Chris Jericho Defends Triple H from Criticism, Calls Him a 'Great Ring General'

Despite what Bret Hart may have said about Triple H’s abilities, one person who has seen what he can do up close says there is no doubt that he is one of the greatest to ever climb into a ring.

In an appearance on the Busted Open satellite radio show (as reported by WrestlingInc.com), Chris Jericho says he does not know why Hart has been so critical of Triple H. In recent interviews, Hart has said he does not consider Triple H to be among the industry's greatest wrestlers, nor will he be surprised if, as the heir apparent to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, Triple H is not as successful as his father-in-law.

On the radio show, Jericho surmised that Hart is just reflecting on past dealings with Triple H when the latter was part of D-Generation X with Shawn Michaels. D-X feuded with Hart and his Hart Foundation back in the late 1990s:

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I don't know why Bret would say that, maybe it's still a little bit personal or some bad vibes or taste in his mouth from what happened years ago. But I'll tell you face to face that Triple H has had many great matches.

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Jericho tells the radio show he can recall at least three matches he had with Triple H that showed how great a performer Triple H is:

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The Last Man Standing that we had in Dallas, the title match we had at State College where I won the title, and then the tag match with me and [Chris] Benoit vs. Triple H and [Steve] Austin. All of them were what I would consider to be some of my best performances, some of my best matches that I ever had for sure.

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In the radio show, Jericho calls Triple H a “great ring general” and very smart in developing the psychology of creating matches. He also calls Triple H “believable when he works.”

Also in the radio interview, Jericho talks about returning to WWE in the Jan. 27 Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He says he was “so happy” that word of his appearance did not leak prior to the event.

Jericho was the second wrestler to enter the 30-man elimination match. He stayed in the ring for almost 48 minutes and eliminated two participants before he was tossed over the top rope by Dolph Ziggler.

Follow Bill Atkinson on Twitter at @BAtkinson1963.