Eric Bischoff’s views on Tony Khan’s creative direction aren’t exactly glowing, to put it mildly. Bischoff, who’s been a frequent critic of AEW and Khan’s booking strategies, didn’t hold back when discussing the topic during an episode of his podcast, 83 Weeks. The wrestling veteran, known for his time as the creative mastermind behind WCW and TNA, shared his thoughts on what makes for strong storytelling in professional wrestling and who he thinks could step up as a more effective creative lead than Khan.
Reflecting on his experience with TNA, Bischoff singled out WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray (formerly Bubba Ray Dudley) as someone who truly impressed him when it came to understanding the nuances of wrestling storytelling. Bischoff highlighted their time working together on the infamous Aces & Eights storyline, where Ray proved himself to be a creative force to be reckoned with. Though Ray didn’t have much prior experience with biker culture—a central theme in the Aces & Eights angle—he quickly grasped the concept, adding layers to the story that even surprised Bischoff.
Once the duo got the ball rolling, Bischoff realized that Bully Ray had a unique ability to connect with the audience, weaving long-term, compelling narratives that resonated with both hardcore fans and casual viewers. Bischoff recalled the moment he realized just how talented Ray was at storytelling: “Once we kind of got the ball rolling and Bully could see the vision, he understood the characters. I started to listen to Bully and get a feel for the talent that he has in that respect."
For Bischoff, it became clear that Ray’s contributions were invaluable. As Bischoff put it, he eventually found himself handing over more creative control to Bully, saying, “Hey, here's some more rope, dude. Could you take mine? Because you're better at pulling that rope than I am with this.” It wasn’t just the big-picture vision that impressed Bischoff—it was Ray’s instinct for engaging with the audience and knowing exactly how to build a compelling story that would keep viewers coming back week after week.
Bully Ray’s knack for creating long-term, engaging angles stood out in stark contrast to what Bischoff perceives as Tony Khan’s reliance on internet fans. Bischoff criticized Khan’s booking as often catering to a small, vocal portion of the fanbase—the kind of hardcore wrestling fans who thrive on online discourse. In contrast, Bischoff suggested that Ray had the ability to engage that niche audience while still appealing to a broader, more mainstream viewership. For Bischoff, this is where Ray’s strength lies—he knows how to tell a story that resonates with all kinds of fans, not just the ones who dwell in the online echo chamber.
One key point Bischoff made was that Ray’s approach to storytelling was much more grounded in reality. Bischoff noted, “Bully doesn’t bulls***. In his normal course of conversation, he’s not gonna sugarcoat anything. He’s gonna tell you what he thinks.” This no-nonsense attitude, while highly effective for creating engaging content, doesn’t always sit well with everyone. Bischoff acknowledged that Ray’s blunt demeanor may not win him any popularity contests in the locker room, but it’s this honesty and directness that allowed him to craft compelling narratives that struck a chord with fans.
While Bischoff was quick to praise Bully Ray’s creative chops, it’s worth noting that there’s no indication that Ray is actively seeking a creative role in any promotion at the moment. In fact, Ray himself has not expressed any interest in stepping into a position where he would oversee storylines on a regular basis. Nonetheless, Bischoff’s comments on the subject paint a picture of a creative mind who is deeply invested in telling stories that matter and resonate with a wide range of fans.
Interestingly, Bischoff isn’t just playing armchair critic when it comes to wrestling creative. The man who once ran WCW and later took charge of TNA’s creative direction is currently stepping back into the creative ring himself. In a surprising move, Bischoff announced that he would be producing an upcoming show for Major League Wrestling (MLW), signaling that he’s not done with the business just yet. While Bischoff didn’t reveal many specifics about the show, fans are already buzzing with anticipation to see what he has in store. Given his track record, there’s little doubt that Bischoff will bring his signature touch of innovation and storytelling to MLW’s programming.
Bischoff also made waves with an appearance on WWE NXT in late November 2024, where he appeared via satellite to announce his upcoming in-person visit to the show. The news of his return to WWE TV stirred up excitement among fans, who wondered if Bischoff was going to shake things up in NXT the way he did during his previous stints with WWE and WCW. Though his role in NXT is still unclear, it’s safe to say that Bischoff’s involvement could mean big things for the developmental brand.
As a seasoned veteran in the wrestling industry, Bischoff’s insights into what makes a great wrestling angle are invaluable, especially when it comes to the ongoing debate about AEW’s creative direction under Tony Khan. Bischoff’s criticism of Khan’s approach to storytelling is rooted in years of experience and success in the business, and his praise for Bully Ray highlights the importance of long-term planning, audience engagement, and the ability to craft stories that resonate on multiple levels. While AEW’s focus on niche markets and internet-driven booking strategies may work for some fans, Bischoff’s comments suggest that a more balanced approach—one that appeals to both hardcore fans and casual viewers—could go a long way in strengthening AEW’s product.
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, creative leadership is crucial. Whether it’s Bischoff’s fresh take on storytelling in MLW or Bully Ray’s potential as a creative leader, there’s no shortage of exciting possibilities for the future of wrestling. Fans can only wait and watch as these influential figures continue to shape the industry with their unique approaches to storytelling. The wrestling world is a constantly shifting landscape, and it’s clear that Bischoff and Ray’s contributions are far from over. Their legacy as creative forces in the business continues to inspire new generations of fans and wrestlers alike.
Login