The TKO-led era of WWE continues to focus on maximizing revenue, with the landmark decision to stage WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia marking the first time the event will take place outside North America. For WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, however, the move is a bittersweet one.
During his 83 Weeks podcast, the former WCW President shared his mixed feelings, calling the decision “a little disappointing for me.” Bischoff explained that he views professional wrestling as a “uniquely American phenomenon” and believes taking its biggest show abroad breaks a long-standing tradition. He added that he understands Vince McMahon’s reported hesitation on the matter.
At the same time, Bischoff recognized the financial reality, describing it as the “evolution of the business” and an “inevitable” step for a publicly traded company like TKO, which has a duty to its shareholders.
“It’s the evolution of the business. It’s reality. TKO is a publicly held company. They have a responsibility to the shareholders who are part owners of the company to deliver the biggest return they can to the bottom line,” Bischoff explained. “It’s just a fact of life, especially for a publicly held company. But it’s also breaking a tradition, and I can relate to Vince’s concern… to take it outside of the country… is a big move, and it’s going to come with a cost.”
Bischoff admitted the decision will likely spark backlash from part of the fanbase, summing up his stance on the matter.
“You’re going to have people disappointed in this decision,” he said. “To me, really, it’s a little bit of both. It’s inevitable for a publicly held company… but it’s also a little disappointing for me. I relate to Vince’s hesitancy. Let’s put it that way.”
His concerns about WWE’s current strategy extend beyond the location of its premium live events. Bischoff also voiced unease over rising ticket prices, warning that the company risks pushing families out of the arena—audiences he called the “bedrock of wrestling.” For him, the long-term success of the business depends on maintaining its role as a “generational experience.”
“One of the reasons that professional wrestling, as we know it… has been as successful as it has since the beginning of television time, is because it’s family entertainment,” Bischoff said. “But what happens 15 years from now, when the kids who used to attend shows with their parents now have kids of their own, and they can’t afford it? It’s just too much… I think I would have voted with Vince on this one.” (h/t Wrestling News)