Eric Bischoff Criticizes Production of TNA iMPACT AMC Premiere

Eric Bischoff Criticizes Production of TNA iMPACT AMC Premiere – As many viewers tuned in to check out TNA Wrestling’s iMPACT debut on AMC, the show quickly became a topic of discussion within the industry, including from former WCW President Eric Bischoff. While speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff offered a blunt critique of the broadcast, focusing heavily on its production rather than the in-ring action or creative direction.

Bischoff made it clear that his primary issue with the premiere centered on how the show looked and felt on television. “The format itself was just really not very well – it wasn’t well-produced. I don’t know who’s writing their show, who’s producing their show, who’s directing their show. All of them have some work to do,” Bischoff said. He specifically called out the decision to spotlight celebrities seated in a sparsely populated section of the arena, despite the rest of the building appearing fuller on camera. “They wanted to showcase the celebrities to get a little bit of that mainstream rub, which I dig… But they put those guys [there]. They looked like jabronis.”

Bischoff also criticized a camera shot featuring Eric Young, questioning why it was included at all. “They had a shot of Eric Young. For what reason? I don’t know. But Eric Young looked like some guy that walked in off the street, snuck in and grabbed the first chair he could, sitting by himself, looking around, hoping nobody caught him. What was that?”

According to Bischoff, these moments added up and distracted from the overall presentation. “And it’s little things like that. Television is nothing but the little details laid out in a way that captures the audience’s imagination and holds onto it.” He went on to criticize the camera angles and ring presentation, noting that the ring appeared unusually small on screen. “The ring looks like you could fit it in my kitchen… The overhead shot that they used made it look like a postage stamp. I would never use that shot again if they’re going to keep that same ring.”

Bischoff concluded by reiterating that his comments were strictly about production, not storytelling or match quality. “I’m not even going to address the creative or anything like that, but the production itself was so poor.”

Despite the criticism, TNA’s AMC debut marked a significant milestone for the promotion as it continues to rebuild momentum and visibility on a larger platform.