Bischoff: WWE & TNA Partnership – AEW Impact Explained
Eric Bischoff: WWE’s TNA Partnership Isn’t About “Sticking It” too AEW
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The wrestling world has been buzzing about the burgeoning partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling, with recent crossovers like Trick Williams holding the TNA World Championship on “WWE NXT” fueling speculation. Many fans interpret this collaboration as WWE’s strategic move to counter AEW, especially given AEW’s past relationship with TNA. However, wrestling veteran Eric Bischoff, who previously commented on the AEW/TNA deal, believes WWE’s motivations are far more pragmatic and less about a direct rivalry with AEW.
Bischoff: WWE’s TNA Deal is a Legal Strategy, Not a War Tactic
during a recent appearance on ”The Ariel Helwani Show,” Bischoff shared his outlook, suggesting that WWE’s involvement with TNA is primarily a defensive legal maneuver. He pointed to WWE’s recent settlement with MLW as a key factor.
“I think what they are trying to do is position themselves to not end up in another anti-trust lawsuit, another monopoly lawsuit, by supporting/being in business with other organizations,” Bischoff explained. He characterized the move as a “cover-your-ass legal strategy,as much as anything else.”
The Fan Desire for a “Monday Night War”
Bischoff acknowledged the fan sentiment that craves a return to the intense competition of the late 1990s, reminiscent of the WWE (than WWF) vs. WCW “Monday Night war.” He noted that fans often look for ways to perceive current events through the lens of this past rivalry.
“so, they look for ways to try and make it seem like a war,” Bischoff stated. He emphasized his belief that WWE isn’t heavily focused on directly competing with AEW. “I really don’t think WWE spends a lot of time thinking about how to compete with AEW, I really don’t,” he reiterated.
A Prudent Business Move
Ultimately, Bischoff sees the TNA partnership as a sensible business decision for WWE, aimed at mitigating legal risks. “I think the deal with TNA was just another example of them doing the right things, so that they don’t end up in another MLW-type lawsuit,” he concluded.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “The Ariel Helwani Show” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.