Eric Bishoff Discusses Matt Hardy Being a Goof, The Wrestler, Hulk Hogan’s CCW, More
Posted by Larry Csonka on 01.10.2009
He is back and better than ever with a new blog entry!
- Eric Bishoff currently has a new blog entry up, here are some of the highlights:
On Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling Season 2: We are working on some format tweaks for season 2 of CCW and hope to have an announcement soon.
On Matt Hardy's Review of The Wrestler: Matt, you are a friggin goof. Lets set aside the fact that your brother is walking a "three strikes and you're out" tight rope as a result of his drug abuse, and if internet "news" was accurate, suffered the loss of his home and property due to a fire because he was too irresponsible to insure it. Your recent recap of your "lifestyle" frames you as a candidate to the Jake Roberts Hall of Fame. Your suggestion that you and your generation are "smarter and more responsible" than previous generations of wrestlers makes me sick. You are a mid-card talent that should be grateful to even get a check every other week. Enjoy it while it lasts. And rather than looking down your nose at previous generations of professional wrestlers, donate a portion of your check to one of them and ask them to point out all the parallels between your current career path/lifestyle and theirs. It would be the smartest and most responsible thing you could do.
On Darren Aronofsky's Discussion of Wrestlers in the SAG: When our company produced CCW, it was an AFTRA production. As a result we had to pay "fringes" (fees that go into insurance and benefits packages) that significantly increased the cost of production. I am not going to spend the time to calculate what the financial impact to WWE would be if WWE was forced (which is the only way it would ever happen) to become a SAG or AFTRA show, but suffice to say the number would be staggering to WWE. Combine that with union rules regarding overtime, residuals, and things like mandatory meal breaks, and it's easy to see why Vince McMahon would fight this move until his last breath.
It' an interesting situation to watch however, because I am not sure how long WWE will continue to be able to dodge the union bullet. The arenas WWE produces their events in are generally union "houses". The local crews that are hired to set up staging etc., are union members (usually). Which means that for the most part, everyone associated with the staging of a WWE event are either employees of WWE, the arena, or members of a union.
Everyone except the talent.
The other thing that is going to be interesting to watch is the independent contractor/employee lawsuit. I have gone on record as saying that Scott Levy and company are desperately looking for some kind of a pay day, and I have zero respect for someone who knowingly goes into an agreement fully aware of its terms and then comes back and cries foul. It wreaks "loser".
That said, the implications of this lawsuit are beyond frightening. Should the government, as a result of this suit, determine that WWE wrestlers are employees, the fines and back taxes that WWE could be held liable for are astronomical. There is no statute of limitations on these taxes and in the case of a public company, the Chairman can be held personally responsible.
As I stated in a recent blog on this subject, this potential exposure was a major concern for the finance execs at AOL/Time Warner. How ironic would it be that three guys who had no real impact on the industry while they were in it, could have a devastating impact on it years after they could no longer find work in it?
I think some of the newer generation wrestlers are smarter than the old school guys because they learned from others mistakes. Save your money and invest wisely, because the body and checks wont always be around. Bishoff sounds bitter.
Posted By: APrince66 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:11 AM
WOW Bischoff just handed Matt his ASS!
Vince has to be laughing though at the fact that his two biggest rivals are now reduced to blogging to get their thoughts about wrestling out there. LMAO
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Harsh on Matt Hardy
To be honest I wouldnt be suprised if his review was pushed out there seeing as the WWE doesn't like the wrestler for those very reasons.
The movie shows wrestlers to be drug addicted steroid abusers, an image wwe is probly trying to get their talent to speak out against.
I wouldn't even be suprised if matt didnt even write that review
Posted By: Evan (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Wow Bischoff what did Matt Hardy do to you when you were in WWE? Mad because he and Jeff still are working in the wrestling biz?
Hopefully there isn't a movie about a middle aged man addicted to hookers who runs a multi million dollar wrestling company into the ground coming out because you wouldn't be able to blog on it.
Here is the funny thing about Bischoff. Don't bitch about the plight of wrestlers, when in part from your actions there is only one major company left in the US.
Posted By: Willie D (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:23 AM
So according to this blog, Jeff Hardy's house does NOT burn down if Jeff had it insured?
Posted By: Guest#6573 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:24 AM
sourgrapes
And Bischoff needs to leave my favorite Power Ranger alone, he's a world champion dammit.
Posted By: Izzy (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:25 AM
eric bischoff is a smart guy.
he even said that congress does not have to worry about wwe because mcmahon knows that he can't afford another eddie or benoit situation.
wwe needs their tv deals and advertisers and that is why they will keep the wellness policy in place long term.
as far as matt hardy goes, bischoff is right in that talk is cheap.
if matt says that today's rasslers are smarter prove it with their behavior.
bischoff was right in calling raven and his boys a buch of worthless drug users looking for a pay day from an industry they are no longer relevant in just like jose canseco and baseball.
Posted By: Guest#6769 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:38 AM
"bischoff was right in calling raven and his boys a buch of worthless drug users looking for a pay day from an industry they are no longer relevant in just like jose canseco and baseball."
You're an illogical hack too.
Your don't explain away criticism by attacking motivations. You explain away criticisms by doing just that, explaining them away. Some "relevance" is moot and is said by someone who a) has no defense or b) just wants to join in a discussion they have no business being in as their brain has fallen out.
Posted By: Guest#4682 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Seriously Bischoff? Matt is right about the current generation, and I'm pretty sure he's aware of Jeff's shortcomings and disappointments. And as for Matt being lucky to get a check, that's BS as well. Even when Jeff got released, Matt was still getting great pops from the crowd, despite not even getting a hint of a push until his little bro came back. Seriously, Eric. If anyone shouldn't be telling someone how to manage and use their money it should be you.
Posted By: Texter Morgan (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Matt SOFTY just got PWNED!
Way to go, Bisch!
Posted By: Guest#1494 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Apparently Bischoff doesn't believe in elevating wrestlers from the midcard to the main event. That's called progress. He'd still be on tv if he knew that.
Posted By: Empire Of Ownage (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Yeah because Raw has had so many great GMs since Bischoff got the hook. Yeah I'm sure he really cares that while WWE is floundering hes no longer working for them.
Posted By: Guest#3513 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:19 AM
funny, no generation is that much different than the one before it. we're all young, then arrogant, then productive, then bitter.
and eric is right on about matt hardy, the guy is pretty vanilla. if my boy d-lo is on the chopping block matt better look out. when jeff gets the ax, matt will be close behind.
Posted By: cbizzle (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Didn't Bischoff used to write for 411 a few years ago under the alias, "Asteroid Boy"?
Posted By: y2kev (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:28 AM
I love how Bischoff criticizes Matt's generation, of being no different from past generations but he gives no examples that can be associated with Matt.
And as far as Jeff's supposed 3 strikes, how many strikes has Randy Orton had again?
Posted By: N Truth (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:47 AM
Alright but what about that new promotion that he's trying to get with CMT? Anyone heard anything new about that? I find it hard to believe that ROH manages to get a tv deal with HDNet, while nothing has been finalized between Bischoff and CMT.
Posted By: Guest#0260 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 02:07 AM
"
I love how Bischoff criticizes Matt's generation, of being no different from past generations but he gives no examples that can be associated with Matt.
And as far as Jeff's supposed 3 strikes, how many strikes has Randy Orton had again? "
I'd be shocked if he didn't have the same amount. I mean, Jeff Hardy just harms himself with his actions. Randy Orton takes out hotel rooms and personal property. Double standard much?
Posted By: His Bubbliness (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 03:05 AM
Bischoff is 100% right on Matt considering how Jeff is every bit the screwup any of the wrestlers were in the 80's and 90's.
Posted By: graves9 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 03:28 AM
Eric put the nail in the coffin. I agree with him 100% and have a renewed respect for him.
Posted By: JUST 123 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Hey Matt
YOU GOT SERVED. GO EASY E!
Posted By: Black Scorpion (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 03:57 AM
Bischoff Needs to Shut the Hell UP!
I'd rather listen to a Wrestler who is employed and successful than a former Has-been Head of a Once Major Wrestling Promotion which he ran into the ground because he was too busy Stroking Hogan's ego, Nash's Hair and Hall's Alcohol/Crack Habit!
Also, What your telling me is that if my house is insured, then it wont burn to the ground? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?! I'll have to remember that the next time a Fire passes by my house!
Also, YOU yourself contributed to the Drug problems that Wrestlers go through! I didn't see no Wellness program in WCW! (see SCOTT HALL)
Count your lucky Stars that the Feds aren't investigating your Sorry Bitter Self!!!
Posted By: Tony Forever (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 04:10 AM
I like Eric.. but man, he needs to lighten up on Matt! Furthermore.. I'd say Raven had quite bit of impact on things, even quite a bit of impact on WCW. Kanyon was always just kinda there, and Sanders never really got the chance to show what he's got.. but it's kinda harsh of Bisch to call Raven someone who had "no real impact" on wrestling. Bleh to that, Eric, you know better!
Posted By: Blackbird 13 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 04:13 AM
Just another reason why he is the smartest mind ever in wrestling
Posted By: sprite (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 04:58 AM
"Didn't Bischoff used to write for 411 a few years ago under the alias, "Asteroid Boy"?"
hahahahahahahhahaha.....
Posted By: Mark (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 05:20 AM
That was a surprisingly intelligent post from someone I never cared for... until he stopped being on my TV.
Bishoff is an asshole, but he's not an idiot, and as he says, things could get really bad for the WWE (and that's not even taking into account our current economy) really quick if they're not careful. Or lucky.
Posted By: nWo affiliate (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 06:29 AM
"Lucky to get a cheque" is pushing it and irrelevant to the argument, and so is talking about Jeff when arguing with Matt.
But other than that, Bischoff's right. Matt's review was very naive, to say the least.
Posted By: T.G. Corke (Registered) on January 10, 2009 at 06:36 AM
STFU Matt and LAWL at every idiot who thinks this generation's wrestlers are the only ones who are smart. Every generation will have its train wrecks and every generation will have sensible people who prepare for life after wrestling. Its a personality thing, not a generational thing tools.
Posted By: King Nikolai (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 07:18 AM
"and eric is right on about matt hardy, the guy is pretty vanilla. if my boy d-lo is on the chopping block matt better look out. when jeff gets the ax, matt will be close behind."
You have to be on astronomical amounts of drugs to think Matt Hardy is going to get cut. Even if Jeff gets his third strike, Matt will always be popular as hell with the crowd. That's enough to guarantee him a pay check for a long time to come.
Posted By: Deathpool (Registered) on January 10, 2009 at 08:23 AM
wow the Bisch is low blowing Matt Hardy. Of course Bisch would say that now that he is NOT getting a pay check from 'E' anymore, good one! By the way, WCW was ran in the ground by Bisch so, wheres the comparison? Bisch has to resort to picking on other wrestlers while he is dancing to the beat of a hasbeen wrestler named Hogan who cannot keep his family together, real nice bisch you are a complete loser!
Posted By: guest1228 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 08:29 AM
"There is no statute of limitations on these taxes and in the case of a public company, the Chairman can be held personally responsible."
He's wrong. There is a 3 year statute on these taxes.
Posted By: Eric (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Put aside for a moment Raven's on screen character which is itself a far cry from "no real impact on the industry"; Raven was sheer brilliance backstage and created/helped create some amazing wrestling moments and helped launch many careers. He had a huge hand in his feud with Tommy (one of the best feuds in pro-wrestling history), helped book ECW for a time, and created the Dudleys. 3 examples out of a long list, Bitchoff.
Posted By: Guest#6644 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Handed Matt Hardy his ass? Please. It's Eric Bischoff. Keep in mind that this is the guy who also never believed that Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, or Rey Mysterio could ever be main eventers. He's the last person in the western hemisphere I'd ever take seriously in regards to judgment of wrestling talent.
He is right in one regard, though...I think the writing is on the wall as far as the union thing. If it ever gains steam, THAT'D be the thing to change the wrestling business forever. Maybe for better, maybe worse.
Posted By: BJC (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Randy orton only has 1 strike under the weeness policy.
his other suspensions were due to behavior issues.
bischoff did not say that jeff has 3 strikes; he has 2.
bischoff's point was that matt is stupid for saying how today's talent is more responsible when his OWN brother is 1 strike away from being publicly fired by wwe.
Posted By: Guest#1895 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Dude needs to take a chill pill. He comes across very bitter and angry, which totally invalidates any points he may have had. If he spoke rationally, and made calm logical points, then I would have been willing to give the thoughts legitimate considering, but since he did not, I will not.
Posted By: Guest#8815 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 10:05 AM
"You are a mid-card talent that should be grateful to even get a check every other week. Enjoy it while it lasts."
Hmmmm. Isn't that the same thing Eric told Stone Cold right before he fired him. Hell with Bischoff. He let TWO of the biggest stars from the past ten years go to the competition because they "weren't marketable or good enough"(HHH and Austin). Real good judge of talent huh. He was the lucky one when Vince let him back on TV. Bitter, Bitter, Bitter. Go back to stroking your Hulkster.
Posted By: sefdog (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM
bunch of cry babies
LEAVE MATT ALOOOOOONE!!!!
Thats what you Matt Hardy marks all sound like!!
Posted By: SYC (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 11:30 AM
I think Eric Bischoff is confusing Matt Hardy with Jeff Hardy a little bit here. After all, it's JEFF Hardy with the "lifestyle" problems, not Matt.
Posted By: Guest#7138 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Bischoff is a smart guy. Unlike other bloggers he's probably making more money now than when he was employed by the WWE. Hogan's celebrity wrestling show may suck but the fact that it was renewed for a second season says its profitable. Also, 2 more of his reality shows just got deals.
Posted By: Guest#4302 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Leave Matt alone, assholes. Or do you want me to beat you up? Jerks.
Posted By: Propagandhi (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:28 PM
DAMN!
Posted By: David (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Man I love Bischoff!
For all the people who don't know why WCW really went out of business pick up a book, if it wasn't for Bischoff WCW would have died along time ago.
Posted By: BischoffRulz (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I'm a huge Matt Hardy fan but I'll be the first to admit that he's naive. The guy is the biggest mark for himself. We know he's the one that insisted he and Jeff take tons of photos with their belts for his myspace.
That being said, Matt is right about his generation being smarter. Heck, if nothing else Matt is smarter. The guy doesn't waste his money. He doesn't have any strikes. He gets molten hot heat from the crowds with or without Jeff. Now Jeff? Yeah, he's a screw up. Matt shouldn't write about the current generation if for nothing else than his own brother is a horrible example.
Eric Bischoff, on the other hand, is coming off as a huge crybaby. He's calling Matt midcard when he's the one that so no future in Steve Austin and Triple H? Yeah, Eric has zero room to be evaluating talent. He sounds like a bitter old man that just hates the fact that he was on top of the world and his arrogance was a big contributing factor to his downfall. He had to work for Vince and even that is gone now.
Matt Hardy is holding a somewhat important title belt in the WWE while being involved in big angles while Eric is watching Screech wrestle on CMT.
So yeah, there's no way Eric "OWNED" Matt. Matt may be a bit misguided and worthy of critique but it can't come from a guy who is well documented to be that big of a screw up in his own right.
That's like Nixon telling Clinton his BJ tarnished the office of president.
Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Wow, ok Bischoff is an idiot. Matt said that this generation of wrestlers is smarter and more responsible than previous generations, and Bischoff's whole dispute to that argument is Jeff Hardy. So a whole generation is defined by one man?!
Posted By: AdamRock (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:12 PM
Matt Hardy vs Eric Bishoff WM25 book it!
Posted By: The Diceman (Registered) on January 10, 2009 at 02:21 PM
"You are a mid-card talent that should be grateful to even get a check every other week."
Other mid-card talents, according to Mr. Bishoff, include Steve Austin, Triple H, and Chris Jericho. Way to go, Bish!
Posted By: Ninja (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 04:40 PM
matt is a no talent jobber, thats all he will ever be, he will never make the big stage except the one on the C show, as for Jeff someone wrote so jeff's house wouldn't have burnt down if he had insurance hey jackass if he had insurance it means he WOULD HAVE A HOUSE NOW and as for you tools talking about bischoff driving WCW in the ground you obviously know nothing of the death of WCW, WCW died because of the AOL/Time Warner merge AOL didn't like wrestling and wanted it gone, Russo and Bischoff started to peak the ratings for awhile, and Bischoff was actually going to buy WCW however AOL/Time Warner wanted no wrestling broadcasted on their channels and a promotion with no television stations to carry it is pretty much worthless, so for you fools thinking bischoff is not doing good right now, he's making vince scared i mean come on a law suit against Brutus the Barber Beefcake fuck vince and what he's trying to create these days, its not wrestling and thats straight from his mouth
Posted By: Guest#0626 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Matt Hardy is somewhat right. Despite his own brother's shortcomings, today's generation is healthier than the previous - likely because the WWE has tried to clean up the profession (for their own selfish reasons), and today's wrestlers have the examples of Scott Hall, Jake Roberts, Iron Sheik and others to learn from. Not sure if that makes them smarter though - I'm sure if Matt, Jeff and others had to wrestle 300 nights a year, they may be more prone to substance abuse.
After driving a federation to the ground, Eric Bischoff should be the last person to assess any talent. Matt Hardy IS one of the top faces in the WWE and has been carrying the ECW brand since his arrival. He may not be my favourite, but I can respect the high quality mathces he puts on each and every week on ECW. He's also one half of THE most popular tag team in wrestling over the last decade.
The fact that Eric Bischoff, the man who hired and never used countless wrestlers, is commenting on someone being lucky to get a check is ridiculous. He really needs to start watching the crowd when Matt comes out or look at the Hardy Boys DVD sales before he spews ignorance like this.
Posted By: BH (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 05:23 PM
I agreed with most of the blog excpet Bischoff taking a cheap shot at Matt Hardy. Makes him look like a d-bag.
Jeff has nothing to with what Bischoff was talking about. Mat seems like he knows how to save his money. Jake Roberts didn't. There's a difference between wrestlers then and now. Easy E just sounds like a grmpy guss.
Posted By: lilwayne1 (Registered) on January 10, 2009 at 05:47 PM
wait, Matt Hardy is a pedophile?
Posted By: Guest#3607 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Levy and the other flunkies in his lawsuit will have to prove that they didn't use illegal drugs, and took risks that they wouldn't have taken outside of the WWE.
good luck on both counts.
Posted By: Guest#4599 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 06:59 PM
Spot on about Matt Hardy.
Emo little bitch.
Posted By: -E- (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 07:27 PM
DRAGONZORD!
Bischoff better stay the f**k away from water if he knows whats good for him.
Posted By: bighustle (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 07:57 PM
I agree with uncle Eric!
Posted By: Matt Hardy sucks (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 08:16 PM
If Hogan made a sudden stop, Bischoff's head would go up his ass!!!!
Posted By: Guest#7124 (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:05 PM
haha...eric handed matt hardy his ass, someone had to do it...and loved the comment about the wwe CHUMP jeff"third strike here i come"hardy
Posted By: rick goodwin (Guest) on January 11, 2009 at 12:56 AM
He has an interesting take an all of this. First of all, I think his commentary on Matt is pretty accurate. People need to realize that the loss of his house doesn't pertain to the physical loss, but the monetary loss. Had it been insured, he wouldn't have had to buy another one. Jeff Hardy could easily become one of the great wrestling tragedies. And for you blind Matt supporters, please remember that after Jeff left, Matt was released. It could happen again.
Bischoff knows his history and I'm certain he'd admit to his mistakes. It's not like Vince hasn't made his own mistakes. People need to remember that releasing HHH isn't a big deal. Until his onscreen marriage with Steph started in the winter of 1999, HHH was lame. Also, Jericho was offered an extremely lucrative deal before leaving for WWF. He had a guaranteed US Title reign and a certain amount of Nitro main events offered to him. Jericho took a few years to become a world champion after going to WWF, so his growth was still in progress. It had always been Jericho's dream to go to WWF, which is why he took LESS money initially to go there. Bischoff wasn't the one who didn't believe in Eddie or Benoit. Eddie had a good run with the LWO and was given plenty of face time. Benoit was a very accomplished and successful wrestler. He left after becoming the World Champion. He didn't reach that level for 5 years after leaving for WWF.
Bischoff has several successful business ventures currently, so you can't discount his ability to run a business or his general business knowledge.
Posted By: beezy (Guest) on January 11, 2009 at 09:15 PM
