On a recent episode of his “Strictly Business” podcast, Eric Bischoff addressed reports of former TBS Champion Jade Cargill leaving AEW for WWE, why he thinks WWE signed her, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Jade Cargill reportedly leaving AEW for WWE: “Happy for her if it’s true, happy for WWE if it’s true. I say if it’s true because every report I’ve read so far, and there’s only been a handful because it’s relatively new information, is being reported. It’s not confirmed. It’s just being reported. Let’s just see. Jade, maybe I’ve met her but I don’t know her at all. I don’t think I’ve ever had a real conversation with her. This would be an absolutely amazing opportunity for her. It’s a risk. Undoubtedly, it will be a risk for her because she’s walking into an environment where she’s still relatively green, right? She’s been around for just a few years in an early-stage company, meaning it’s not a touring company, there’s not four or five nights on the road, it’s not the same kind of workload as WWE. There’s going to be a major transition there, but if she’s a young woman that’s confident in herself, and I believe her to be just following her on social media. If she’s got the confidence and the determination, this could be massive for her. It could set her up for her life.”
On why she left AEW: “Happy for her if it’s true. Happy for WWE if it’s true. We don’t say if it’s true, because every report I’ve read so far this morning and there’s only been a handful because it’s relatively new information, at least for me, is that it’s being reported that it’s not confirmed, it’s just being reported. So let’s just see. And look, Jade may have never met her, but I don’t know her. I don’t think I’ve ever had a real conversation with her. This would be an absolutely amazing opportunity for her. It’s a risk. Undoubtedly, it would be a risk for her because she’s walking into an environment. She’s still relatively green. Shesnew. How long has she been around? A couple of years. Yeah. And she’s been around for just a few years in a very. It’s an early-stage company, meaning it’s not a touring company. There’s not 4 or 5 nights on the road. It’s it’s not the same kind of workload as WWE. So, there’s going to be a major transition here. But if she’s a young woman that is confident in herself and I believe her to be just following her on social media, you get that impression. But if she’s got the confidence and the determination, this could be massive for her. It could set her up for life. As far as AEW goes, it’s hard to say why she was even in this position. Why would she be willing to negotiate? And there may be a good reason for it or a bad reason. We don’t know. And it’s hard to speculate on things you don’t know anything about. I would imagine with all the other news floating around as of late, Tony doesn’t really need one more negative.”
On homegrown talent and potentially going to NXT instead of the main roster: “You know, the whole homegrown thing. I don’t really put a lot of stock into it. I don’t think it has any real value other than. A minimal, minuscule. Can I push back? She may go through NXT. Look, I had a conversation. I don’t know when it was. Might have been on the Jericho cruise I was on several years ago or maybe in a conversation I had with Chris afterward. I don’t remember when. Chris [Jericho] and I got into a really great conversation about his transition from WCW to WWE and something and I’m paraphrasing all of this now, so. Don’t quote me on any of it. But, you know, Chris made a comment or several comments to the effect of how when he made up his mind that he was going to leave WCW, he was absolutely convinced he was ready for the WWE main event. And it wasn’t until after Chris got to WWE that he realized how much he didn’t really know and how much he had to learn to play at that level in WWE. That was a different level than WCW. And number one, it struck me as really honest. And I found it very, very fascinating to hear his perspective on that transition. But I think Jade will have a similar transition. I kind of hinted about earlier, but I still don’t think the lack of training ground or the homegrown talent factors into the equation. It was like in TNA. TNA puts so much equity into the idea of homegrown talent. It was subtle, subtly marketed throughout the entire company and to the audience to a large degree through play-by-play and color commentary. And every time I heard it, I said, Man, you’re not selling zucchini’s here, folks. Nobody cares if you grew it in your backyard. They only care about the quality of the zucchini. That’s what matters to people, not whether they’re homegrown or not. And that’s why I just don’t put much stock in it, man. I think, look, if there had been a training facility or strategy in AEW and she was able to get in there and work with a lot of the big names on a consistent basis, maybe she would feel differently about AEW, but I would imagine she made a decision based on nothing more than opportunity. Sure. Where is the biggest opportunity for me in the future? And any clear-thinking person, especially someone young like Jade, I mean, physically, she’s like right out of central casting. You know, you refer to it as a marvel character. And that was right on the money.”
On what WWE saw her in her: “I mean, she’s just an amazing physical specimen. She’s a beautiful girl. Woman. I’m sorry. And she also has that. Something that transcends her looks in her physique and its charisma. And that’s what WWE saw in her, I’m sure. And I’m guessing she looked at WWE and said, okay, if I had to bet on my future, where would I place that bet?”
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Former TBS Champion Jade Cargill has been making headlines recently with reports suggesting that she may be leaving All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In a recent episode of his “Strictly Business” podcast, Eric Bischoff discussed these reports and shared his thoughts on why WWE may have signed her.
Bischoff began by acknowledging that the reports of Cargill’s departure from AEW and potential signing with WWE are still unconfirmed. However, he expressed his happiness for both Cargill and WWE if the news turns out to be true. He emphasized that this could be an incredible opportunity for Cargill, but also acknowledged the risks involved in transitioning from a relatively new company like AEW to the demanding environment of WWE.
Cargill, who is still considered relatively green in the wrestling industry, has only been around for a few years and has not experienced the same kind of workload as WWE wrestlers. Bischoff highlighted the major transition that Cargill would have to undergo if she joins WWE, but also expressed his belief in her confidence and determination based on her social media presence. He stated that if she possesses these qualities, this move could be massive for her and set her up for life.
Regarding Cargill’s departure from AEW, Bischoff admitted that he does not know the reasons behind her decision. He speculated that there might be both good and bad reasons for her willingness to negotiate with WWE. However, he refrained from making any definitive statements without concrete information.
Bischoff also addressed the concept of homegrown talent and the possibility of Cargill going through WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, before making it to the main roster. He shared an anecdote about Chris Jericho’s transition from WCW to WWE, where Jericho realized how much he had to learn to compete at the top level in WWE. Bischoff suggested that Cargill might have a similar experience and emphasized that he does not place much value on the idea of homegrown talent. He believes that the quality of a wrestler’s performance matters more than whether they were developed within the company.
When discussing what WWE saw in Cargill, Bischoff praised her as an amazing physical specimen and a charismatic individual. He believed that WWE recognized these qualities in her and speculated that Cargill likely looked at WWE as the place where she could bet on her future.
In conclusion, while the reports of Jade Cargill leaving AEW for WWE are still unconfirmed, Eric Bischoff expressed his happiness for both parties if the news turns out to be true. He acknowledged the risks involved in such a transition but also highlighted the potential opportunities it could bring for Cargill. Bischoff’s insights shed light on the wrestling industry and the factors that may influence a wrestler’s decision to switch promotions.