Eric Bischoff Gone From WWE, Replaced by Bruce Prichard

WWE announced today via press release that Eric Bischoff has been replaced by Bruce Prichard as Executive Director of Friday Night SmackDown.

Bischoff is no longer with WWE at all. WWE released a statement to media saying, “Bischoff is no longer with the company and has been replaced by Prichard.”

Bischoff was hired as Executive Director of SmackDown in June. Since then, there have been reports, according to Dave Meltzer, that Bischoff hasn’t been seen doing much in his role and had very little, if anything to do with creative on SmackDown.

Prichard returned to WWE earlier this year in a “high level creative role,” working directly with Vince McMahon.

Bruce is a great producer, good friend and I am certain he is going to thrive in his position. He’s going to be working with a great team of the most dedicated and hard working people I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know. https://t.co/aMKk8d3Rx7

— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) October 15, 2019

WWE’s press release:

WWE NAMES BRUCE PRICHARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SMACKDOWN

Stamford, Conn., October 15, 2019 – WWE today announced that it has named Bruce Prichard the Executive Director of Friday Night SmackDown, reporting directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.

Prichard will oversee the creative development of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX and ensure integration across all platforms and lines of business, replacing Eric Bischoff.

Prichard brings nearly 40 years of experience in sports entertainment with an extensive background in character development and creative storytelling. Over the course of his career, Prichard has served in a variety of roles including announcer, producer, agent and on-screen personality. Earlier this year, Prichard returned to WWE as a member of the company’s creative team.