Eric Bischoff Clarifies Roman Reigns Criticism While Praising His Star Power

Eric Bischoff Clarifies His Roman Reigns Criticism While Praising His Star Power

Eric Bischoff hasn’t backed off his claim that Roman Reigns is the most overrated main eventer in WWE history, but he spent much of his latest discussion explaining the respect he has for Reigns and why his criticism is strictly about the character, not the man.

Bischoff’s comments on 83 Weeks last week sparked a wave of backlash, with fans demanding apologies and telling both Bischoff and Conrad Thompson to stop podcasting. Bischoff brushed off the reaction, calling it typical internet policing of opinions.

Before addressing Reigns’ on‑screen work, Bischoff made it clear he separates the performer from the person.

He praised Reigns’ resilience, his family priorities and the personal battles he has overcome, noting that very few people could face what Reigns has faced and still reach the level of success he has.

“My opinion of his performances have nothing to do with the respect I have for the man.”

Bischoff Says Reigns’ Character Has Stalled — But Doesn’t Need to Change

Bischoff’s core argument is that Reigns’ presentation has stopped evolving. He said the character has remained in maintenance mode rather than growth mode, and while the act still works financially, he finds it creatively uninteresting.

He compared Reigns to Ric Flair, noting that Flair wrestled the same match for decades but remained compelling because of his promos. Flair’s character never changed, and Bischoff believes Reigns is in a similar position — a performer who doesn’t need reinvention to remain effective.

Bischoff even countered his own criticism, acknowledging that Reigns may have no reason to overhaul his character at this stage of his career.

He also argued that Reigns, like Brock Lesnar before him, has creative control over his presentation, and that anyone assuming otherwise misunderstands how WWE operates.

Why Bischoff Still Rates Reigns Highly

Despite calling Reigns overrated, Bischoff spent significant time praising what makes him special. He said Reigns has an aura that no one else in WWE or AEW possesses — a presence that communicates star power without needing a backstory or a promo.

“When Roman Reigns walks through that curtain, you know you’re looking at a star.”

Bischoff highlighted Reigns’ charisma, his ability to make an impression with a single look, and the reliability of his performances when he does wrestle.

He emphasized that being bored with Reigns’ character doesn’t conflict with acknowledging his value to WWE.

Reigns recently defeated Seth Rollins at SummerSlam and is advertised for Money in the Bank in October and Survivor Series in November.