Eric Bischoff

Biography

Eric Bischoff, born on May 27, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling. While not a professional wrestler himself, Bischoff played a crucial role in shaping the industry during the 1990s.

Career History and Evolution

Eric Bischoff began his career in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) as an announcer before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in a similar role. His career took a significant turn in 1993 when he became the Executive Producer of WCW, eventually becoming its President in 1997.
Under Bischoff’s leadership, WCW saw a surge in popularity and even surpassed WWF (now WWE) in television ratings for a significant period, due largely to Bischoff’s creation of the New World Order (nWo) storyline and his decision to make ‘Monday Nitro’ a live show.
Bischoff later had a stint in WWE as the on-screen general manager of Raw (2002-2005) and had brief tenures in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and, more recently, back in WWE as an executive director.

Major Feuds and Storylines

While Bischoff wasn’t a traditional wrestler, he was involved in several high-profile storylines. He led the nWo in WCW and had on-screen rivalries with Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin during his time as general manager of Raw.

Family Life

Bischoff is married to Loree Bischoff, and they have two children, a son named Garett, who also became a professional wrestler, and a daughter named Montana.

Finishing Move, Clothing, and Entrance Music

In the rare instances where Bischoff was involved in physical altercations in the ring, he would often use a martial arts-inspired kick as his finisher, owing to his black belt in karate.
Bischoff often dressed in business attire, usually a suit, for his role as an executive or general manager.
His entrance theme in WWE was “I’m Back” by Jim Johnston.

Impact and Legacy

Eric Bischoff’s influence on professional wrestling is immeasurable. His competition with WWF spurred the “Monday Night Wars,” leading to innovations and shifts in the industry that still have ramifications today. His role in the creation of the nWo storyline remains one of the most significant moments in wrestling history. Despite the controversies, Bischoff’s bold strategies and unique vision had a significant impact on professional wrestling. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.