WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff believes TNA Wrestling is heading the wrong way, telling fans that the promotion is “one step closer to the grave” with the decisions it is currently making.
The former WCW executive said TNA lacks the experienced television minds needed to turn good wrestling into the kind of compelling, audience-retaining programming that grows a national promotion.
Bischoff offered the blunt assessment on his podcast 83 Weeks, where he expressed concern over the company’s leadership and creative direction.
“I look at what’s going on in TNA and, to me, it’s one step closer to the grave,” Bischoff said.
He was quick to add that his criticism comes from a place of wanting the promotion to do well, not fail.
“I’m not rooting against them. I want them to succeed. Competition is good for the industry. But when I see some of the decisions being made, I just shake my head,” Bischoff said.
Bischoff Points To Leadership And Television Storytelling
It is worth noting that Anthem is reportedly seeking up to $50 million for TNA Wrestling sale. Bischoff singled out leadership and creative as the areas where he believes TNA could improve, arguing the company needs people who understand how to build for television rather than simply book matches.
“You need people that understand television. You need people that understand how to tell stories for television, not just book wrestling matches,” he said.
For Bischoff, quality in-ring action alone does not move the needle for a promotion trying to operate at a national level.
“It’s not just about putting on good matches. You have to create compelling television that gives people a reason to come back next week,” Bischoff said.
He also highlighted that the industry has shifted and that promotions have to keep pace with how fans now consume content.
“The audience has changed. The business has changed. The way people consume content has changed. You have to adapt to that reality,” Bischoff said.
“I Hope They Figure It Out”
Despite the harsh verdict, Bischoff closed by reiterating that he would like to see TNA grow rather than collapse.
“I hope they figure it out. I hope they find the right people and make the right decisions because I’d love to see them grow. But from where I’m sitting today, I don’t like the direction,” Bischoff said.
Bischoff has been vocal about a range of wrestling topics in recent months, including his praise for the Bloodline as the greatest story ever told in wrestling and his ongoing work with Real American Freestyle.