Backstage Altercation Between Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar After SummerSlam
The ending to Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton at WWE SummerSlam, which was pretty much as planned, led to an altercation between Lesnar and Chris Jericho backstage.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, multiple sources report that Jericho came to the gorilla position as the match ended, apparently to find out exactly what happened and to see if Orton was alright. Jericho was asked WWE producer Michael “PS” Hayes if that was the planned finish and Hayes wouldn’t respond. Jericho then said, “That’s bullshit.”
Jericho’s “bullshit” comment came just as Lesnar was returning backstage. Lesnar, thinking Jericho was talking about the match, called Jericho a “pussy,” according to one version, or just said “shut up,” according to another version, and for Jericho to mind his own business. They came face to face and had words. One version of the story says they were shouting at each other the whole time.
Lesnar reportedly pushed Jericho with his fingers. Jericho then did what was described as the “Rousey-Tate” forehead press. Another version of the story said Jericho shoved Lesnar into the wall at one point. The two were then tangled up against the wall when Lesnar told Jericho to either punch him or kiss him. Triple H then jumped in and broke things up.
The two went at it again but this time Vince McMahon broke it up. Jericho was then yelling about Lesnar and Vince told him that everything was a work, and to be professional.
Triple H reportedly told Vince that Lesnar started the fight, and that Jericho was just standing up for himself. No more words were exchanged but Jericho saw Orton’s condition and got mad. It was noted that Jericho was concerned with Orton’s health and safety, but Orton assured him that he knew what was going to happen.