AEW's Chris Jericho Credits Lucha Libre For Teaching Him Wrestling Psychology

August 19, 2026 - 11:20

After his appearance at AEW Grand Slam: Mexico, Chris Jericho opened up about what shaped him most as a performer. In a post-match conversation, Jericho credited his time wrestling in Mexico, specifically in Lucha Libre, for teaching him the finer points of ring psychology. He said that working in front of Mexican crowds forced him to understand storytelling in a way that no other environment could.

Jericho explained that in Mexico, the audience reacts to every single movement, and there is no room for wasted effort. He learned that a match is not just about moves, but about building a narrative that keeps people invested from the opening bell to the final pin. The pacing, the drama, and the ability to read a crowd were all lessons he picked up during his early career south of the border.

He also noted that Lucha Libre has a unique rhythm, one that blends high flying action with deep emotional beats. That combination, he said, is something he still uses today in AEW. Jericho's match at Grand Slam: Mexico was a clear example of that influence, as he worked the crowd with a mix of technical exchanges and dramatic near falls.

The veteran wrestler made it clear that without his time in Mexico, he would not be the same competitor. He called it a foundational part of his career, and he remains grateful for those lessons. For Jericho, the psychology he learned in Lucha Libre is something he carries with him every time he steps into the ring, no matter where in the world he is performing.