5 little known facts about Chris Jericho

What don't fans know about Y2J?

#3 He is born American

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 5: (L-R) WWE Superstar Chris Jericho taunts actor Mickey Rourke as they prepare to duel during WrestleMania 25 at Reliant Stadium on April 5, 2009 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bill Olive/Getty Images)
Jericho is actually not a Canadian by birth

As many fans are aware, Jericho's actual last name is Irvine, and his father played for the National Hockey League's New York Rangers team when Jericho was a child.

However, what isn't normally mentioned is that while he is often introduced as being from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and is considered Canadian due to his upbringing, that isn't his country of birth. In fact, Chris Irvine was born in Manhasset, New York.

Promoting where someone was born is a great way to either generate heat or cheers from the fan base. In Jericho's case, they have almost always advertised him as being from Winnipeg, because that is where he spent his formative years.

It has been reported that Vince McMahon once believed that if Jericho was introduced as being born in New York, it would be another reason for fans to get behind him. However, as it stands, Jericho is so talented that stating where he is from and where he was raised plays no factor in whether he is jeered/cheered or not.

Jericho can generate a reaction by simply playing up some things and negating others. After all, he's from Winnipeg, you stupid idiot!

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