On a recent edition of his “83 Weeks” podcast, Eric Bischoff discussed the life and career of Ted Turner during his tenure with WCW, Turner buying Jim Crockett Promotions to form WCW, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On word association with Ted Turner: “Entrepreneur. I mean, that’s at the core of who Ted Turner is.”
On Turner buying Jim Crockett Promotions instead of the entire NWA: “How easily could that have happened? I’m surprised that it didn’t, that’s how easily it could have happened. I’m shocked that it didn’t frankly, because Jim Crockett Promotions wasn’t really a brand, and NWA was. And Ted was smart enough to recognize that. So there must have been a reason for it. And I think Crockett Promotions was in bankruptcy, and Ted bought them out of bankruptcy. So that $9 million, I’m guessing, went to pay off a lot of debt that had been acquired by Jim Crockett Promotions.”
On Turner acquiring Jim Crockett Promotions to form WCW: “Eight years after CNN became a thing, Ted Turner acquired Crockett Promotions. However, he did it, he acquired it and changed the name to WCW. And off we go.”
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Ted Turner is a name that holds significant importance in the world of professional wrestling. As the founder of Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and the creator of CNN, Ted Turner’s impact on the media industry is well-known. However, his involvement in the wrestling business is often overlooked.
In a recent episode of the “83 Weeks” podcast hosted by Eric Bischoff, the life and career of Ted Turner during his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) were discussed. Bischoff, who served as the President of WCW during its peak years, shed light on Turner’s role in the promotion and the decisions he made that shaped the landscape of professional wrestling.
One of the key topics discussed was Turner’s acquisition of Jim Crockett Promotions, which eventually led to the formation of WCW. Bischoff expressed his surprise that Turner didn’t buy the entire National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) but instead opted for Crockett Promotions. He speculated that the reason behind this decision could be the financial troubles faced by Crockett Promotions, which was in bankruptcy at the time. Turner’s purchase of the company helped pay off its debts and paved the way for the birth of WCW.
Turner’s entrepreneurial spirit was highlighted by Bischoff, who described him as an entrepreneur at his core. This trait was evident in Turner’s willingness to take risks and invest in ventures like WCW, which eventually became a major competitor to Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE).
The impact of Turner’s acquisition of Crockett Promotions and the subsequent rebranding as WCW cannot be understated. Eight years after CNN’s launch, Turner took a bold step into the world of professional wrestling. This move not only provided a platform for wrestlers and showcased their talents but also created a viable alternative to WWE.
The podcast episode also featured a link to a video interview with Eric Bischoff discussing Ted Turner. This interview provides further insights into Turner’s involvement in WCW and his contributions to the wrestling industry.
For fans of professional wrestling, understanding the role of Ted Turner in the rise of WCW is crucial. His financial backing and support allowed WCW to compete with WWE on a global scale, leading to the famous “Monday Night Wars” era, where both promotions battled for television ratings supremacy.
In conclusion, Ted Turner’s impact on the wrestling industry cannot be overlooked. His acquisition of Jim Crockett Promotions and subsequent formation of WCW provided a platform for wrestlers to showcase their skills and created a competitive landscape in the industry. Turner’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks played a significant role in shaping the wrestling landscape during the 1990s.