10 Things We Learned From Daniel Bryan On Talk Is Jericho

6. Steve Austin Encouraged Bryan To Mimic Jerry Lawler

Before Daniel Bryan was medically cleared by doctors and WWE gave the green light on his in-ring return, he did debate leaving the promotion when his contract ended (1 September this year). Bryan's plan was to hit the indy scene; specifically, he fancied New Japan, ROH and CMLL in Mexico.

That's when Daniel received another phone call, this time from Steve Austin.

Austin had caught wind of Bryan's plans, and he wanted to ensure that the comeback king wouldn't do anything reckless that might endanger the quality of his day-to-day life. Daniel appreciated that, but he was slightly surprised when Austin recommended that Bryan study Jerry Lawler's work from the 1980s and 90s.

According to Austin, Lawler had slowly altered his style so it was safer and protected him from serious injuries. It was an interesting idea, although Bryan then admitted to Jericho he was much more enraptured by the Lucha style from the 80s and planned to work like that instead.