Chris Jericho got one hell of an endorsement from Hulk Hogan before Hogan’s death, and it’s something Jericho clearly hasn’t forgotten.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer told Jericho that Dory Funk Jr. had been one of the first wrestlers from his generation to support Jericho for the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Meltzer explained that Funk didn’t just submit a ballot — he would send detailed notes explaining why he believed certain wrestlers deserved recognition.
Jericho was visibly caught off guard by the revelation and said hearing that meant a lot because, even after decades in wrestling, he still views himself as a fan who grew up respecting that generation.
“I appreciate you telling me that, Dave, because that really means a lot. That’s one thing, doing this as long as I have, I’m still a wrestling fan, first and foremost, always. And that generation of guys, you hope that you gained respect. You never know.”
Jericho then explained that several major wrestling legends gave him that validation directly before they died. He mentioned Terry Funk before revealing what Hogan once wrote to him in a private text message.
“Terry said some nice things to me before he passed away. When Hulk passed away, I went back and looked through my texts, as you do, and Hulk said a lot of nice things to me as well. Like, ‘Brother, you’re me now. Keep your head up. You’re just like I was in NWO.’”
Hogan wasn’t the only legend who apparently saw something special in Jericho. Randy Savage also questioned why the two never got the chance to work together, which Jericho answered with a pretty obvious point. Jericho said those conversations hit differently because they came from wrestlers he once watched and respected long before he became a major name himself.
“Even Randy Savage before he died, he’s like, ‘Why didn’t we ever work?’ I’m like, ‘Dude, you were calling the shots. Why didn’t you ever book us in a match?’”
“You hear those types of things and it makes you realize, when you can gain the respect of guys that you respected and that you looked up to, that’s what it’s all about, man. That really is what it’s all about.”
That mindset also influences how Jericho deals with younger wrestlers today. He said he makes a point of telling talent when they have earned his respect because he knows firsthand how much hearing something like that from an established veteran can mean.
“That’s why whenever I talk to guys that are younger than me — which is everyone now — I say, ‘Much respect.’ I want you to know. I do respect anybody that’s ever put on a pair of boots because it takes a lot of balls. But the respect level of, ‘Okay, this guy has really earned it,’ I’m never afraid to say that to the guys and the girls. People need to hear that because it makes you feel good. It makes you feel, ‘I’m doing this for a reason and I’m doing something right.’”
Jericho has heard praise from plenty of people during his career, but being told by Hulk Hogan that he had essentially reached the position Hogan once occupied clearly landed on another level. For Jericho, earning that respect from the generation that came before him seems to matter just as much as championships or accolades.
What do you make of Hulk Hogan telling Chris Jericho, “Brother, you’re me now,” and do you see similarities between their positions in wrestling history? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback.
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