Despite mixed reactions from a segment of AEW’s fanbase, Chris Jericho is standing firmly behind his current “Learning Tree” gimmick. Jericho, known for his ability to reinvent himself throughout his wrestling career, has acknowledged the vocal minority who have expressed their desire to see him and his stable, featuring Bryan Keith and Big Bill, step back from the spotlight. However, “Le Champion” argues that the data tells a different story, highlighting the storyline’s success.
Speaking on the “Creative Imbalance” podcast, Jericho addressed the criticism head-on, stating, “Bottom line is, it delivers, it’s one of the top rated segments on the show every week. People are into it.” He emphasized the live audience’s reactions and viewership numbers as key indicators of the gimmick’s popularity, dismissing the online negativity as coming from a small, albeit loud, portion of the fanbase. Jericho believes that the “Learning Tree” character is not only a hit but also serves a valuable purpose in elevating other talents within AEW.
The genesis of the “Learning Tree” persona can be traced back to fan concerns that Jericho, a veteran of the industry, was occupying excessive television time, potentially at the expense of younger, emerging wrestlers. These sentiments have manifested in “Please retire” chants during Jericho’s segments, signaling a clear disconnect with a segment of the audience who feel his current direction is not resonating. Adding to the narrative, figures like Effy have publicly labeled Jericho as a “clout vampire,” further fueling the perception that his continued presence is detrimental to the growth of other performers.
Nevertheless, Jericho has made it clear that retirement is not on his immediate horizon. He has stated that he is thoroughly enjoying his current run and remains confident in his ability to deliver high-quality matches. This indicates that the AEW audience should expect to see much more of the “Learning Tree” and its teachings in the foreseeable future, as Jericho continues to embrace this controversial yet, according to him, successful character.
