4 potential candidates if pro wrestling had a Mount Rushmore

#1 Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho in his youth

Chris Jericho has defied ageing. His career longevity has been exponential. Debuting in 1990, he would initially work for WCW.

After a minimally successful reign as Cruiser-weight champion, he would join WWE. His debut in 1999 started the phenomenon known as 'Y2J'.

Since 1999 Jericho has expressed extreme adaptability and innovation. He has had multiple character iterations and has a plethora of unique gimmicks.

Initially Jericho made use of catchphrases to bully his opponents. In time he developed a character of pure entertainment. Regardless of which opponent Jericho faced, his performance would elevate them.

Since 2017 Jericho has worked outside WWE. He challenged Kenny Omega to a match, which culminated at Wrestle-kingdom 12. Ultimately this shocked the wrestling world, as Jericho was still officially signed with WWE.

In recent weeks Jericho would defeat Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental championship, see video below. Presently Jericho is the only individual to have held both Intercontinental championships (in WWE and NJPW).

Jericho deserves this top spot because his career actions have assisted in the preservation of wrestling.

Since his debut he has feuded with the likes of The Rock, Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega, and Triple H. It cannot be argued that Jericho is innovative and successful. Ultimately he was able to make the list popular. Overall Jericho has been crucial to wrestling's success in modern times.