Does Vince McMahon Regret Letting Chris Jericho On WWE Network?

Will Vince McMahon rue the day Chris Jericho aired an "AEW commercial" on Broken Skull Sessions?

Chris Jericho Steve Austin Broken Skull Sessions
WWE

Dave Meltzer believes that in hindsight, Vince McMahon likely views his decision to allow Chris Jericho's recent appearance on Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions as "the dumbest idea he's had in years."

Speaking on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer noted that the Jericho appearance likely contributed to last week's monster Dynamite rating, when the show popped 1.219 million viewers unopposed. McMahon had consented to Jericho's appearance on WWE Network/Peacock after Stone Cold and Austin brainstormed the idea.

The show was essentially a two-hour commercial for Jericho and AEW. Tony Khan's promotion and Jericho's experiences there were only spoken about positively, from both the host and the guest, giving the young brand credibility with WWE's audience, given Austin's stature.

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Meltzer noted that McMahon could have aired the episode whenever he wanted, but chose to put it on after WrestleMania 37's second night to attract the biggest possible audience. It was broadcast just three nights before AEW's first unopposed week.

Adding that last week's WWE release were made before the AEW ratings came out, Meltzer wondered if the company would have made those cuts if they'd have known the Dynamite audience, adding that Vince would likely admit he wasn't thinking straight by letting Jericho on his own platform.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.