Eric Bischoff Sets the Record Straight on What Killed WCW

The decline of WCW remains a popular topic in the wrestling world, with many factors often discussed as reasons for its downfall. Eric Bischoff is among those who have offered insights into what contributed to the fall of the once-major wrestling promotion.

The ”Who Killed WCW?” docuseries was produced by Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and the series premiered last month, which ended up bringing the downfall of WCW back into the forefront again.

While speaking on 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff talked about Stu Snyder leading the effort for WWE to purchase WCW. Eric Bischoff talked about Stu Snyder’s role in the acquisition of WCW, describing the situation as complex and intriguing. He clarified that, from his perspective, the issue is now resolved. While he acknowledged that there were shady elements and questionable timing involved, he doesn’t believe the acquisition was as nefarious as he initially thought.

Bischoff explained that there were two attempts to acquire WCW. The first attempt, which took place when WWE was still with Viacom, was thwarted by Viacom’s refusal to accept more wrestling programming. This situation arose because WWE’s contract with Viacom prevented it from airing its shows on other networks. When Viacom shut down the deal, it led to complications, and Bischoff stated that Vince McMahon faced restrictions and challenges during this period. Bischoff made it clear that he believes Viacom had a role to play in WCW’s demise as well.

“Given the fact that I led the charge to acquire WCW, it’s a fascinating conversation. The other thing that cleared up in my mind, which is the only thing that matters to me right now on this topic, is that in my mind, this issue is resolved. Was it slippery? Was it shady? Were there things done or said? Was the timing creative? Yes. Do I think there were conversations that probably people hoped would never come to light? Yeah. But do I think it was as nefarious of an acquisition as I was allowed to believe based on all the other murky circumstances? I don’t think so. “

“From Stu’s perspective, and I’m going to butcher this background, so forgive me for that, they were willing to pay a lot of money the first time around for WCW. Initially, there were two deals: one with Turner Broadcasting, which was shut down by Viacom when WWE was on Viacom. Viacom did not want any more wrestling programming, and because of the contract between Viacom and WWE, WWE couldn’t air its programming on competitive networks. So Vince got his hand slapped and was told no, you can’t do that. That deal died.”

Scott Steiner also revealed who he believes was responsible for WCW’s demise. Nevertheless, WCW’s demise will always be a hot topic and that will not be changing anytime soon.

What do you think of what Eric Bischoff had to say regarding WCW’s downfall? Who do you think was responsible for WCW’s death? Sound off in the comments section below!

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