Chris Jericho Says Big Show Is Undoubtedly a 'Top 5' Talent

Although he hasn't appeared on WWE TV since the July 19 episode of SmackDown, Chris Jericho has been in the news lately.

The reason for this arguably stems from Triple H's comments a few weeks ago on Raw when he grouped Jericho with Rob Van Dam and Edge as wrestlers who have never been the top dog in WWE.

Since then, Jericho has used the platform of his Twitter account, WWE.com and, most recently, an interview with Busted Open Radio (via LordsofPain.net) to expound upon Triple H's remarks in addition to a variety of other subjects.

Interestingly, on the topic of The Big Show, who has seemingly supplanted Daniel Bryan as the preeminent babyface challenger to Randy Orton and "The Authority," Jericho told the hosts of Busted Open Radio the following (transcribed):

"

I think that Show at eighty percent is better than eighty percent of the roster. But when he is motivated, there are not a lot of performers that can touch him. I think he is very underrated. I think he is taken for granted by the fans and by the company. If I was going to start my own wrestling company, Big Show would be in the top 5 easily, easily, and easily.

"

There is no doubt that Jericho's position on The Big Show coincides with what the powers that be in WWE currently think about the seven-foot superstar who has experienced a career resurgence.

On the other hand, Jericho's lush praise may seem perplexing to the myriad critics who contend that the 18-year veteran and 41-year-old Show has gotten enough chances to fulfill his potential since signing with WWE in 1999.

Juxtaposed against the organic ascendancy of Bryan, the fact that Show has been scripted to overshadow and now seemingly replace Bryan in the WWE title picture has only served to incite the ire of many fans.

For members of the WWE Universe who have hankered for new blood in the main event picture, Bryan represented a change from the norm and an indicator that the company was moving in a novel direction.

However, despite his once-in-a-generation wrestling prowess, Bryan may be no match for larger-than-life performers, such as The Big Show, who are held in the highest esteem by the company's decision-makers.

Perhaps it comes down to the visual test of realism, which will pass more readily when witnessing a man the stature of Big Show, as opposed to the diminutive Bryan, ward off musclebound oppressors.

Nonetheless, besides his former tag partner in Jericho, live attendees have also continued to endorse Show even though it has meant the demotion of Bryan.

Follow me on Twitter: @ImaanJK