WWE, AEW News, Interview Notes

• The Renegade Sisters were backstage at AEW Dynamite last week. They've been long discussed for a potential integration with Mercedes Mone

• Trent Baretta has been backstage at recent AEW Dynamite shows as well.

• As Maria Kanellis highlighted, she is now a free agent and no longer with AEW. She'd reached a short term extension with them in the fall through January.

• There were a lot of people doubting him in the replies to Tony Khan claiming that the Grand Slam Australia show was always supposed to just be a TV event, but that's what we've heard since it was announced.

• A number of WWE wrestlers ended up under the weather after the Royal Rumble.

• Fightful filmed content with Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton, Bayley and Natalya last weekend.

• We've taken a new approach to our Instagram. Please follow us at instagram.com/fightfulonline

Eric Bischoff

Fightful caught up with WWE Hall of Famer and former Senior Vice President of WCW Eric Bischoff. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with Eric over twenty minutes with various conversation topics.

Sean begins the interview by mentioning that Eric is now working with MLW and asking how that came about. Reflecting on his first MLW appearance in December, Bischoff explains, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out in front of the camera as a performer. It was a good opportunity, so I took it.” Despite some initial “ring rust,” Bischoff appreciated the experience and was eager to perform again. “I don’t want to go out like that. I want to go out at the top of my game or as close to it as I can get.”

Sean mentions that he once asked Eric, “What would be one thing he would change in the WWE?” Sean mentions that his answer was so polished, and Eric told him, “Nothing seems spontaneous.” Eric added, “Wrestling is better suited for feeling like you’re in the arena. You want the audience to almost smell the stale beer and bad popcorn.” Bischoff credited WWE for improving in this regard, noting their modern production techniques; he specifically mentions the cameras following wrestlers from backstage to the ring and the drones. He said it makes viewers feel more connected to the action. “While WWE is now more produced than ever, it’s done in a way that makes me feel like I’m there.”

Sean would mention video games and the history that Bischoff played in them. Sean asked if he had involvement, and  Bischoff has been a character in several wrestling video games; his involvement with them has been minimal. Eric tells Sean, “I don’t even know which games I’m in,” he joked. “The only time I know I’m in a video game is when I get a royalty check.”

Bischoff recognized the impact of early wrestling video games like WCW Revenge, a fan favorite during the late 1990s. Reflecting on WCW’s entry into the gaming market, he says, “I didn’t really understand the scope of it at the time. It wasn’t a segment of the business I focused on, but it was an emerging marketplace back then.”

Bischoff shared a nostalgic story about Ninja Star Wars, a physical game he helped develop years ago. After years of not seeing it, he was able to reconnect with it thanks to his friend Sonny Ono, who still had a packaged copy. We took it out, and I demonstrated how to play it,” Bischoff said, adding that others have since imitated it. He said he was filming something for WWE, and they asked if he had access to it.

Sean introduces a segment called “Look at this photograph.” Sean shared various photos from Eric’s past, and Eric would explain some of the backstory behind the photos. The first photo featured Scott Norton, Rick Rude, Buff Bagwell, Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, and others. He noted its historical significance, as it was taken shortly after the infamous Montreal Screwjob.

Second, Bischoff shared his experience traveling to North Korea for the Collision in Korea event in 1995. “Going to North Korea was one of the most fascinating aspects of my career,” he said. “I stepped into a world I didn’t know existed, one I couldn’t comprehend before I got there.”

Bischoff says Collision in Korea remains a highlight of his career and a window into a country few have seen firsthand.

Sean shows the following photo of Eric getting his head shaved. Eric tells Sean that it is for a great cause. The event was part of a fundraiser for St. Jude, raising $15,000. Bischoff humorously admits that his ego led him to grow a beard before the shave to maintain a sense of masculinity.

Bischoff has undergone several head shavings throughout his career, sometimes for charity and other times for entertainment. He recalls Ric Flair was the first to shave his head, a decision he welcomed because he struggled to dye his hair constantly hair. In the late '90s, his thick, fast-growing hair required frequent dye jobs, leading him to embrace baldness as a practical solution. However, he had to stop dyeing his hair at Stephanie McMahon’s request.

The third photo was of Bischoff and Stone Cold Steve Austin.  Bischoff said his character being a co-manager was one of the most enjoyable moments of his career. He praised Austin’s improvisational skills, alongside Mick Foley, as some of the best in the industry. Unlike scripted promos, their interactions were organic, making each performance feel authentic and exhilarating.

Bischoff and Austin's rivalry was rooted in real-life history. Bischoff famously fired Austin from WCW via FedEx while injured, an action that WWE later capitalized on in their storytelling. This backstory created tension between the two, fueling the excitement for their clashes. 

Bischoff also discussed his involvement with Major League Wrestling. Despite limited resources, he praised MLW’s team for their creativity, passion, and determination. He shared that he frequently supports aspiring podcasters and entrepreneurs with the same dedication and drive as he respects those striving to build something from the ground up.

Returning to Atlanta for MLW SuperFight 6, he says, feels like a full-circle moment, as the city holds significant value in his life and career. He also expressed relief at escaping the harsh winter conditions in Cody, Wyoming, for the milder Atlanta weather.

Bischoff encouraged fans to attend the event in Atlanta on Saturday, February 8, and to follow his work on his podcast, 83 Weeks, available at 83weeks.com.

MLW’s SuperFight 6 will be at the iconic Center Stage in Atlanta on Feb 8, 2025.

SWERVE

Fightful caught up with former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at the AEW All In Texas press event. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with the recent Fightful Award winner.

The conversation began with Swerve reflecting on Adam Page burning down his childhood home. Swerve tells Sean that the story was him tapping into his childlike wonder. Swerve said Tony Khan was open to letting him tell part of the story.

Swerve said that not every idea will work, but that’s part of the process. In television (and wrestling), success comes from continuously experimenting and refining.

Swerve tells Sean that having a creative environment where risks are encouraged (like Tony provides) is essential for growth. Swerve added that certain characters can't be forced or replicated. 

He explained that some moments are unique, like his connection with Page. Swerve said connecting with the audience adds to the story and helps make it feel real.

They would delve into his feud with Adam Page. Swerve said their bodies endured wear and tear, especially during the feud. He mentioned that they were high-intensity matches. He noted people's reactions and said being in a conversation with those top-tier names was a significant achievement for him. He said the only shared trait between him and Page is their obsession with success and willingness to do whatever it takes. 

Swerve added that their dynamic remains compelling because it can shift in any direction, keeping fans engaged. Swerve told Sean that every encounter raises expectations, making their interactions must-watch. If they ever aligned on the same side, their combined intensity could reach a new level.

He recently received praise from Kenny Omega and told Sean what that meant. He said it was a huge honor to receive praise from Kenny. Swerve mentioned that Omega complimented him regarding a tag match on Rampage. Swerve added, “That every match, no matter how small or where it takes place (Rampage, Ring of Honor, Collision, Dark), is an opportunity to make an impact.”

He told Sean about Omega’s influence. Hearing Kenny’s perspective helped him understand that every opportunity is a fresh start to prove oneself.

They would speak about The Rizzler. Swerve said The Rizzler’s whole act was like a phenomenon to watch. He hopes they grow and get better. He appreciated that they came to work with All Elite Wrestling and brought attention to AEW. He said they performed well. Swerve added that he is glad they are part of the team.