New Day Vs. Chris Jericho: Epic WWE Rivalry!

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into one of the most entertaining and memorable feuds in WWE history: New Day versus Chris Jericho. This rivalry had everything – hilarious promos, intense matches, and unforgettable moments that kept us glued to our screens. So, grab your Booty-O's, and let’s get into it!

The Genesis of the Feud

The clash between New Day and Chris Jericho wasn’t just a random pairing; it was a collision of two distinct eras and styles. Chris Jericho, the veteran with a knack for reinventing himself, against The New Day, the charismatic trio who redefined what it meant to be a tag team in modern WWE. Initially, these forces converged in late 2015 and early 2016 when Jericho started showing his disdain for the positive vibes and infectious energy that The New Day exuded. Jericho, always the master of the heel turn, found their incessant positivity grating, setting the stage for a classic rivalry.

The Initial Spark

The initial spark can be traced back to several backstage encounters and in-ring confrontations where Jericho made it clear he was not a fan of The New Day's antics. Whether it was interrupting their promos, mocking their celebratory dances, or simply expressing his disapproval, Jericho went out of his way to antagonize the trio. This friction escalated quickly, laying the groundwork for what would become a captivating and hilarious feud.

The Highlight Reel Incident

A pivotal moment that truly ignited the feud was the infamous “Highlight Reel” incident. For those who might not remember, Jericho hosted his talk show segment, The Highlight Reel, with The New Day as his guests. Predictably, things didn't go as planned. Jericho used the opportunity to berate them, criticizing their gimmick and their status as tag team champions. The segment ended with Jericho destroying Francesca, Xavier Woods' beloved trombone, symbolizing a declaration of war. This act of trombone-slaughtering was a stroke of genius, instantly amplifying the animosity between the two factions and giving fans a reason to invest emotionally in their rivalry.

Tag Team Turmoil

Following the destruction of Francesca, The New Day sought retribution, leading to a series of tag team matches and confrontations. These matches were not just about winning; they were about pride and proving who the dominant force in WWE was. The chemistry between the two teams was undeniable, with each encounter delivering a mix of high-octane action and comedic relief. Jericho, often teaming with various partners like AJ Styles, sought to dethrone The New Day, but the champions always found a way to persevere, much to Jericho’s frustration.

Key Moments and Matches

The feud between New Day and Chris Jericho was punctuated by several key moments and matches that are still talked about today. These encounters were not just about wins and losses; they were about storytelling, character development, and creating memorable moments for the fans. Here are some highlights that defined this epic rivalry.

WrestleMania 32

One of the most significant moments in this feud occurred at WrestleMania 32. Chris Jericho faced AJ Styles in a highly anticipated match, but the specter of The New Day loomed large. Leading up to WrestleMania, The New Day had been embroiled in their own storyline, but their interactions with Jericho were never far from anyone's mind. During Jericho’s match, the commentary team often referenced the ongoing tension, reminding viewers of the unresolved issues between Jericho and the trio. Although Jericho won his match against Styles, the undercurrent of his rivalry with The New Day added an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

Extreme Rules 2016

At Extreme Rules 2016, The New Day defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against The Vaudevillains. While Jericho wasn't directly involved in the match, his presence was felt. Leading up to the event, Jericho had been increasingly vocal about his desire to see The New Day's reign come to an end. He often used his platform on The Highlight Reel to criticize their performances and question their legitimacy as champions. This constant barrage of negativity added fuel to the fire and kept the rivalry simmering, even when they weren't directly facing each other in the ring.

Money in the Bank 2016

Money in the Bank 2016 saw Chris Jericho participate in the Money in the Bank ladder match, while The New Day were involved in a separate tag team match. Despite being in different matches, the storyline between them continued to evolve. Jericho, ever the opportunist, used his promos to take shots at The New Day, even as he focused on his own ambitions to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. Meanwhile, The New Day responded in kind, often mocking Jericho's attempts to stay relevant and questioning his ability to keep up with the younger generation of wrestlers.

The Club and The New Day

Adding another layer to this complex rivalry was the involvement of The Club (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson). The Club aligned themselves with Chris Jericho on several occasions, creating a formidable alliance against The New Day. This alignment led to numerous six-man tag team matches, where the contrasting styles and personalities of the two factions clashed in spectacular fashion. These matches were not only entertaining but also served to elevate the stakes of the feud, making it clear that this was more than just a personal vendetta; it was a battle for supremacy in WWE.

The Humor and the Heat

One of the defining characteristics of the New Day vs. Chris Jericho feud was its perfect blend of humor and heat. Both sides were masters of their craft, knowing exactly how to elicit reactions from the crowd, whether it was through witty banter, over-the-top antics, or brutal in-ring action. This combination of comedy and intensity made their rivalry a must-watch, appealing to a broad audience and keeping fans engaged week after week.

Jericho's Irritation

Chris Jericho's perpetually annoyed demeanor was a goldmine for comedic moments. His reactions to The New Day's relentless positivity and quirky behavior were priceless. Whether he was rolling his eyes at their trombone playing, mocking their synchronized dances, or simply yelling at them to “Quiet, you stupid idiots!”, Jericho’s frustration was always palpable and hilarious. This contrast between Jericho's grumpy persona and The New Day's exuberance created a comedic dynamic that resonated with fans and added levity to the often serious world of professional wrestling.

New Day's Antics

The New Day, on the other hand, brought their A-game when it came to comedic antics. From their elaborate entrances to their over-the-top celebrations, they knew how to entertain the crowd and get under Jericho's skin. Their use of props, like Francesca the trombone and their Booty-O's cereal, added a layer of absurdity to their act, making them even more endearing to fans. The trio's ability to seamlessly blend comedy with their in-ring performances made them a unique and captivating act, and their interactions with Jericho were always a highlight of any show.

Intense In-Ring Action

Of course, no wrestling feud would be complete without intense in-ring action, and The New Day vs. Chris Jericho rivalry delivered on that front as well. Their matches were hard-hitting and fast-paced, showcasing the athleticism and skill of all the performers involved. Whether it was a tag team match, a singles bout, or a multi-man brawl, these encounters were always filled with drama and excitement, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The combination of high-stakes action and compelling storytelling made this feud a true classic, demonstrating the power of professional wrestling to entertain and captivate audiences.

The Legacy of the Rivalry

The legacy of the New Day vs. Chris Jericho rivalry extends far beyond the wins and losses. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, character development, and the ability to connect with fans on an emotional level. This feud not only entertained but also elevated the careers of everyone involved, solidifying The New Day's status as one of the greatest tag teams of all time and reinforcing Chris Jericho's reputation as a versatile and innovative performer.

Impact on The New Day

For The New Day, this rivalry was a crucial stepping stone in their journey to becoming top stars in WWE. It allowed them to showcase their comedic talents, their in-ring skills, and their ability to connect with the audience. The feud with Jericho helped them to evolve from a relatively unknown tag team into a main event act, paving the way for their record-breaking WWE Tag Team Championship reign and their continued success as individual performers.

Jericho's Continued Reinvention

For Chris Jericho, this rivalry was yet another example of his ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry. By working with The New Day, Jericho demonstrated his willingness to adapt to new styles and storylines, proving that he could still hang with the younger generation of wrestlers. This feud helped to solidify his legacy as one of the most versatile and enduring performers in WWE history, a reputation that he continues to uphold to this day.

Memorable Moments

In conclusion, the New Day vs. Chris Jericho rivalry was a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and in-ring action. It was a feud that had everything – humor, heat, drama, and excitement – and it left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or a newcomer to the sport, this rivalry is definitely worth revisiting, as it exemplifies the best of what WWE has to offer. So, next time you're looking for a good laugh or a thrilling wrestling match, be sure to check out the New Day vs. Chris Jericho feud – you won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading, guys!