Eric Bischoff: The Brains Behind the WCW

Eric Bischoff is a name that can’t be forgotten when we talk about the golden age of professional wrestling in the 90s. Known for his bold business strategies and questionable fashion choices, Eric Bischoff was the man who brought life back to the WCW, making it the biggest competitor for the WWE.

Early Life and Career

Eric was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a talented athlete in his youth, but his dreams of becoming a professional football player were cut short due to a knee injury. Bischoff instead turned his sights to the entertainment industry, where he worked his way up from a lowly meat salesman to become one of the biggest names in wrestling.

The Rise of WCW

Bischoff, a man with a vision, was instrumental in bringing WCW back from the brink of extinction in the 90s. He came up with the idea of Monday Night Nitro, a groundbreaking weekly show that went head-to-head with the hit WWF program, Raw. Bischoff would go on to steal some of the WWF’s biggest stars, including Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage, and bring them to WCW.

However, like all great things in life, Bischoff’s success was not without controversy. He had a propensity for making enemies, and his egotistical nature rubbed many within the industry the wrong way. His feud with WWE owner Vince McMahon was legendary, and the two would often take shots at each other in public appearances.

Beyond Wrestling

Bischoff’s talents went beyond just wrestling. He appeared on and produced several reality TV shows, including Celebrity Fit Club, Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling, and Hulk Hogan’s Micro Championship Wrestling. Bischoff also dabbled in MMA, co-hosting an MMA show called The Devil’s Advocate alongside former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Frank Shamrock.

Personal Life

Despite being a public figure, Eric Bischoff has managed to keep his personal life relatively private. He’s been married to his wife, Loree, since 1984, and the couple has two children together.

Legacy

Eric Bischoff’s lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling is undeniable. He revolutionized the industry and showed that there was serious money to be made in wrestling. His sharp mind and bold business tactics set the stage for future wrestling moguls to follow in his footsteps.