While WWE and AEW fans collectively try to gather themselves regarding the news that Chris Jericho will be Steve Austin's next guest on the Broken Skull Sessions show, Austin himself has been doing interviews discussing how this all came about.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Austin detailed how this rare and unexpected interview all came together. He noted that Jericho reached out after seeing Austin's interview with The Undertaker to compliment him on the show. Austin responded with some emojis then Jericho called him.

As the two guys started talking, Austin put over Jericho for the career he’s had and his work in AEW. It occurred to Austin that this could be a great interview so he reached out to Vince McMahon about the possible appearance.

After both Austin and Jericho said they wanted to do the interview, Austin checked with Vince. He texted McMahon and pitched the idea and Austin said, “Vince goes, ‘It’s cool. Go ahead.’

Austin noted he wasn't sure Vince really meant it and said he and The Chairman's phone and texts don't always go over so well so he asked again. ‘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.”

Related: WWE Teases Upcoming Steve Austin And Chris Jericho Broken Skull Sessions Show

What Else Did Vince Give Thumbs Up To?

Fans will find out soon enough what all Vince McMahon was cool with. Austin noted, "Having someone from there on a WWE show, especially the caliber of Chris Jericho, is pretty damn cool." But, will the interview be just a review of Jericho's WWE career? Or, will any topic of discussion be on the table? “We go into everything,” Austin says.

The WWE Hall of Famer added, “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.”

Sports Illustrated confirmed that AEW president Tony Khan also gave his approval to Jericho, which is not surprising.

Next: Logan Paul Confirms He Will Be At WrestleMania