What's on the mind of the recent former World Heavyweight Champion?
Here's a phone chat I had with the recent WWE World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho, who discussed his role as host on "Redemption Song" and talked some wrestling. "Redemption Song,'' about 11 women "singing their way to a second chance," can be seen locally on Ch. 174 on BrightHouse (Ch. 339 DirecTV or Ch. 158 DISH Network). It premiered this week and airs each Wednesday, with numerous repeats each week.
Q: What's this show going to like compared to some other reality-type shows?
A: "It's going to stand on its own. It's like 'American Idol' meets 'Rock of Love.' All of the 11 contestants made of a lot of bad decisions in the past. It's not your typical reality show. You'll start pulling for these girls as we give them a chance for stardom."
Q: How was the cast chosen?
A: "There were audtions across America. You had to be a good singer and a screwup. The girls are also attractive, with tattoos and piercings. The top 11 girls had the best qualities."
Q: Will the show air eight straight weeks, and has it already been taped?
A: "Yes. We will air eight straight. We finished taping at the beginning of September."
Q: Anything we can or should watch for?
A: "You do so much work you almost forget about it for awhile. It's interesting to see from a strategy standpoint who takes it seriously. You see the maturation was real."
Q: Is there more singing or more antics?
A: "Every show revolves around a singing competition. It's geared toward what's going to make these girls better perfomers." (But there are lots of antics).
Q: Do you consider yourself a little bit of a hometown favorite (Tampa) when you have your steel cage match against Batista on Raw on Monday?
A: "People don't really care where I'm really from" (since I'm a bad guy.) (Jericho is from Canada.)
Q: How are the teeth, which took a beating recently?
A: "They're beautiful. All fixed up."
Q: Who would you want to face at WrestleMania?
A: "It doesn't matter. As long as there is a good story line building up. I'd like to start a story line with someone like Shawn Michaels." (Jericho was happy with his story line with Michaels).
Q: With your current character change and your ring attire change, why the same entrance music (Break Down the Walls) with the Y2J countdown and everything at the beginning? Will you change your music?
A: "I don't think so. The versions we came up with didn't connect with my new character."
Q: What's it mean for you to be the first-ever Undisputed Champion?
A: "Any time you win the title, it's like winning an Oscar. I thought it made it better for the business."
Q: And you will go down, most likely, as the only wrestler to have ever beaten Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock in the same night.
A: "It's all part of the story line. It was a great moment. A legendary moment." (But it doesn't define me).
Q: How come WWE never brought back Ralphus? And do you still talk to him?
A: WWE will never bring him back. I wouldn't have it." (Neither would Vince McMahon. It was what it was).
Q: How much longer do you think you will wrestle?
A: "For as long as I enjoy it. I have two years left on my contract."
Q: Any comment on newly signed Winnipeg, Canadian wrestler "Prime Cut" Jon Cutler?
A: "He's really good. Any time you get another Winnipegger in there it's always good."
Q: We have something in common. My twin girls were born about one week apart from yours, who were born prematurely. How are they?
A: They are good. We were blessed in that respect." (Jericho says he has talked to Tommy Dreamer, who also has twins).
Q: Anything more on "Redemption Song?"
A: "It's a unique show. It has heart."
Chris Jericho, will you ever be the World Heavyweight Champion again?