Eric Bischoff Predicts TNA Could Overtake AEW As The Number Two Promotion “By This Time Next Year”

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, former WCW President Eric Bischoff made a bold prediction, stating that TNA Wrestling is on a trajectory to potentially surpass All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as the number two wrestling promotion in North America within the next year. Bischoff praised TNA’s recent growth and “smart decisions,” while simultaneously offering a harsh critique of AEW’s creative direction.

Bischoff expressed his admiration for TNA’s recent record-breaking Slammiversary event and the company’s incremental growth strategy under its new leadership. “I was texting back and forth with Carlos [Silva] an hour ago… and I reached out to him and said, ‘Hey, congratulations on what you did.’ You know, they had a big night last night, great turnout, and they’re making a lot of smart decisions,” Bischoff said. “They’re growing incrementally, and they’re doing it almost quietly… They’re just quietly going about their business, producing great shows, bringing in great talent and getting involved with great partnerships, and they’re growing their business.”

“One Deal Away From Being a Major Player”

Bischoff believes that TNA is on the verge of a major breakthrough, contingent on securing a significant broadcast partner. He sees the product as being in a strong position to capitalize on a larger platform.

“They’re one deal away from being a major player,” Bischoff declared. “If they get a broadcast partner, if they get the right broadcast situation, because they’ve got the product, they know what they’re doing, there’s a good team of people. They just need a bigger platform. And if they get it, watch them take off.”

Could TNA Pass AEW?

When asked directly if he believed TNA could pass AEW to become the number two promotion, Bischoff’s answer was confident, with the caveat that it depends on the right television deal. “By this time next year? I think so,” he stated. “It depends on the TV deal. If the TV deal isn’t a big one, isn’t a great one, that will be tough, damn near impossible, right? But with the right television partner, they’re number two this time next year.”

He elaborated on what he believes TNA is doing right compared to their competitor. “They’re doing the basics and producing a show for the mainstream wrestling audience,” Bischoff explained. “Not for that 10% hardcore sicko that everybody thinks is a cool demo.” He believes that in terms of television ratings and overall popularity, TNA “could be number two in a minute.”

The WWE Factor

Bischoff also dismissed the popular theory that WWE’s partnership with TNA is a strategic move to hurt AEW. He views it as a defensive legal strategy more than an offensive competitive one. “I think what they are trying to do is position themselves to not end up in another antitrust lawsuit, another monopoly lawsuit by supporting, being in business with other organizations,” he theorized. “It was kind of like a cover your ass kind of legal strategy… I really don’t think WWE spends a lot of time thinking about how to compete with AEW. I really don’t.

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.

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