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Chris Jericho, the inaugural AEW World Champion, recently made a noteworthy comparison, likening AEW's Renee Paquette to the legendary wrestling interviewer, 'Mean' Gene Okerlund. This comparison holds significant weight, considering Jericho's firsthand experience with Okerlund's interviewing prowess during his tenure at WCW from 1996 to 1999.
Okerlund, a revered figure in wrestling, set a high benchmark in the industry with his full-time role in WWF and WCW from 1984 to 2001. Jericho's remarks came after the latest episode of "AEW Dynamite," where he and Kenny Omega were interviewed by Paquette.
The interview, highlighted by Paquette's expressive reactions, drew considerable praise on social media. In response to a tweet commending the interview, Jericho, who also had a longstanding professional relationship with Paquette in WWE, acclaimed her as the finest in her field, dubbing her "the modern Mean Gene." Renee Paquette's comparison to Okerlund isn't new; she's been paralleled to the WWE Hall of Famer throughout her career.
Paquette, acknowledging Okerlund as a key influence, had the opportunity to work alongside him in WWE. They co-hosted "WWE Vintage," and Paquette had even pitched a reboot of "Tuesday Night Titans" with Okerlund, though WWE did not pursue the idea.
AEW Full Gear Showdown
The recent AEW Dynamite segment featuring Jericho's endorsement was further intensified by an interruption from The Young Bucks. Displeased with the burgeoning alliance between Jericho and Omega, their intrusion sets the stage for a high-stakes match at AEW Full Gear.
Jericho and Omega will face off against The Young Bucks, with the former duo earning the Bucks' title shot upon victory, and facing the dissolution of their partnership should they lose. This development adds another layer to AEW's dynamic storytelling, showcasing the evolution of character alliances and rivalries.
Paquette's interviewing skills, akin to Okerlund's, play a pivotal role in enhancing these narratives, underlining the importance of skilled interviewers in wrestling's storytelling fabric. As AEW continues to grow, the role of personalities like Paquette becomes increasingly crucial in bridging the gap between the wrestlers' personas and the audience, much like Okerlund did in his iconic career.