AEW wrestling star Chris Jericho is gearing up to spread his charismatic charm beyond his home wrestling company, at least temporarily. The former WWE champ who jumped ship to AEW is returning to the network that launched his career via an upcoming guest spot on retired wrestler Steve Austin's podcast, and it's sure to be a landmark occasion.
Austin's Broken Skull Sessions podcast will play host to the veteran wrestler after the conclusion of the second night of WrestleMania 37 on Sunday, giving fans some time to really up their anticipation levels before the big return. Austin says the guest spot is the result of Jericho himself reaching out after enjoying a recent episode of the podcast, and the two were quick to set up their own interview. It isn't the first time in recent memory that a legendary wrestler made a big comeback. However, they still had one particular hurdle to clear.
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CEO of WWE Vince McMahon had to give the go-ahead before Jericho could appear on the show, and Austin made sure to double-check. According to Austin, he and McMahon often have trouble communicating over phones and texts. So even after the chairman gave the interview his blessing, the former wrestler and current podcast host asked one more time, saying "Are you sure it’s O.K. to have Chris Jericho on the show?" McMahon gave one more affirmative, and the interview was set. It's certainly a nice way to break in the WWE Network's new home on Peacock.
While Jericho is currently one of AEW's heaviest hitters in terms of star power, his real legacy arguably comes more from his time with the WWE. Consistently named by wrestling journalists and fans alike as one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers of all time, the veteran has nabbed 6 world championships just within the WWE alone. Combined with his enthusiastic "rocker" vibe while in the ring, it all comes together to form an engaging personality and intimidating figure that should definitely draw some attention when he makes his appearance on Broken Skull Sessions. Austin himself is no slouch either, earning similar accolades as one of the greats, as well as being one of a handful of wrestlers who made the transition to acting.
It's not exactly a secret that Jericho parted with the WWE on less than amicable terms. However, it seems his animosity towards the organization is more towards the company itself and less towards its members, as shown by his eagerness to catch up with Austin. McMahon's approval of the whole thing, while not exactly proving there are no hard feelings, at the very least suggests that the chairman prioritizes good exposure over grudges.
But however it came to pass, it will surely be a treat for wrestling fans young and old to experience this little reunion. If nothing else, it will be a nice little dessert during WrestleMania.
Interested fans can enjoy Broken Skull Sessions through the WWE section of the Peacock streaming service.
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Source: Sports Illustrated