Show Notes
On this episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson pull back the curtain on some of wrestling's hottest business topics and biggest misconceptions. Eric explains why he believes Ted Turner is one of the biggest reasons WWE is still thriving today, and how the Monday Night Wars forever changed the industry. He also dives into the reality of talent contracts, discussing why a WWE deal never guaranteed The New Day lifetime job security and why, sometimes, audiences simply move on from an act. The guys welcome gimmick attorney, Michael Dockins to the show. Mike breaks down the often misunderstood 90-day non-compete clause, revealing how it actually works behind the scenes, while Mike and Eric analyzes the new "delightfully vague" language appearing in modern talent agreements. Plus, Bischoff gives his take on the myth of "no-cut contracts" and why guaranteed deals aren't always what fans think they are. Business takes center stage as Eric praises TKO Group Holdings's partnership with ESPN, calling it a brilliant marketing move for the future of wrestling media. He also reflects on the financial disasters of World Championship Wrestling house shows, revealing just how much money the company burned during its peak years. And in one of the wildest conversations yet, Eric explores how OpenAI and artificial intelligence could help shape future wrestling storylines before 83 Weeks actually uses ChatGPT to fantasy book the main event of SummerSlam!
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More from 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff
On this week's 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson take us back 30 years for this week in nWo history! The drama between Hollywood Hogan, Miss Elizabeth, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage is reaching a boiling point, and Eric breaks down why wrestling programming has to be a soap opera to keep fans coming back. The guys also debate whether comedy belongs in professional wrestling, while Eric explains why he believes Turner executives didn't give a damn about WCW's success. From personal rivalries to corporate frustrations, there's plenty to unpack on this edition of Monday Nitro! But that's not all, Conrad takes us on a special tour of Randy Savage's estate for a never before seen glimpsie into the private world of the Macho Man. For more information about the auction of Macho Man's grandest championship belts, check out http://wrestlemania.com the auction for this belt ends on October 24th.
On this LIVE edition of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad take us back 30 years for a very special indepth look at WCW Monday NITRO. Eric peels back the curtain to explain the business decisions and directions he was taking the company at the time and how it's affected the business. Plus, he answers questions from the LIVE audience. All that and so much more on this edition of 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff.
On this episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson examine what happens behind the scenes when a wrestling company produces an emotional tribute show, and the responsibility that comes with honoring a beloved performer. The guys also debate whether WWE's PG Era is coming to an end and why relying on foul language can become a creative crutch. Eric reacts to Ari Emanuel's declaration that TKO will never be sold, recalls Vince McMahon's complete lack of respect for Spike TV and reveals what Vince and Tony Khan may have in common. Plus, Eric explains why Tony Khan should do more to protect Steven Borden as he begins his wrestling journey. Then, the guys turn back the clock for another unforgettable chapter in This Week in nWo History, only on 83 Weeks!
This week on 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson ask whether WrestleMania needs a backup plan, and whether the uncertainty around its date is becoming a bigger story. Then Eric turns to the Warner Bros./Paramount merger: what could it mean for AEW, what should the company be watching, and what advice would he give Tony Khan? Eric also shares a lesson from professional wrestling that he still uses in RAF. Plus, who was bigger than Hulk Hogan and the nWo? Eric plays the stay silent game before revisiting the time the nWo took out an ad in a national newspaper to send a message.
On this episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson examine WWE's growing international ambitions and what they could mean for the company's future. Is Crown Jewel in jeopardy? Could WWE's expanding relationship with Australia serve as a precursor to an even bigger play for Japan? And while international events offer tremendous opportunities for growth, does WWE risk alienating its American fan base by taking more major shows overseas? Plus, Eric weighs in on Aleister Black speaking out publicly, and why it could prove to be one of the biggest mistakes of his career. Then, the guys travel back to WCW to revisit the birth of "Crow" Sting, the mysterious transformation that created one of wrestling's most iconic characters and helped define the Monday Night War. It's business, controversy and wrestling history only on 83 Weeks!