Chris Jericho will play Gorgeous George in Muhammad Ali series The Greatest

Chris Jericho is set to play wrestling showman Gorgeous George in The Greatest, Prime Video’s Muhammad Ali limited series, Deadline reported on October 22. The casting brings a wrestler known for his own larger-than-life performances into a story about an entertainer who helped shape Ali’s public persona.

Jericho first appears in episode four, according to Deadline. The outlet says Gorgeous George was among wrestling’s first mainstream television celebrities, and that his flamboyance and skill at self-promotion influenced a young Ali. The connection gives Jericho’s role a direct place in the boxer’s story.

When The Greatest is scheduled to arrive

Who plays Muhammad Ali and the people around him

Jaalen Best plays Ali. Deadline lists Omari Hardwick as Ali’s father, Cassius ‘Cash’ Clay Sr., and Dana Gourrier as his mother, Odessa ‘Bird’ Clay. Kai Parham plays Ali’s brother Rudy Clay, while Amin Joseph plays heavyweight rival Sonny Liston.

Giovanni Ribisi plays Ali’s trainer Angelo Dundee, and Michael Ealy has a recurring role as Malcolm X, Deadline reported. The cast places Jericho’s appearance among portrayals of figures from Ali’s family, boxing career and life beyond the ring.

Who is making The Greatest

Ben Watkins created and executive produced The Greatest, according to Deadline. Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, is also an executive producer. Authentic Brands Group describes the production as an authorized scripted series about Ali. Deadline calls it the first authorized scripted series about the boxer.

Jericho is known for his wrestling careers with WWE and AEW. Deadline also lists recent acting appearances in Tracker and Margo’s Got Money Troubles. His casting as Gorgeous George joins those screen roles with a character whose television-era showmanship is part of Ali’s origin story.