Eric Bischoff: I’m Critical Of AEW Because I Want It To Succeed

Over the past few years, former WCW President Eric Bischoff has been one of AEW’s biggest critics, often saying that the company lacks storytelling.

Bischoff has given his thoughts on AEW, prompted and sometimes unprompted, in interviews and online.

Speaking to the Action Network, Bischoff explained why he’s critical of AEW.

“I’m critical, I want it (AEW) to succeed, I know people have a hard time believing that. But I’ve been critical because I wanted it to succeed. I’ve pointed out that they need to actually tell real stories, not cosplay wrestling journalist stories, but actual real stories with real structure, with real stakes, with real arcs to those stories, and real payoffs to those stories. The characters have to be interesting, there needs to be some depth to these characters. They can’t all look like they just showed up at the Jiffy Lube Oil Change Center, so you can change your oil for $29.95. I mean, you actually have to look like a star for people to perceive you to be a star,” he said.

He continued, “So there’s just so many basic, fundamental things that are lacking from the AEW show, which is why, over a year and a half ago, I predicted, with uncanny freaking accuracy, exactly where the ratings for AEW would be today. Over a year and a half ago, I predicted it, and guess what? I’m right on the money. And it’s not because I’m that smart, it’s just because I understand the business, I see the trends, I see what’s missing, and I can tell you within probably 100,000 viewers what the ratings are going to be a year from now.”

Bischoff did appear on AEW TV during the pandemic.

He currently promotes Real American Freestyle.