Eric Bischoff Slams AEW-Favored Wrestling Observer Awards

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s 2025 Year-End Awards have ignited a firestorm of criticism from within the professional wrestling industry, with WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff leading the charge against what he deems a biased and irrelevant voting process. The awards, released on February 13, 2026, heavily favored All Elite Wrestling (AEW) across numerous categories, while WWE found itself largely recognized in negative distinctions.

Bischoff didn’t mince words when addressing the results on the February 14th episode of his “83 Weeks” podcast, questioning the credibility of the voters and the influence of longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. He painted a picture of the Wrestling Observer readership as a highly insular group, disconnected from the broader wrestling fanbase.

“Can you imagine if you could get all these ‘Wrestling Observer voters’ in a room? Can you imagine what that would be like, hanging out there for an hour or two?” Bischoff posited. “You’d have Dave Meltzer, the head gooner they all look up to, and they look at the world of wrestling through the Dave Meltzer lens.”

The awards themselves highlighted the perceived disparity. Booker T was voted Worst Television Announcer, finishing ahead of established commentators like Pat McAfee and Michael Cole. The match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes was named Worst Match of the Year, while AEW’s All In 2025 event was lauded as Best Major Wrestling Show. Perhaps most pointedly, WWE was designated Worst Promotion of the Year.

Bischoff’s core argument centers on the limited size and specific demographics of the voting base. With only a few hundred voters participating, he contends that the awards fail to accurately reflect the opinions of the global wrestling audience. He characterized the voters as “the most culturally isolated and irrelevant group of people you can ever imagine,” suggesting their perspectives are inherently skewed.

“Of course you’re going to get those kinds of responses,” Bischoff stated. “So I don’t know why anyone would expect any of these categories to have anything sensible.”

This isn’t the first time the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards have faced scrutiny. Critics have long argued that the awards cater to a niche segment of hardcore wrestling fans, often prioritizing technical wrestling and independent circuit performers over mainstream stars and storylines. The debate underscores a fundamental tension within the wrestling world: the clash between critical acclaim and popular appeal.

While Bischoff’s comments are particularly pointed, he’s not alone in questioning the awards’ relevance. Industry observers note that the awards, despite generating annual discussion, have a minimal impact on the business side of professional wrestling. Television ratings, merchandise sales, and live event attendance remain the key metrics for success.

Despite the criticism, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards continue to hold a certain cachet within wrestling media circles. Supporters argue that the awards provide a platform for recognizing talent and innovation that might otherwise go unnoticed by the mainstream. They view the voting as a reflection of a dedicated and knowledgeable segment of the fan base, offering a unique perspective on the industry.

However, Bischoff’s perspective highlights a growing frustration among some industry figures who believe the awards perpetuate a narrow and often negative narrative about WWE, while disproportionately celebrating AEW. The controversy serves as a reminder that even in the highly subjective world of professional wrestling, perception – and who is doing the perceiving – matters greatly.

The debate is likely to continue, fueled by the passionate opinions of fans and industry professionals alike. As the wrestling landscape evolves, the question of who truly represents the “voice” of the wrestling audience remains a central point of contention.