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Wrestling fans know Eric Bischoff as one of the most influential figures in the industry, and when he speaks, people listen. On the latest episode of his podcast 83 Weeks, Bischoff discussed WWE’s recent decisions, including cutting back on house shows and the upcoming transition of SmackDown from FOX to USA Network. Bischoff’s insights reveal a deeper understanding of the business dynamics behind WWE’s choices and what they might mean for the future of professional wrestling.
WWE’s Transition from FOX to USA Network
Bischoff began by addressing WWE’s move to transition SmackDown from FOX to USA Network, noting that while it’s a big change, it doesn’t necessarily have to be seen as a downgrade. He compared it to when SmackDown first premiered on FOX—a landmark moment that brought WWE to prime time on a major broadcast network. Moving to USA Network, a cable outlet, may seem like a step down, but Bischoff emphasized that WWE can make up for this perceived shift with creative storytelling and innovative production. The goal is to make the move feel like an upgrade for viewers, enticing them to stay engaged with the product. “It’s no different than any other TV show,” Bischoff explained, stressing the importance of keeping the audience invested through quality content.
WWE’s Reduction of House Shows: An Expected Move
Regarding WWE’s reduction in house shows, Bischoff wasn’t surprised. The decline of live events had been a topic of discussion even before the pandemic. Bischoff recalled his experience working as the Executive Director of SmackDown in 2019, where he attended meetings that focused on the challenges of maintaining the traditional WWE live touring model of over 300 shows a year. Even then, house shows were struggling to turn a profit. “If we’re lucky and we route properly and everything goes according to plan, we may break even and make a couple of bucks,” Bischoff stated, highlighting the financial strain these events placed on the company.
The pandemic only intensified this issue, as WWE and other wrestling promotions were forced to rethink their touring strategies. Bischoff likened this shift to companies adopting remote work during COVID-19, initially seen as a temporary fix but now a more permanent part of business models. He noted that while some aspects of touring might return, it’s unlikely that things will ever fully go back to pre-pandemic levels.
The Financial Reality of Live Events
Bischoff also touched on the financial realities of live events, sharing a parallel from his time at WCW when he canceled live events due to their unprofitability. For WCW, house shows were not just marginally profitable; they were outright losses. He decided to cut them to stop the financial bleeding. WWE’s situation today mirrors this scenario, with live touring being an expensive yet sometimes necessary part of the business.
Even when live events break even, they provide invaluable opportunities for talent development. House shows allow wrestlers to experiment with new moves, styles, and match types in front of live audiences, experiences that are crucial for growth but risky to try on televised broadcasts. Bischoff acknowledged this unique value, emphasizing that such in-ring learning moments are essential for building future stars.
Could WWE Adopt a Residency Model?
One intriguing solution Bischoff sees for WWE’s evolving live event strategy is adopting a residency model, similar to how entertainment acts perform regularly in places like Las Vegas. He recalled how Brian Badal, during discussions about purchasing WCW, advocated for a residency because of the financial and logistical benefits. WWE, with its connections through TKO and the UFC’s established footprint in Vegas, could easily fit into such a model.
A residency would provide WWE talent with the chance to perform regularly in front of live audiences without the grueling travel schedule of a full touring circuit. It would also bring a fresh rotation of crowds each week, enhancing the experience for both fans and performers. Bischoff argued that this approach could help fill the developmental gap left by the reduced house show schedule, giving wrestlers the needed reps to hone their craft in front of varied audiences.
The Future of WWE Live Events
Bischoff’s insights suggest that WWE’s decision to scale back on house shows is not just a reactionary measure but a strategic adjustment to the changing landscape of the wrestling industry. By focusing on profitability, talent development, and potentially embracing a residency model, WWE can continue to evolve its approach to live events. As Bischoff put it, only time will tell how this strategy plays out, but it’s clear that WWE is not afraid to rethink its business model in pursuit of a sustainable future.
Conclusion
Eric Bischoff’s analysis provides a comprehensive look at WWE’s current strategy regarding house shows and live events. By cutting back on unprofitable tours and exploring new opportunities like residencies, WWE is making calculated moves to adapt to the modern wrestling landscape. Fans can expect these changes to shape how they experience WWE events in the coming years, as the company balances financial realities with the need to develop new talent.
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Source: 411 Mania
Photo Credit: WWE
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