On a recent episode of his podcast, “Wise Choices”, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff offered his insights and thoughts on the new TV deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to reports, the deal, which will become active once the current agreement expires at year-end, spans four years, guarantees a three-year term and includes a one-year option. It also allows AEW to broadcast shows twice a week on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, generating 0 million annually.
Highlights from Bischoff’s commentary on the deal include his surprise at AEW securing non-exclusive status. He addressed naïveté regarding FS1, expressing belief that AA should not expect significant revenue from the channel. Bischoff also discussed his lack of experience with FS1, citing its limited budget during his period in TV production.
Here are more details from his podcast:
Bischoff on deal exclusivity: “No, that was a head-scratcher for me. The 0 million signed deal is less than the general speculation and hope a year or six months ago. It’s still a substantial amount. But if I’m investing 0 million with a content producer, I would not want the same content broadcast on competitor networks. I’d expect exclusivity for such an investment. Therefore, it’s puzzling that AEW secured non-exclusivity.
Bischoff on FS1 misconceptions: “Look, I understand it can be easy to misconstrue FS1 as FOX. Yes, it’s Fox-owned. FS1, however, is a microchannel that collects a miscellaneous assortment of content, including low-quality, random material. It might boost exposure, but the income will be minimal, if anything.”
Bischoff on FOX and AEW: “I have no personal experience pitching shows to FS1. During my TV production years, they simply didn’t have budgets that made them worth pursuing. That could be different now; I don’t know. Unless you’re actively selling shows to networks, providing a candid answer to that question would be hard to achieve.”
His reactions can also be seen in a YouTube clip titled “ERIC BISCHOFF LIVE REACTION TO AEW’S TV DEAL!”.