It was confirmed on Monday, after repeated denials, that former WWE champ Chris Jericho would be the first WWE talent in 5 years to compete on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars".
It isn't Jericho's 1st reality-TV rodeo, either. He was on Fox's ill-fated "Celebrity Duets" shortly after Stacy Keibler's 3rd place finish on "Dancing", and was the first one eliminated. Then again, Jericho wasn't given a decent shot of winning, given the material he had. "Duets" bombed out big time, and hasn't been considered for a revival since. Jericho has been busy since being written off WWE-TV last fall. He's released a new book, and has plans for a summer tour with Fozzy after he's done "Dancing".
Jericho's chances of winning are a little bit better this time around. His partner is Cheryl Burke, who has guided others to the championship on "Dancing" in the past. If Jericho can at least make a decent run, as Stacy did in 2006 before a bevy of boy-band devotees voted Drew Lachey (ex-98 Degrees) ahead of Stacy & NFL legend Jerry Rice, it would go a long way toward breaking the stereotypes associated with wrestling.
Will I watch? I don't think so. If I want my reality TV fix, I'll wait until Tough Enough relaunches next month on USA in back of Raw (it'll be sandwiched around Raw beginning 4/11). Tough Enough already has enough drawing cards to give it the buzz it had 10 years ago. Stone Cold Steve Austin will host. Booker T & Trish Stratus will join returning trainer Bill DeMott (season 3). Reigning Miss USA Rima Fakih is a contestant and will likely be pushed hard because of previous association with WWE last year. You have a field of 14 instead of 13, with just one winner, same as the "Million Dollar Tough Enough" on Smackdown in 2004. I'll have an overview of the original Tough Enough coming before the April 4 relaunch.
They often say wrestling isn't exactly ballet, but it does require quick feet. I'd not be surprised if Jericho eventually returns to WWE before the year is out, but it'd be even sweeter if he has something to brag about that would make the current champ, ex-reality star Mike "Miz" Mizanin, look like a piker. Which wouldn't be that hard.
