Eric Bischoff Blasts Critics Over WWE International Event Push

Eric Bischoff Urges WWE To Prioritize International Shows, Blasts Online Critics

Veteran wrestling executive Eric Bischoff believes WWE should continue leaning heavily into international Premium Live Events, arguing that high demand, massive site fees, and rabid overseas crowds outweigh any potential backlash from domestic fans.

Speaking alongside Conrad Thompson on the 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff rejected the notion that hosting more events abroad creates a delicate balancing act for WWE, insisting the promotion must follow the strongest business opportunities and best television environments.

“Go Where The Business Goes”

When Thompson brought up concerns that domestic fans might feel alienated or priced out as WWE increases its international schedule, Bischoff took a direct approach toward location selection:

“I think you go where the demand is. And if the crowds are hotter, they’re bigger, they sell out faster, yeah, you focus on that market. If it’s hotter than, you know, if you’re comparing international events to domestic events, you go where the business goes.”

Addressing internet backlash regarding time-zone differences and overseas venues, Bischoff dismissed vocal online critics:

“Are there some people that would have liked to go, that had the money to go and actually would have gone, that are disappointed? Sure. But are they going to not watch? No. The only people that are bitching about it really don’t matter. So, that’s why I say, go to where the demand is.”

The Power Of Live Crowd Energy On Television

Bischoff emphasized that ticket sales and site fees are only part of the equation, explaining that an electric crowd fundamentally elevates the television viewing experience for audiences watching at home:

“Go to where you get the best, not only the most money, that’s a big part of it, but make sure that people feel like Conrad Thompson feels, because he just likes watching a show with more energy. How many times have you heard me say that the audience is one of the most important parts of any television show? It doesn’t matter who’s in the ring or what they do in the ring as much as it matters how the crowd is reacting to them.”

To illustrate how crowd reactions drive television engagement, Bischoff cited WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan as a prime example of audience validation:

“If a guy like Jim Duggan could get a great reaction from the people in the arena, the people at home are seeing that. They’re feeling that same feeling, and that audience that are there live is actually validating their emotion and their reaction.”

“I think go where the audience is. Go where you get the best show. That would be my approach.”