Eric Bischoff Cautions AEW After Warner Bros. Discovery Deal: “Audience Decline Still a Major Problem”

Eric Bischoff weighed in on AEW’s recent multi-year TV deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, offering a mix of congratulations and caution on the latest episode of 83 Weeks.

Bischoff, a long-time figure in professional wrestling, expressed his skepticism about the future of AEW’s programming under this new agreement, despite acknowledging the significance of the deal for Tony Khan and the company.

Reflecting on his initial reaction to the deal, Bischoff stated, “I not only predicted that they would not get a deal with Warner Brothers Discovery, I suggested many times that they probably would. I’ve also said that it won’t make any difference, because the show’s going to be what the show is. The deterioration of the audience is going to be what the deterioration has been.”

Bischoff referenced recent data from Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston, which highlighted the decline in AEW’s audience and ticket sales. Despite the new deal, Bischoff believes that if Tony Khan doesn’t adjust his approach, the problems AEW has faced in recent months will persist.

“It’s an opportunity. The important part now is, what does Tony do with it? Does he continue the way he has been and continue to hemorrhage audience and ticket sales? I don’t know. It’ll be interesting to see,” Bischoff said.

Bischoff was quick to acknowledge that securing the deal was a victory for Tony Khan and AEW, adding, “I’m happy for Tony, number one. It’s got to be a big load off his back. I’m glad after seven months of teasing this… I’m glad it finally happened, and now let’s see what they do with it.”

When asked what he would do next if he were in Tony Khan’s shoes, Bischoff stressed the importance of boosting AEW’s audience numbers, emphasizing that it’s essential for the company’s future success.

“There’s no more big stars to sign, there’s no more hype. There’s no more game changer free agents that they’re going to be able to bring into the equation that are really going to matter. Because none of the previous ones have either,” he remarked.

Bischoff didn’t hold back when discussing AEW’s recent signings, singling out Mercedes Mone as a disappointment. “I mean, I think Mercedes has got to be one of the biggest financial miscalculations in terms of talent deals in the history of professional wrestling. The numbers have crashed since she showed up… Her stock has gone so far down,” Bischoff said.

While acknowledging AEW’s achievement in landing the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, Bischoff remains skeptical about what the company will do moving forward, stressing that significant changes need to be made to reverse the current trend of audience decline.