WWE Hall of Fame 2021 Inductee: Eric Bischoff
In the many decades that WWE has been around, not many have been able to say they have gotten the best of Vince McMahon and WWE. In the mid 90’s, Eric Bischoff took a struggling WCW and made it a powerhouse that competed against WWE in what was known as the Monday Night Wars. For eighty three weeks, Eric Bischoff, the nWo, and WCW beat WWE’s Monday Night Raw in the ratings. Bischoff’s career has had it’s up’s and down’s, but you cannot deny that he worked his butt off and created a legacy that is unmatched by most.
Bischoff started his career in 1989 as an interviewer for the AWA under Verne Gagne. His time did not last long in AWA, because the company was already on a downward spiral and couldn’t keep up with payroll. Bischoff tried for a position in WWE back in 1990, but he did not get hired by the company. He eventually went to work at WCW as a backstage interviewer and commentator, but his rise to power was only getting started. In 1994, he began to make significant moves like the signings of former WWE stars that were thought to be past their prime. Those names included Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Brutus Beefcake, Earthquake, and more. Those signings were just the beginning.
In 1996, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall jumped ship from WWE to WCW eight months after WCW started Monday Night Nitro, which competed directly with Monday Night Raw. By the time 1996 came to an end, the n.W.o. had been formed, and Bischoff was revealed to be mastermind of the legendary faction. Behind the scenes, he was named President of WCW in 1997. He also had his struggles and those struggles led to him being replaced in September 1999. From 1999 until it’s closure in 2001, WCW struggled in ratings and lost a lot of money once Bischoff lost power. Eric Bischoff attempted to purchase WCW in 2001, but Turner Broadcasting cancelled all WCW programming. Vince McMahon purchased all of WCW’s assets and the contracts of some of it’s talent. Many thought Eric Bischoff would never be seen or head from again.
In the Summer of 2002, Raw and Smackdown had already become separate shows with separate talent. Mr. McMahon wanted to a General Manager for both shows, so he could take a step back now that his feud with Ric Flair was over. McMahon hired Eric Bischoff as the General Manager of Raw and sent shockwaves through out WWE. Bischoff carried the same personality he did when he ran WCW. The fans loved hating him and so did some of the Raw roster. He had an awesome onscreen feud with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in 2003, while they were Co-General Manager. It resulted in a lot of fun and chaos. He also had significant feuds with John Cena, Eugene, and the ECW originals. Bischoff’s tenure as RAW GM lasted over three years and had the longest reign of any onscreen GM besides Teddy Long.
Eric Bischoff has made sporadic appearances since his full time departure in 2005. Whenever he appears, it is very impactful and meaningful. He also has been involved in various TV and Video Game projects, as well as hosting his own podcast. Bischoff has had his fair share of critics and detractors, but no one can deny that he left his mark on the pro wrestling industry. Congratulations to Eric Bischoff and welcome to the WWE Hall of Fame.
