WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has said Chris Jericho was the legitimizer AEW needed in its early years. He made the remark on his Hall of Fame podcast while comparing Jericho with Edge and Christian.

Booker picked Jericho over Edge, recalling their WCW rivalry. He said Jericho’s decision to join AEW at launch gave the young promotion credibility. He called Jericho exactly the kind of veteran the company needed.

Jericho joined AEW ahead of its 2019 launch. He became its first World Champion after beating Hangman Adam Page at All Out on August 31, 2019. He held the title until Jon Moxley defeated him at Revolution in February 2020.

Booker said Jericho brought star power and experience when AEW needed recognisable names to build its audience. Separately, Jericho recently addressed his WWE Hall of Fame prospects. He said he is not insulted by the delay and would accept an AEW Hall of Fame honour too.