Pro-Wrestling Eric Bischoff Q&A Session
Last updated 4 December 1999
Prodigy Q&A session with Eric Bischoff conducted on 24 September 1996
[ Just seeing if anyone is actually reading this --Hack-Man ]
Question:
What did you think of the Jim Ross interview from last
night?
Eric Bischoff:
I haven't seen it, I've only heard about it. I can only
judge by other people's reaction. The interview must have
been interesting. I think they whole direction they are
going is a little weak.
Question:
Does WCW have any plans of doing an interactive show like
WWF LivWire in the future?
Eric Bischoff:
No, as a matter of fact. I found that show to be a little
boring, and our experience has taught us that people watch
a wrestling show because they want to see wrestling...not
to see or hear people talking about wrestling.
Question:
Any plans to bring in JJ Dillon anytime soon?? If so, would
it be behind the scenes or back managing?
Eric Bischoff:
I met with JJ last Friday and he will be working with us in
the office beginning October 1.
Question:
Eric: Was the Public Enemy win of the World Tag Titles
planned ahead of time, or was it in order to counteract
the ECW appearance on RAW?
Eric Bischoff:
That match had been planned and was part of our format from
the beginning. Because they had a live show, we didn't
know what the timing of anything would be. It's not like
last night was a taped program.
Question:
What are your plans for Chris Jericho?
Eric Bischoff:
Chris is a part of WCW, and he is going to have as much
opportunity as anyone to rise as fast as he is able to in
this industry. In my opinion he could become one of the
bright stars of WCW in a short time.
Question:
Are you still going though with the plan to strip the Champ
of the title and have the Winner of WW3 become the champ?
Eric Bischoff:
Since I discussed that plan publically on our 900 line and
here on Prodigy, I have noted a lot of negative reaction.
It appears that idea does not sit well with fans. What I'd
like to do is monitor reaction here on Prodigy and in other
areas. If the fans think it's a bad idea, I'll be the
first to admit it.
Question:
I have had a number of people say they liked the idea
because it would give Wrestling their own Super Bowl. Some
people suggested they liked it, but most fans haven't
responded very
Eric Bischoff:
well. I'd like to hear from the fans and I'll listen to
them.
Question:
What are your views on the WWF's current new angles?
Eric Bischoff:
In some ways I'm flattered, but in other ways I'm really
disappointed. I'm flattered because obviously they are
trying to copy what is going on in WCW. But, the fact that
they are not coming up with anything compelling and
bringing more fans to the genre is disappointing. That's
part of their responsibility.
Eric Bischoff:
It seems like everything they are doing is turning people
away from wrestling, from the transvestite wrestlers to
some of the other things they have done.
Question:
What are your thoughts on Shawn Michaels?
Eric Bischoff:
I have never met him personally, so I don't have a personal
opinion of him. Professionally, I think he has a
tremendous amount of talent.
Question:
Did Dusty come up with "Vincents" name?
Eric Bischoff:
No
Question:
Eric: How many Advil did it take after Vince slapped ya
around last night?
Eric Bischoff:
I didn't have to take any Advil last night, but I will
admit to being somewhat stiff and sore this morning.
Question:
Eric Bischoff, Galcier would be beter if he had longer
matches and wasn't such a show off.People don't like Show
Offs.
Eric Bischoff:
Thanks for the input. I'm sure you'll see matches with
Glacier that are longer than last night, and perhaps you'll
even see some that are shorter. I think the crowd reacted
fairly positively towards Glacier last night. We all have
different opinions.
Question:
Eric... great Nitro last night. But, I heard on a local
hotline from Blackjack Brown, that there was a backstage
arguement between you and Randy Savage. Blackjack says
Randy was mad 'cuz he always gets beat up. Care to
comment? Gracias... MJD.
Eric Bischoff:
No, Randy and I did not get into any kind of argument last
night. In fact Randy and I were discussing some future
plans, and all of our conversations were very positive.
Question:
Has "Mean" Gene re-signed with WCW yet?
Eric Bischoff:
No he has not. I am in Los Angeles and one of the things
I'll be doing tomorrow is meeting with Gene Okerland.
Question:
what do you think of VInce McMahon?
Eric Bischoff:
I've answered that so many times, and my opinion changes
from week to week. He is certainly overrated when it comes
to creative ability. That is showing with the recent
problems. As a business man, I think he had a tremendous
opportunity and took advantage of that. The world changed,
and he didn't.
Question:
Eric - This is the announcer who was too tall to work for
you - Craig Johnson... I have been your biggest critic for
a long time - you could do nothing right, but you have won
me over. Count me among your big Nitro fans. You have taken
the art of storytelling with the NWO angle to a height
rarely seen in our sport. I just wanted to publicly tell
you I have thoroughly enjoyed what you have done with the
company in the past year. Would I still be too tall to be
the NWO's announcer (grin)? Congrats
Eric Bischoff:
Unless you had your legs amputated at the knees...I think
your height is still a problem. Thanks for watching NITRO
and thanks for the kind words.
Question:
Why is the WCW losing the war with NWO, they outnumber them
easily?
Eric Bischoff:
Well, the war is not over. Time will tell just exactly who
is going to win the war. If you look at the tactics of the
NWO, it's not exactly like they are fighting a fair fight.
Add to that the fact that there are some pretty big guns on
the NWO bench. That's pretty formidable competition.
Question:
Eric, anychance of seeing an Ironman competition at
Starrcade? The right combo of NWO/WCW guys could make
things interesting.
Eric Bischoff:
That's a good idea. I certainly wouldn't rule it out.
It's not in our current plans, but we'll keep an open mind
to it.
Question:
Eric, did Benoit give 2 weeks notice?
Eric Bischoff:
No. Absolutely not. Chris Benoit is under a long term
agreement, and to the best of my knowledge is extremely
happy with WCW.
Question:
what moved you to get Hulk Hogan
Eric Bischoff:
I felt at the time, strategically, it was important to
bring Hulk Hogan into WCW to let the world know
(advertisers, television stations, etc) that we were very
serious about competing and making WCW a prominent
organization in professional wrestling. His name
recognition gave us that ability.
Question:
Eric,thank you for putting Nitro on mondays,Last night was
probably one of the greates nights in the history of
wrestling and you deserve all of the credit for it.
Eric Bischoff:
Thank you for the compliment, but I beg to differ. Last
nights effort was a result of the work of a lot of people.
We have one really really great team of individuals. If I
take any pride in any accomplishment, it's that I put
together a great team of individuals. I mean that
sincerely.
Question:
What is your reaction to the WWF/ECW trade agreement?
Eric Bischoff:
I don't know the details of any agreement. From what I
have heard, any relationship could be very beneficial to
ECW in that they would gain exposure they would not
otherwise get. In terms of the WWF, I have my doubts as to
any significant impact.
Question:
What is the latest with Sting?
Eric Bischoff:
Sting is in Japan. I hope to meet with him here in Los
Angeles tomorrow evening, and I'll know more about what's
going through his mind then. He will be here in Los
Angeles filming a new movie with Jim Carey called Liar Liar.
Question:
Eric: With many of the angles going on recently, the only
belt that's been defended has been the Cruiserweight. In
fact, Rey Jr's has probably defended the belt more times
than the other three champions combined. Won't stripping
the champ of the title each November just add to the
lackluster attitude of holding a title?
Eric Bischoff:
That's a possibilty, and that is some of the feedback that
has concerned me. That is a reason I want to open up a
dialogue and to invite Prodigy members, and any others to
share their opinions. We will reevaluate that concept if
necessary.
Question:
Why was Vincent, or Virgil, brought in to the nWo?
Eric Bischoff:
You would have to ask Ted Dibiase that question.
Question:
Where is Disco Inferno?
Eric Bischoff:
I haven't seen Disco in a couple of weeks. We have some
plans for him in the very near future, so you'll be seeing
more of him.
Question:
who won the Titan Vs Turner lawsuit?
Eric Bischoff:
That litigation is still pending.
Question:
Eric, do all the NWO workers enjoy the role?
Eric Bischoff:
You would have to ask them. It appears to me they are
having a ball.
Question:
Have you been surprised how many of us naysayers you have
converted with the NWO angle?
Eric Bischoff:
I'm surprised at the overwhelming response to both NITRO
and to what is going on with the NWO. Quite frankly, there
have been times where people who have been critical of WCW
had every right to be critical. It's taken me quite awhile
to really get my arms around WCW and take it in the
direction I had hoped.
Eric Bischoff:
I don't mind criticism and in fact encourage it as long as
it's productive. I'm just pleased we are putting out a
product people seem to be enjoying.
Question:
Eric, do you ever get tired of kicking RAW's butt?
Eric Bischoff:
Nope
Question:
Eric: Recently, Jerry Lawler asked the USWA crowd not to
pay to buy NITRO tickets. Rather, he told them to stay
home and watch it on TV or get free tickets from their
local radio stations. Any thoughts on the 'war' even at
such a local level?
Eric Bischoff:
I think Jerry Lawler exposed himself quite a bit with that
little stunt. Jerry Lawler in my opinion is a small time,
going nowhere individual who is probably at the end of any
kind of professional career he may have had. Perhaps his
bitterness is showing through.
Eric Bischoff:
Then again, Jerry Lawler owns 1/2 of a promotion that is
lucky to draw 150 people to an event at a flea market, so I
can understand why he'd be bitter.
Question:
What do you think about Jim Ross saying all those things
towards Vince Mcmahon? Are you looking to sign Ross to WCW
Eric Bischoff:
No I am not looking to sign Jim Ross to WCW, and quite
obviously both Jim Ross and Vince McMahon are trying to
copy what's going on in WCW. Most fans are smart enough to
see through it. I think it's unfortunate for Jim Ross as
an individual and for Titan as a corporation.
Question:
eric is there any former wwf star comeing to wcw were the
bog boy play
Eric Bischoff:
I prefer not to comment at this time.
Question:
Eric, when will NWO get their own show. Will it feature
wrestling, or will it just be an informercial?
Eric Bischoff:
We agreed to give the NWO their own show if they won
Wargames, which they obviously did. It will probably be
November or December before they get their own show. At
this point, we think it will be the Saturday night show
twice a month. Only the NWO knows what the show will look
like.
Question:
what do you think about the wwf bringing fake razor and
diesel in
Eric Bischoff:
Razor and Diesel are trademarked characters that the WWF
has every right to utilize however they want to. Beyond
that, I really don't have much of an opinion. The fans are
the ones that will ultimately decide if Vince's creative
ability will have a positive impact or not.
Question:
Any chance you will bring in Randy Rhodes from the old
Global, dress him in a grey spandex suit and call him
Olddust in the NWO?
Eric Bischoff:
That thought hasn't crossed my mind, or anybody else's.
But thanks for the idea.
Question:
Eric, will Mark Madden fit anywhere in the NWO picture?
Eric Bischoff:
I kinda doubt that. I don't think Madden and Hogan are a
great combination. The chemisty is just not there.
Question:
Eric, do you use online criticizms to make WCW better?
Eric Bischoff:
Yes. Quite frequently.
Question:
WCW Monday Nitro from Cleveland on September 30th - what
are the scheduled matches? - If any.
Eric Bischoff:
We're working that out as we speak.
Question:
Mr. Bischoff, why did you take the time and effort to bring
Sean Waltman to WCW and then essentially job him to Hacksaw
Jim Duggan on his very first appearance? His fans have
reacted overwhelmingly negatively to his debut match, most
of whom expected better of his first appearance in WCW with
the NWO . Don't you think it should have been more
important to make sure he was given a chance to show his
abilities in the best light rather than making him look
unable to achieve a win on his own merit?
Eric Bischoff:
I'm not so certain that the fans really have reacted
negatively. As I recall, Six got a pinfall over Jim
Duggan...with an assist from the Giant. As far back as I
remember, that's the same way any member of the NWO has
beaten anybody from WCW. I don't think his MO is any
different from any other NWO'er.
Question:
Eric, IMO showing that the NWO has fan support is a
mistake...do you think that when the time comes, if you
keep showing that the NWO is winning fans over, that people
will actually want WCW to be saved?
Eric Bischoff:
I think there will always be fans who are going to be
attracted by personalities like those currently in the NWO.
I think there are also always going to be fans who are
fans of WCW for what WCW represents in terms of history,
dating back to when it was the NWA. A lot of important
names have been a part of WCW.
Eric Bischoff:
I think that history is something certain fans will always
have respect for.
Question:
Do we plan on seeing anymore new NwO members on next weeks
Nitro?
Eric Bischoff:
I have no idea.
Question:
Seeing as Terry Taylor has sub at house shows, will we be
seeing Terry Taylor wrestle on tv once again?
Eric Bischoff:
We've discussed that previously on Prodigy. Terry has said
he'd like to get back in the ring. I have no problem with
that. I think they key is whether wrestling would have a
negative impact on some of his other duties with WCW, which
are significant.
Question:
Will the TV and US titles go to younger WCW stars in recent
months, or if they stay with Flair and Luger will we see
them thrown into the NWO mix?
Eric Bischoff:
Luger lost the TV title to Steve Regal, and Regal is
defending it around the world. I know he is defending in
Germany, South Africa and Mexico in the coming months. Ric
Flair is going to have to defend the US Title soon, and I
have no idea where that is going to end up.
Eric Bischoff:
I know the NWO has shown interest in collecting all of the
WCW belts, so perhaps we will see Flair defend his belt
against someone in the NWO.
Question:
Will Lord Steven Regal return to the United States soon for
a World TV title defense?
Eric Bischoff:
Steve is scheduled to return sometime in January, although
we haven't firmed up any commitments at this time. We may
show footage of his title defenses overseas to keep you
interested.
Question:
Mr. Bischoff, many fans i've talked to have complained that
the character of Glacier seems too choreographed at times,
coming across as a bit stilted. How does WCW plan to
evolve the character, given the endless promotion they have
run involving Glacier? Does the wrestler portraying the
character have any martial arts background in real life, or
is it all part of the character?
Eric Bischoff:
One of the things people have to realize is that martial
arts, particularly Glacier's style of martial arts is a
very rigid and controlled style. I think as Glacier gains
experience in the ring with a variety of wrestlers he
hasn't competed with before you will see more moves and
tactics and strategies.
Question:
Mr. Bischoff, how do you feel about WCW and NWO wrestlers
having contact with the fans? Do you think they should be
allowed to have contact outside of WCW confines as long as
they do not give away upcoming storylines, or do you think,
like the WWF apparently does, that "only monitored contact
is good contact"?
Eric Bischoff:
In fact, I encourage WCW wrestlers to open dialogue with
fans. This is not indentured servitude at WCW. They have a
right and should exercize their right to communicate with
fans, and we will encourage them to do that.
Question:
Is the NWO stuff outselling the WCW merchandise in the
mailorder category.
Eric Bischoff:
Not yet.
Question:
Hello Eric and thank you for joining us once again tonight.
In your first chat you answered "Absoultly Not" to a
question about joining the NWO, but last chat you answered
the same question with "I have No Comment At This Time."
Is the NWO Negotiating with you and if so are you
interested in becoming part of the New World Order?
Eric Bischoff:
I'm not interested in becoming a part of the NWO. I'm not
in negotiations with the NWO. The reason I answered 'no
comment' is I felt I have answered the question numerous
times in the past. I spent a lot of time and effort trying
to build WCW into being the leader in our industry. I
won't turn my back.
Question:
The NWO Take-Over last night was fantastic. Will The Giant
now be the new Ring announcer for the WCW? {G} Seriously,
Due to the demands the NWO has requested, will they get an
hour on Nitro each week?
Eric Bischoff:
No, as I stated in the past....they asked for their own TV
show, and they have agreed to accept two Saturday night
shows a month starting, I believe, in November.
Question:
Eric where will Glacier fit in, a side show type thing, or
a title contender??
Eric Bischoff:
I think it's way too early to speculate. He's only had a
few matches. The reaction has been very positive so far.
We need to let him compete for awhile before we speculate
on how far he will be able to go.
Question:
Do you regret firing Dustin Rhodes?
Eric Bischoff:
No. It was a decision that I had to make, and although
Dustin and I were friends...and as much as it was a hard
decision to make, I had no choice but to take the action
that I had to take.
Question:
Will WCW ever come to Chicago?
Eric Bischoff:
We have been discussing that. I used to live in Chicago,
and have a lot of friends there. There are a lot of
wrestling fans there, and would like to come back as soon
as possible. We hope to do so soon.
Question:
Eric - My daughter would like to know...how was your
headache after last night's show?
Eric Bischoff:
I don't have a headache, but I've got a really really stiff
neck. Hey, it could be worse.
Question:
I was wondering if you're fine after what the NWO did to
you?
Eric Bischoff:
My pride is more bruised than my body at this point.
Question:
Eric,in the past people"WWF Fans" have said WCW is just
full of nothing but old people.I think when the Cruiser
Weight Division was formed,it shut those people up. Good
Job.
Eric Bischoff:
Thanks for the comment. The Cruiseweight division was
something I really believed in, and while I had a hard time
putting the talent together....it has paid off, and is one
of the key reasons WCW has enjoyed the success it has
enjoyed over the last few months.
Question:
Eric- After being here for all of your chat's I have to say
that I cam glad Wrestling has a man like you who can listen
to the fans and take contructive critisism and work to
imporve ideas. Coming on Prodigy to chat is wonderful and
I just wanted to take this opportunity to really thank for
not only coming on Prodigy but making WCW and Wrestling in
general what it is today. Thank You.
Eric Bischoff:
Again, thank you very much for the comment. I think one of
the biggest mistakes anyone can make is to not listen to
the consumers. One of the things I kept hearing on the
online services is they really wanted Cruiserweights and
athletes from other organizations. Thanks for speaking out!
Eric Bischoff:
Whether you are an executive at Burger King or Coca Cola or
WCW...if you don't listen to your consumers, you are
destined to failure. By the way...that means listening to
all criticism.
Question:
Eric - Can the investment in the NWO car be seen as a hint
the NWO will become a permanent fixture within Turner
Sports?
Eric Bischoff:
It appears to me that the NWO is going to be along for a
long time. The NWO car driven by Kyle Petty is more than
an indication that the NWO is not a short term
organization. It may be around for a long long long time.
Question:
Who do you think is the most valuable asset to WCW? Who
could you least afford to lose? Who, if you lost that
person, would just cause WCW to crumble?
Eric Bischoff:
That's a good question. There really is not one person
that is responsible for WCW's success, nor is there one
person that would cause WCW to crumble. The success of WCW
can be attributed to a very talented team of individuals.
I can't honestly say losing any one person would cause it
to fall apart.
Question:
Just a matter of opinion, Who do you see as world champ a
year from now?
Eric Bischoff:
It is absolutely impossible to begin to try to speculate.
If you look at the roster in WCW, it is the largest group
of highly rated professionals in our sport ever assembled
under one banner. Given that group, it would be impossible
to speculate.
Question:
Im surprised that since your organization is in Atlanta,
yet there is little to no live action .. Wil this continue
to be the case ?
Eric Bischoff:
Another good question. As many of you know, up until a
year ago, or maybe less....WCW produced it's weekly show in
Atlanta every week. Because of that, we thought the
Atlanta market had seen as much wrestling as they cared to
see. Since the Saturday night show is on the road,
though...that could change.
Eric Bischoff:
We are looking to see a NITRO or a PPV back in the Atlanta
market in the next 6 months. The market just needed a rest.
Question:
I was wondering what your opinion is on Marc Mero becoming
Intercontinental champ last night? Do you regret giving up
this talent?
Eric Bischoff:
As a matter of fact, I'm glad Marc Mero is in the WWF. I
think the fact that during the period of time he was
wrestling for the championship WWF only achieved a 2.0
ratings pretty much speaks volumes about what the general
audience feels about Marc Mero as a professional.
Eric Bischoff:
As an individual, I wish Marc Mero all the best. As a
professional, I think he is very limited.
Question:
What will JJ Dillons role be in the WCW office come Oct.1?
Eric Bischoff:
He's going to be working to help organize some of our
efforts relative to television production. He'll be
working with talent and performing a variety of other
duties. Currently, his role has not been totally defined.
Question:
Eric is Jim ross comeing to wcw ,is mean gene
back yet
Eric Bischoff:
Jim Ross will not be coming back to WCW. As I mentioned
earlier on Prodigy, I will be meeting tomorrow in Los
Angeles with Gene Okerland, so that possibility does exist.
Question:
Will Sting be taking any time off to film that movie
Eric Bischoff:
No. WCW is going to attempt to work around his filming
schedule, as we have done with a number of other wrestlers
like Marcus Bagwell, the Giant, and others.
Question:
Eric, great show last night. My congradulations to you and
your team! Quick question, any chance of the Pubic
Enemy/Hall & Nash match becoming a no rules match and
letting PE get Extreme? After all, this is war
Eric Bischoff:
I like that idea a lot. That is a possibility.
Question:
Couldnt the winner of the Battle Royale get a shot at the
title that night as a reward instead of the title itself...
And to make it even , have the champion fight twice that
night!
Eric Bischoff:
Thanks for the comments.....that is an idea we will take
into consideration.
Question:
ERIC;IS NASTY BOYS IN THE NWO
Eric Bischoff:
I don't think so. The way we saw it last night, there may
be some discussions going on...but I think they are still
in WCW to stay. I could be wrong.
Question:
What are your thoughts about Jim Ross... bringing out that
a FAKE Scott Hall?
Eric Bischoff:
Again, I think I addressed my feelings about the whole WWF
approach to their booking. I think in general it's
lackluster, non-original. They actually lost a tenth of a
point from the previous weeks rating coming off a PPV with
all the buildup. That tells me the WWF approach is flawed.
Eric Bischoff:
The viewing audience flat out rejected it. I can't recall
a time in history when either organization came off a PPV
and actually lost ground in the ratings.
Question:
Do you give any respect to either of the McMahon's (Jr. or
Sr.) for where you and WCW are today? They have played a
significant part in wrestling history.
Eric Bischoff:
The WWF has played a significant role in wrestling history.
No question about that. There is no question that they
took advantage of a tremendous opportunity in the late 80's
and early 90's....to break out of a regional strategy and
go national. That being said, things change, times change,
markets change.
Question:
In regards to your comments on Jerry Lawler...he could
probably also work circles around most of the guys you have
in WCW. And when I say "work", I don't mean matches with
150,000 highspots. I mean, actually "work".
Eric Bischoff:
Well, you're welcome to your opinion. I'm sure a lot of
people agree with you....but, in my opinion Jerry Lawler is
just an over-rated overachiever who is bitter at the fact
that he never made it to the big time. Even in his current
role in the WWF he is a non-impact player.
Question:
Eric, why were you not at Bash at the Beach??
Eric Bischoff:
I was at Bash and the Beach.
Question:
Eric, do you think that the WWF has enough talent to
compete with you?
Eric Bischoff:
WWF currently has a roster of talent in large part
comprised of former WCW wrestlers who were low impact
players here two years ago. WCW couldn't and didn't draw
numbers during ratings or house shows with that talent and
it doesn't appear to me that the WWF will either.
Question:
What did you think of Michael Wallstreet's reaction last
night, and given his past relationship with DiBiase, do you
expect in the NWO (as financial analyst???)
Eric Bischoff:
I don't expect Wallstreet to become a part of the NWO but I
wasn't surprised at his reaction to Dibiase either.
Question:
Eric, how bad did you want Bret Hart to join WCW at
Wargames and be the deciding factor in the outcome.
Eric Bischoff:
I have not had any conversations with Bret Hart about
joining WCW....Given some of the comments I've heard him
make about WCW in public forums, I find it highly unlikely
that WCW and Bret Hart will ever find themselves under the
same roof.
Question:
I heard you hold a black belt, What in? Is that where
Glaicer came from?
Eric Bischoff:
Yes, I do hold a black belt. I received it in 1979 in a
modified Tae Kwon Do style of Karate. The fact that I have
an interest in martial arts is one of the reasons I was
interested in Glacier.
Question:
Any ill feelings towards Davey Boy Smith?
Eric Bischoff:
None whatsoever.
Question:
I have to ask this, even if it is self serving (or could
blow up in my face]. I know that a lot of people in the
business hate insider newsletters, or dirt sheets. What is
your opinion of them, good and bad?
Eric Bischoff:
I think, unfortunately, so much of the content in the 'dirt
sheets' is so erroneous, and to a certain extent also self
serving...that I can't help but to have a negative opinion
of them. I find it somewhat incredulous that editors and
writers of dirt sheets have no problem commenting on events
or business strategies
that they never attended or have first hand knowledge
of...but are willing to report as fact 2nd, 3rd, or 4th
hand information...so I can't help but have a somewhat
negative opinion.
That being said, from time to time...I do think "dirt
sheets" can serve a positive purpose...if the writers and
editors make an honest effort to source their information
and follow up on the
accuracy of some of the things they write about before they
go to print. As I've said before--the only good newsletter
out there is "Hack Notes".
Question:
I am a loyal NWO fan, and as you know, they are getting
very popular in the WCW. Do you think the NWO angle has
gone too far??
Eric Bischoff:
I think the way things are going, you can expect to see
much much more in the months...and perhaps even years to
come.
Question:
Mr. Bischoff, this is BARRY CLARK JR from Bel Air Maryland
and I was wondering if the WCW is coming back to BALTIMORE
anytime soon?
Eric Bischoff:
Yes, and unfortunately I don't have the schedule with me.
Baltimore is one of WCW's most successful markets in terms
of arena events, and we do intend to return.
Question:
What are the chances JJ Dillion will return & manage the
horseman?
Eric Bischoff:
I don't think so. I think JJ Dillon will be more involved
in policy, procedures, and organization within the office.
That is a full time job by itself.
Question:
Has the WCW sign policy changed? Before no signs were
allowed and now there is many.
Eric Bischoff:
One thing that people have to realize is that signs can
from time to time be an obstruction for some of the fans
sitting behind the people holding them. We have in the
past received a lot of complaints from people with ringside
tickets whose view is obstructed by people holding large
signs. Because of that, we felt it was important rather than
restricting the size of the sign was to just not allow
signs. Lately, however, we are seeing more and more signs,
and haven't had to deal with very many complaints
from ticket holders...due in
large part to the fact that people started sneaking them
in. Because of that they were much smaller and less
intrusive.
Until we get a lot of complaints, I don't intend to modify
our current stance on signs at television or arena events.
Question:
Will Jeff Jarrett be part of the NWO? Or in a role like the
French Canadians.
Eric Bischoff:
I've only spoken briefly with Jeff, and intend to meet with
him next week to discuss his plans and future with WCW.
Question:
Did you have HALL and NASH on most of NITRO because of RAW
doing RAZOR/DIESEL thing?
Eric Bischoff:
Hall and Nash pretty much took control of the show and did
what they wanted to do. I was not aware exactly how much
we were going to see them on camera.
Question:
Will WCW be comming back to the Detroit area? If so when?
Eric Bischoff:
We will work on that soon.
Question:
What's the deal with The Booty Man Ed Leslie story? That
interview really touched me for some reason! Will he
return with a different name?
Eric Bischoff:
We're not sure what Ed is going to do. One thing I can say
honestly....I did that interview with Ed and had no idea
some of the things he has had to go through. I think Ed
deserves much more credit as a human being than he gets.
After getting to know Ed a little more if he chooses to
stay we will try to give it to him.
Time to wrap this up. Thanks again for letting me spend
some time with you. We'll do it again soon.