Eric Bischoff believes TNA squandered one of the greatest opportunities he has ever witnessed, and he places the blame on ego.
Speaking on 83 Weeks, Bischoff recalled how TNA had a television partner in Viacom and Spike TV that was willing to invest heavily in the company, much like the network had done in building UFC before losing the promotion.
Bischoff said he personally pitched the idea of Viacom buying into TNA so the network would not repeat the painful experience of building up a property only to watch it walk away.
“Why does Viacom buy into TNA? So you don’t have the same thing happen to you that happened with the UFC,” Bischoff said, recalling his pitch to his contacts at Spike. “Why not own a piece of TNA?”
According to Bischoff, the network was receptive, but the deal never materialized, something he attributes to the Carter family’s reluctance to answer to anyone.
“That was such a huge missed opportunity, and it was because of ego,” Bischoff said. “The Carters didn’t want to have to answer to Spike or to Viacom or show anybody their books. That’s my personal opinion.”
Bischoff noted that the fallout was significant, as the parent company eventually pulled its financial support.
“TNA Dallas, the parent company, basically shut off funding for TNA and said, okay, you’re going to make it on your own, or you’re not going to make it,” Bischoff said. “We know how that turned out.”
