Interview: Eric Bischoff on Future of His Podcast Show, His Reputation, New WWE Job, More

A recent episode of the After 83 Weeks with Christy Olson show had Eric Bischoff as the guest discussing wrestling television production differences, the future of his 83 Weeks podcast, his reputation from his WCW days, and his new job in WWE.

On the topic of the differences in the production of wrestling television since the 90s, Bischoff stated a lot has changed since his time as a producer in WCW.

“The honest answer is, I’ve got a lot to learn between now and the time I actually am fully integrated into the process, because the audience has changed. Television has changed. So much has changed over the last five or seven years that I’ve got some catching up to do. I’m not going to sugarcoat it.”

On the topic of the future of his 83 Weeks podcast show, Bischoff stated that his podcast will continue despite his new job in WWE. He did admit that he will have less free time available to work on new episodes.

“Because I’ve discussed it. Because it was a topic of conversation and everybody’s cool with it. So it’s not an issue. My issue is going to be timing. I’m not going to lie to you. Clearly my life has changed dramatically. I’m not sure what it’s going to be like once I get fully immersed into the process. I’m guessing it’s going to be challenging. But I’ll find a way.”

On the topic of his and WCW’s reputation to this day, Bischoff stated it is due to WWE’s lasting narrative about why WCW was very successful for a while.

“That was the narrative coming out of WWE at the time. You know, ‘The only reason that WCW is competitive is because billionaire Ted [Turner] is giving Eric a blank check.’ That wasn’t true. ‘The only reason they’re competitive is they’re stealing all of our talent.’ That wasn’t true.”

On the topic of if he’s seeking a career redemption with his new WWE job, Bischoff stated he is only focused on doing whatever is needed to both meet and exceed the expectations for his new job in the company.

“If he’s seeking career redemption with the new WWE position: What can I do to meet and exceed everybody’s expectations? That’s really the way I look at it. I’m really not looking at it within the context of anything else that’s ever happened before.”

On the topic of who he has talked to about his return to WWE, Bischoff stated only his family.

“That’s it, my family. It’s just another thing that’s inherent in me about this industry is, just don’t talk.”

On the topic of if he will be backstage at Extreme Rules, Bischoff stated he will not due to his planned schedule for the day.

“No, I’ll be driving on Sunday. It’s going to take me five days, it’s like 2000 miles and I’ve got a couple stops I want to make a longer wait. So I’ll probably be stuck on the Ohio Turnpike on Sunday.”