Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso has a story on how the interview of Chris Jericho on the Steve Austin Broken Skull Sessions came around. The news spread like wildfire today when it was announced and it was met with many “holy” expletives.
Austin said that after the interview with The Undertaker aired, Jericho reached out to him to congratulate him on a great show and Austin replied with a few emojis.
“He called me right then and there. We got to talking. I’ve always respected the hell out of his career, and I’m glad they’re around – it gives the guys and girls in professional wrestling more places to work. I said, ‘I’d love to have you on the show.’ And he said he’d love to do it, so I checked with Vince about it,” Austin said.
Getting the approval from the big boss was a must so Austin texted Vince and asked him if it’s okay to have Jericho on the show.
“Vince goes, ‘It’s cool. Go ahead.’ But me and Vince don’t always do well with phones and texts and all that, so I texted one more time, ‘Are you sure it’s OK to have Chris Jericho on the show?’ Vince gave me the thumbs up, and Chris came out to do the show,” Austin recalled.
Barrasso also reported that AEW President Tony Khan signed off on the deal and gave his approval to Jericho to appear on the broadcast, which will air on WrestleMania Sunday.
“Jericho’s one of the most influential wrestlers over the last 30 years and he’s still going strong,” Austin said. “The guy has gotten over in every territory he’s ever been in. Chris has always been able to reinvent himself and do something new and fresh,” Austin continued.
The Rattlesnake confirmed that they’re going over everything, including All Elite Wrestling, during the interview.
“Jericho is one of the all-time greats, and it’s going to be cool to have someone from AEW on a WWE show. To bottom line it, I’m excited for people to watch this show,” Austin added.
