In a recent edition of the Eric Bischoff podcast 83 Weeks, he shared a number of different things but most importantly his new role with the WWE. As expected with a new opportunity comes with it a new degree of enthusiasm and excitement and it was reflected in Bischoff’s statements earlier. He ensured that his role within the WWE is quite clear and defined.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support and positive response I got on social media. Following the WWE announcement that I will be joining the team and getting involved with SmackDown. I knew I would get a response. I knew it would be a lot, but I was overwhelmed with the nature of that response.”
Eric Bischoff certainly had a pinch me is this really happening tone to him as he expressed his appreciation of what is before him with the WWE and doesn’t appear to be worried by the challenge ahead but rather embracing of it moving forward.
“I want to let everyone know, the magnitude of this opportunity and the challenge that goes with it is not lost on me. There have been a couple of times the last few days where I have been driving around in my truck or taking my dog on a hike and I said ‘Wow, this is the biggest opportunity I have ever had in this industry.'”
As someone experienced with dealing with network executives himself, Eric Bischoff is entering familiar territory being a part of Smackdown Live and working the FOX this coming fall with the WWE. Whether his role has a crossover on-screen place as well has yet to be stated but Bischoff is focused on the bigger picture rather than that of a character on screen.
“This opportunity is an entirely different ballgame, this is a sophisticated company in WWE, they have a great team in place, they are moving the show to Fox network, it is going to have a lot of eyeballs on it, so the magnitude is not lost on me. I’m honored, I’m humbled, I have not felt this way in forever, this is a whole different ballgame.”
One of the most interesting comments, Eric Bischoff made was in regards to the 83 Weeks podcast and its future. It’s interesting when considering WWE executive Bruce Prichard’s Something Else To Wrestle With Podcast that appeared on the WWE network wasn’t canceled either and he continues to air an audio version of the show separately from his role within the WWE.
“Oh, hell no (regarding the conclusion of the podcast coming to an end). That was one of the things that I was most concerned about because I love doing this show. I know some people joke about ‘Oh he is the kingmaker,’ or ‘If you want to get into the wrestling business just do a podcast with Conrad Thompson.’ A couple of things have happened with this podcast, one, you have given me the opportunity to look back at these shows, to discuss all the stuff, even in my own mind been able to look at things in an entirely different perspective then I have as a result of doing this show. I feel more energized about the industry as a result of doing this show.”
Madison’s Mindset: Eric Bischoff has been given a new opportunity and appears excited to make it count. He has a proven track record of success both in WCW and to a lesser extent with TNA/IMPACT Wrestling. A new opportunity breeds new hope for both Bischoff and WWE. Eric Bischoff appears to be immediately getting involved in the Smackdown Live brand. To the degree that he will be responsible for has been suggested that as part of the creative process but Bischoff didn’t clarify here but that isn’t to say he won’t be.
