AEW star's heat with Triple H led to "volatile" WWE meeting, Jim Ross recalls

Triple H was one of WWE's top attractions in 1999 when his then-girlfriend Chyna feuded with Chris Jericho. Jim Ross, a WWE commentator and talent relations executive at the time, recently recalled how the on-screen rivalry resulted in real-life backstage drama.

Chyna retained the Intercontinental Championship against Jericho at Survivor Series 1999 before losing the title in a rematch at Armageddon later that year. Jericho was then summoned to a meeting with Vince McMahon, who accused him of hurting Chyna. The former WWE Chairman also said the current AEW star lacked respect.

Ross was present at the meeting, which took place moments after Triple H spoke to McMahon backstage. The legendary announcer confirmed on his Grilling JR podcast that McMahon was "volatile" toward Jericho and said he acted that way to protect Chyna and Triple H:

"It was simply a matter that Vince had made a commitment to Triple H and Joanie [Chyna], 'I'll take care of this,' and Vince's way of taking care of things sometimes is to be very volatile," Ross said. "Newsflash, did you know that? So, yeah, volatility was the order of the day and, boy, it was volatile in that meeting." [1:47:38 – 1:48:01]

The storyline led to another Intercontinental Championship match at Royal Rumble 2000, where Jericho beat Chyna and Hardcore Holly.

---

Jim Ross on Chris Jericho and Triple H's backstage conversation

Quoting one of Chris Jericho's books, Grilling JR host Conrad Thompson said Y2J approached Triple H after the meeting with Vince McMahon. The Game told Jericho he had backstage heat and said he should stop talking about what he did in WCW.

Reflecting on the legendary wrestlers' legitimate animosity, Jim Ross said he did not mind as long as they could still work together:

"They're gonna end up being more than rivals and I had no problem with that because when I book your a** I expect productivity. I expect a great performance and, above all, give the fans their money's worth. That's what I think. And if they didn't like each other, I couldn't give a s**t less. It's irrelevant to me." [1:50:06 – 1:50:32]

The two men later made amends and became friends in real life. They also faced each other in the WrestleMania 18 main event in 2002.

---

What are your thoughts on the backstage drama? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

Please credit Grilling JR and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.