1. 1st World Heavyweight Championship Reign (September 7, 2008-October 26, 2008)
- Defeated For The Title: CM Punk (Unforgiven 2008)
- Lost The Title To: Batista (Cyber Sunday 2008)
- Days Held: 49
- Successful Televised Title Defenses: 2
- Vs. CM Punk (Raw, Sept. 15, 2008)
- Vs. Shawn Michaels (No Mercy 2008)
Speaking of a world title reign that should’ve lasted longer. This is another title run that can’t be judged based on its length. When Jericho won the World Title at Unforgiven, he was involved in an incredible program with Shawn Michaels. The two continued to feud after Jericho became champion, leading up to a five-star Ladder Match for Y2J’s strap at No Mercy.
Chris Jericho’s character work was beyond perfect at the time. Jericho was no longer a paper champion who relied on others all the time; he was the smartest heel in the entire business. Every match he had felt like a big deal. Every time he cut a promo, people listened. Having Batista win the title at Cyber Sunday to lose it back a week later was a huge mistake. Still, 49 days be damned…
This is Chris Jericho’s best WWE world title reign!
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WikiMedia Creative Commons – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Chris Jericho and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and Peacock (WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube, and catch fast-paced action on X (WWE Speed).
