if I’d want to go on it.” But after watching it and seeing what an honor it was for everybody to go there, I would have loved to have been on it. Hopefully, I can go there some time. WWE.com: What happened to the Highlight Reel? Jericho: The whole premise of the Highlight Reel was to use it when there was a reason for it. It was a weekly fixture for a while, and we have gotten away from it recently. But it hasn’t gone anywhere. It’ll resurface one of these days. When there’s a reason to have it – when something’s going to happen off of it – we’ll always have one. WWE.com: Do you miss the fans cheering for you? Jericho: I can’t say really I miss the fans cheering for me. It’s always great when people chant “Y2J!” Two weeks ago in Tampa when I told (Eric) Bischoff off and pushed Christian down, and people started chanting “Y2J!” it was really cool. But my biggest goal and the most important thing is making sure people have a good time and are entertained when I’m in the ring, whether they love me or hate me. As long as they’ll pay money to see me, that’s all that matters. I love when people boo me, and it’s fun when people cheer me. As long as they’re making noise. WWE.com: You’ve seemed to be busier than ever lately. Is that true? If so, why? Jericho: I’ve always been busy this year. In fact, thinking back to the Shawn Michaels rivarly leading to WrestleMania, that was about three and a half months long. And the whole (Stone Cold Steve) Austin thing kind of started with me (and now there’s) the whole thing with Trish (Stratus) and me. I enjoy the backstage part of the show. I enjoy being busy. I think I’m pretty good at being able to juggle a bunch of different things at the same time. I’d rather be on the show three, four or five times than be on it only once because I think it’s important to have a lot of depth to your character. If you’re in two or three scenarios at the same time, and you’re busy, I think people get to know your character better. And that’s the most important thing is to have that depth, where people get comfortable, where they know who you are, know what you stand for and know what your character is all about. WWE.com: You reportedly said in a recent interview that you might retire in two years if you could find another creative outlet. Is that true? What would that creative outlet be? Jericho: I don’t think that’s true. (I’m not planning on) retiring in the way Ricky Steamboat retired. Right now I’m really looking into other aspects of show business, whether that’s doing stuff for VH1 or Hollywood, having my own talk show or doing another record with Fozzy. I enjoy being creative. I’m not saying I’m going to be finished with WWE. I’m just saying I’m expanding my creative outlets at this point. It’s kind of like when you have a pair of shoes that you love, but maybe you want to try a pair of green shoes and a pair of blue shoes instead of the same black ones all time. And if you look good in all those different pairs of shoes, that’s all that matters. I think “retiring” is a really big word, especially since in a few years I’ll only be 35, which is pretty much the prime of your career in this sport. WWE.com: What about WWE Films? Is that a possibility for you? Jericho: It’s all a possibility. Absolutely. I’m into the acting side of things. I really enjoy the improv nature of doing talk shows. I wouldn’t mind having my own talk show at some point in time. I love doing the stuff I’ve been doing for VH1. I’ve already done two more programs with them. If WWE Films has the right thing for me to do, I’d love to do it. I know I could. WWE.com: What are your thoughts on WrestleMania XX?Who would be your dream opponent? Jericho: I can’t really say I have a dream opponent. All I would like to have is a great story going into it, like I had with Shawn this year. It doesn’t matter who you wrestle – The Rock, Funaki, Brock Lesnar or a returning Dean Malenko – as long as the buildup is good. WWE.com: Do you like intergender matches and would you like to see more of them? Jericho: No. I think they’re good to do once in a while. I like mixed tag matches; I think they’re pretty fun. Intergender is too strong; it’s too heavy. I think our (Armageddon) pay-per-view match was the right place for it. I think we stole the show to be honest with you. Doing it again the next night on RAW, I was kind of hesitant about it, but I think, once again, we did a great job with it. But I would be happy not doing another intergender match for a long time. WWE.com: What did you do for the WWE Originals album? Jericho: I did a song called “Don’t You Wish You Were Me?” which I wrote with Jim Johnston (producer of WWE Originals) and Rich Ward, the guitar player of Fozzy. We’re really happy about it. It coincides too with the new Fozzy, which played a couple of shows in New York City a few weeks ago. No more wigs, no more gimmicks, just all originals and kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll from our band. We’ve evolved into that. I was just looking at pictures of the band the other day. We look very cool. It’s kind of one of those things where I can’t believe we waited so long to do this. And to do the WWE Originals album, we’re very excited because it’s a Rich Ward/Chris Jericho/Jim Johnston collaboration. It’s not a Fozzy song, per se. But it’s definitely what the new Fozzy is going to sound like – very heavy, kind of Audioslave meets Stuck Mojo meets Fozzy type material. I haven’t heard the whole record (of WWE Originals) yet, but I went into that recording session with the sole intention of stealing the show and stealing the record away from everybody else. Hearing our track, I think we’ve probably done that. WWE.com: So WWE Originals isn’t a ha-ha thing. It’s a legitimate thing. Jericho: I had Piledriver and the Wrestling Album growing up, and they were funny. But there are good songs on (WWE Originals) that people can actually sing. On the tracks that I’ve heard, everyone sounds good. The way (technology is) nowadays, you can make people sound better than they are, but you still have to have some raw talent to do that.I think Jim Johnston did a great job of producing and arranging the record. When I first heard about it, I was once again a little bit hesitant, but the way it’s turned out, I think it’s a great idea. A lot of people in our company have musical talent. To be a part of it, it’s great. I look forward to everyone hearing my track. WWE.com: What’s the new Fozzy like compared to previous incarnations? Jericho: We’re going to go in the studio in February to record the new record. It’s going to be all originals. Like I said, no more of the gimmicks. It was fun while we did it, but we’ve moved on. On “Happenstance,” our last record, I think the best songs were the originals. When we played New York City a few weeks ago, all of our originals got the biggest reactions. So we know that people are into them. Rich Ward is a great songwriter and he’s produced some great songs. So that’s what we’re going to do. We’re a kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll band that played with Slayer a couple of weeks ago in Germany. It should be out in the summertime. We’re going to release it ourselves. I’m going to start my own record label. One thing I’ve learned about the record industry is that it’s very crazy. I think I can do it just as good, if not better, with my own record company and be a lot more in charge of the destiny of this record. WWE.com: So Chris Jericho Records? Or Y2J Records? Jericho: I don’t know exactly what we’re going to call it yet. We’re definitely going to incorporate the word “Jericho” in there somewhere. At first I didn’t want to, but it’s a no-brainer. WWE.com: What were some of the favorite matches that you had during 2003? Jericho: I think the Shawn Michaels match at WrestleMania XIX was a classic. The Shawn-Jericho rematch on RAW from L.A. back in June was an awesome match. The 10-man Elimination Survivor Series Match where Austin lost his job was a great match. The whole Trish Stratus thing has been awesome as well. It’s a whole new world for our show; we haven’t had anything like that in a long time. Great chemistry and it’s been a great scenario, and it’s basically just getting started. All of those scenarios were all great because they were long-term: Shawn Michaels was three and a half months, Austin was two months, Trish has been three months now. That’s one thing I’m very much into is contributing to these things so they’re not just a quick in-and-out thing. WWE.com: You also had a match with RVD on RAW that was awesome. Jericho: That was right when we came back from Australia. I remember that. That was a really good match too. I’ve been very happy contributing the way I’ve been contributing. A lot of people have said I’m the MVP of RAW. I don’t know if that’s the case, but I definitely know that if I’m on the screen, it’s going to be entertaining. I’ve been doing my best to make that happen week in and week out. WWE.com: Do you have any goals for 2004 that you wouldn’t mind sharing? Jericho: Just have the people know that when they see Chris Jericho in the ring, on TV or wherever it is, that they’re going to be entertained and that it’s going to be very exciting and very thought provoking. A lot of potential for Fozzy is going to be realized this year with the new record. And I want to continue to the VH1 stuff that I’m doing, and expand the whole Hollywood scene for me as well. So I think it’s going to be a good year, entertainment-wise, for Chris Jericho. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steviekick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 That’s one thing I’m very much into is contributing to these things so they’re not just a quick in-and-out thing. If the WWE stuck it out longer with things instead of being so eager to hit the 'panic button' at the first sign of trouble, things would be much better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jobber of the Week 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 WWE.com: So WWE Originals isn’t a ha-ha thing. It’s a legitimate thing. Jericho: I had Piledriver and the Wrestling Album growing up, and they were funny. But there are good songs on (WWE Originals) that people can actually sing. In other words, "PLEASE don't add this to WrestleCrap until we've made some money out of it!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celtic Jobber 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. Nope, this is the first I've heard of butter tarts. We have Pop Tarts though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest wildpegasus Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. They don't have ketchup chips either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisMWaters 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. They don't have ketchup chips either. Weird, I bought Ketchup chips a few weeks ago...and I live in New Jersey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest wildpegasus Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. They don't have ketchup chips either. Weird, I bought Ketchup chips a few weeks ago...and I live in New Jersey. Maybe you guys are part Canadian or something. The reason I thought that is because I believe Pam Anderson brought some ketchup chips to a popular talk show in the States for the host and it was mentioned that ketchup chips weren't available in the States. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I enjoyed a whole bunch of butter tarts, which are a Canadian delicacy that the American people aren’t really familiar with. It was just a good time. WWE.com: What’s a butter tart? Jericho: It’s a tart filled with pecan-pie type stuff with raisins in it. It’s awesome. You guys don't have butter tarts?? I'm filled with sadness for you. They don't have ketchup chips either. Weird, I bought Ketchup chips a few weeks ago...and I live in New Jersey. Maybe you guys are part Canadian or something. . You can have them if you like. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mecha Mummy 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Last time I was in Canada I couldn't find any ketchup chips for some reason. It bummed me out because I love that stuff. Oh, and... uhm, nice interview, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 A returning Dean Malenko? Won't happen, but it would certainly be cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 No Butter Tarts? Shit, I just had a butter tart yesterday -homemade motherfuckaz- delicious. I hate raisins in everything (though I love raisins individually), so I prefer pecan tarts more than butter tarts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 No way. The raisins rule. Serious, I feel for you Americans. There is nothing better than a homemade, fresh, buttertart. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Coffey Report post Posted December 31, 2003 A returning Dean Malenko? Won't happen, but it would certainly be cool. It would only be cool for Smarks. No one else would know who he was. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Raisins fucking suck. They ruin the texture of anything they are in. FUCK RAISINS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Raisins fucking suck. They ruin the texture of anything they are in. FUCK RAISINS! Don't be hating on raisins. Raisins MAKE butter tarts. Although the filling has to be just the right consistency, too...syrupy without being runny and spilling everywhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EdwardKnoxII 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 A returning Dean Malenko? Won't happen, but it would certainly be cool. Yeah can't you just see all the great angles Malenko will be in?? No me neither. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 I hate on Raisins. Whatchagunnado lilman!!! *hates some more* The filling MAKES the tart. Then the crust. Raisins are like lil mouse turds suck in there. You like that? You like mouse turds you sick bastard? *hates some more* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted December 31, 2003 No way. The raisins rule. Serious, I feel for you Americans. There is nothing better than a homemade, fresh, buttertart. Someone needs to get laid. ::runs like hell:: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Dude, are you inferring that you're going to have sex with CanadianChris? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Dude, are you inferring that you're going to have sex with CanadianChris? actually, it's CanadianChick, and I'm just saying that something WILL be better than a butter pie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 It's not actually made of butter - it's brown sugar and corn syrup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 And oops... wrong poster... I always get those two mixed up... it's not like I was actually, you know, wishing for some sort of, thing, between you and CanadianChris... I was just... um.. saying, you know... it was a mistake, that's it, an innocent mistake... crazy kids and your music. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 No way. The raisins rule. Serious, I feel for you Americans. There is nothing better than a homemade, fresh, buttertart. Someone needs to get laid. ::runs like hell:: See, that's why there are so many teen pregnancies in America. NO BUTTER TARTS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 But they still have Apple Pie... *smiles* *looks out to crowd* *waits for laughs* *someone coughs* *tumbleweed slowly tumbles by* *crickets* *someone shouts out "you suck" followed by another cough* ... that joke woulda slayed in 1999 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted December 31, 2003 ::It sounds like AS is starting to laugh, but he just clears his throat:: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavishingRickRudo 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 *raises chin and grabs tie and neverously adjusts while biting teeth* Eeeouuuhhooohoooo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Geez RRR, way to ruin the joke. Joker killer. Oh that's right. I went there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChick 0 Report post Posted December 31, 2003 Geez RRR, way to ruin the joke. Joker killer. Oh that's right. I went there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Anglesault Report post Posted December 31, 2003 OOOOOH! ::slaps referee shirt on:: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
