Eric Bischoff, the iconic figure from the Monday Night Wars, recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and provided a candid look into his current involvement in the world of professional wrestling. Bischoff discussed his surprise appearances for both WWE NXT and MLW, offering insights into how these opportunities came about and his future expectations with both companies. He also shared his unfiltered opinions on AEW, expressing his frustration with their perceived missed opportunities.
Eric Bischoff on how he got called to be on NXT and also work with MLW:
“Both phone calls came in just about the same time. It was ironic, and it was just a simple call. I think WWE has got another project I’ll be working on Wednesday for Peacock. So I think because I’m going to be there anyway in Orlando working on that, and, oh, by the way, there’s a live show on Tuesday, hey, let’s just get him in here and make him a part of the NXT show. So I think that’s the reason it came together, efficiency, more than anything, and a good opportunity. I’ve never been a part of NXT, so this is a first for me and for the audience.”
If he feels he will be part of NXT going forward:
“I think I’m a little bit outside the demo. There’s some name value. People still remember the Monday night wars and the legacy that that created, and it has some value, but realistically, it’s limited. If I get an opportunity to do things like this a couple times a year, that’s all I can ask for. I’m grateful for that.”
On how he got called to work a show for MLW:
“Very spontaneously. It occurred on a phone call with Paul Walter Hauser. It was fun. It’s everything that I enjoy. I love the spontaneity of things. I love things to feel organic, as organic as possible, and that’s how this all came together. Court and I have spoken probably 2,3, or 4 times over the last couple of years, and there’s always been a conflict, either on my end or their end in terms of scheduling. This time the scheduling, I was wide open. It came up in a kind of a spontaneous, fun way, and it just sounds like a great time.”
Eric goes on to say, “I know this is going to sound goofy, but I’m really doing this for fun. Court and everybody on his team made this feel like a good time. So I just suggested that, rather than negotiate my fees, they’ll just donate whatever it’s going to be to Tunnel to Towers.”
On if he sees the MLW appearance leading to something more with them:
“Anything can happen. I’m a spontaneous person, and I’ve learned and I’ve known this all my life, but it’s become even more profound to me as I’ve gotten older, maybe wiser, is I love to work hard, but I love to work hard having fun, meaning I’ve learned that no matter how hard you work, if you don’t enjoy your work, it’s short term. If you love your work, but you don’t really work hard at it, same thing, I want to have a great time working hard, and if that opportunity provides itself, then, you know, all bets are off. I can see myself doing something that I wouldn’t have expected, but right now, I’m about as comfortable as a human being could be and blessed. So I’m good, but we’ll see. You never know.”
Click here for Bischoff’s thoughts on AEW. Bischoff will be at MLW One Shot in Queens, NY on December 5
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Ariel Helwani Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
