Eric Bischoff, a notable figure in the wrestling industry, shared some strong opinions about Tony Khan, President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). If his own parents had been wealthier, Bischoff speculates he might have ‘purchased’ his way into the industry much like Khan is alleged to have done.
Bischoff frequently critiques Khan’s management of AEW, believing that Khan lacks the critical knowledge necessary to operate a wrestling promotion effectively.
Bischoff recently aired these views on his “83 Weeks” podcast. He asserted that Khan’s entrance into the wrestling industry was more financially-driven than merit-based. He made his position clear with the following remarks:
“I was a wrestling fan who eventually evolved into an executive in the wrestling domain. Tony’s a wrestling fan who essentially purchased his way into the wrestling industry. Tony funded his entry in, and I see no issue in that. If my father had been affluent, I too would have funded my entry.
“I’m not knocking him for his path, but it becomes evident when I point out that Tony lacks the necessary understanding about producing wrestling. It’s not a case of an older man shouting at the sky, but it’s acknowledgment of reality. He lacks the knowledge he doesn’t even know he needs.”
Bischoff first joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1991 as a relatively lower-tier announcer. However, following Bill Watts’ departure, he advanced to become Vice President of Operations by 1993.
In the subsequent years, Bischoff’s career trajectory continued to ascend. By 1994 he had been promoted to Executive Producer to Senior Vice President. By 1997, he had become President of WCW.
Over the years, Bischoff has regularly disapproved Khan’s comparisons of AEW to WCW, as he believes that WCW’s legacy will always outstrip anything AEW achieves.