On a recent edition of his “Strictly Business” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff recalled his time working with the late Ole Anderson. He said,
“Look, Ole was Ole. I have some great memories of Ole. I have some memories that I try and put out of my mind when it comes to Ole, but I enjoyed them. As much of an honorary cantankerous, negative [son of a] b***h he was, he was kind of fun to be around. And he had a good sense of humor if he was comfortable around you. And he had a lot of knowledge. Unfortunately, Ole liked guys of his era, Bill Watts, Verne Gagne. He was so firmly entrenched in the way business was done back in the ’70s and in the ’80s that he refused to consider doing things differently.”
Mike Jones, aka Virgil, also passed away recently. On his show, Bischoff admitted that he didn’t get to know Jones on a personal level but had fond memories of him. He said,
“I didn’t get to know Mike real well on a personal basis, so I can’t speak to who he really was away from the business… People can say what they want about his career, and certainly he was quite the character in the last five or 10 years, but I found him to be entertaining as hell and a positive, fun, loving guy who enjoyed life, and that’s how I choose to remember him. That’s how I do remember him, and that’s the memory that I’ll hold on to.”
Bischoff worked with Jones in WCW. During his time in the company, Jones was known as Vincent in a nod to then-WWF Chairman Vince McMahon.
Eric Bischoff, a WWE Hall of Famer, recently shared his memories of working with two late wrestling personalities, Ole Anderson and Mike Jones, also known as Virgil. Bischoff’s insights provide a glimpse into the personalities and contributions of these individuals to the wrestling industry.
Speaking about Ole Anderson, Bischoff acknowledged that while Anderson could be cantankerous and negative at times, he also had a fun side and a good sense of humor. Bischoff appreciated the memories he shared with Anderson, although there were some that he preferred to forget. Anderson’s knowledge and experience were valuable, but his reluctance to embrace change hindered his ability to adapt to new ways of doing business. Anderson’s preference for the traditional methods of the ’70s and ’80s prevented him from considering alternative approaches.
Moving on to Mike Jones, Bischoff admitted that he didn’t know him on a personal level but had fond memories of working with him. Jones, who wrestled under the name Virgil in WCW, was known for his entertaining character and larger-than-life persona. While some may have criticized Jones’ career, Bischoff found him to be an entertaining and positive individual who enjoyed life. This is the memory that Bischoff chooses to hold onto when remembering Jones.
Bischoff’s comments shed light on the dynamics of working in the wrestling industry and the different personalities that contribute to its success. Despite their flaws or differences in approach, both Anderson and Jones left their mark on the industry. Anderson’s extensive knowledge and experience from the earlier decades of wrestling provided a valuable perspective, even if it limited his ability to adapt. Jones, on the other hand, entertained audiences with his character and brought joy to those around him.
It is worth noting that Bischoff’s recollections are personal and subjective. Others may have different experiences or opinions about these individuals. However, Bischoff’s insights offer a unique perspective on the wrestling industry and the people who have shaped it.
In conclusion, Eric Bischoff’s recent podcast episode provides a glimpse into his memories of working with Ole Anderson and Mike Jones. While Anderson’s resistance to change hindered his ability to adapt, he was still a fun and knowledgeable presence. Jones, known as Virgil, entertained audiences and left a positive impression on Bischoff. These recollections highlight the diverse personalities and contributions within the wrestling industry.