Interview: Eric Bischoff on Eugene Storyline, Lasting Relevance of ’90s Wrestling, More

A recent episode of The Ring, the Cage, and the Stage show had Eric Bischoff as the guest and some of the topics discussed included his Eugene storyline in the WWE, the lasting relevance of the ’90s wrestling in today’s era, the real origin of the Elimination Chamber concept, and more.

On the topic of his Eugene storyline in the WWE, Bischoff stated he felt the storyline was not successful due to it being both too hard to believe and too contrived overall. He did praise Nick Densmore for being a very talent performer in the role.

“I didn’t have a lot of thoughts about it. I loved working with Nick Densmore, very talented guy and an easy person to work with, and a great performer. I didn’t really think the story line was that powerful, I don’t think it was that successful, I think it was a little too hard to believe, and a little bit too contrived. There’s a line and when you cross over it, it becomes entertaining but not compelling.”

On the topic of the lasting relevance of ’90s wrestling in today’s era, Bischoff stated he holds a very favorable view of the ’90s era of WCW and WWF and believes it still holds a lasting appeal with today’s era of fans.

“For me it was the peak of my career so naturally I am going to look favorably on that era. But I think what’s interesting about wrestling fans is that they are generational. I will go to an appearance and I will have somebody older than me come up to me and say, ‘oh I remember watching you with my kids!’, and then the kids that are now 30 or 35 come up and say, ‘I used to watch you with my dad!’ I think wrestling fans more than any fans are generational, and very loyal, and it’s a family viewing experience. It just amazes me that so many people still want to speak about that era, that’s what my podcast is all about, that era and how it developed into so much of what we see today.”

On the topic of the real origin of the Elimination Chamber concept, Bischoff stated it was Triple H who actually came up with the idea for the match and he played no role in its creation outside of storyline reasons.

“Well I hate to burst your bubble (laughs), I had nothing to do with creating that thing. That was all Triple H.”

Other topics discussed during the interview included the joint NJPW and WCW Collision in Korea 1995 event and his travels in North Korea during the time there.