Episode 335: The Shocking debut of The Shock Master!
Aug 16, 2024
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The infamous debut of The ShockMaster is dissected, revealing its unexpected humor and historical significance in wrestling. Eric shares heartfelt memories of his late friend Kevin Sullivan, emphasizing his impact on the industry. The conversation also covers AEW's ambitious plans for expansion and the challenges they face in a competitive market. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the evolution of wrestling audiences and the importance of storytelling in engaging fans, while reminiscing about memorable wrestling moments and classic matches.
02:32:49
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Quick takeaways
Eric shares his contentment living in Cody, Wyoming, highlighting the area's beauty and its positive impact on his mood.
The episode nostalgically revisits Clash of the Champions 24, underscoring the enduring connection wrestling fans have with classic moments.
Eric describes a recent gathering of WCW alumni, illustrating the camaraderie and strong personal bonds within the wrestling community.
The hosts discuss the upcoming AEW event, reflecting on the excitement and unpredictability of wrestling promotions' future announcements.
Eric pays tribute to the late Kevin Sullivan, emphasizing his mentorship and lasting influence on storytelling in the wrestling industry.
Deep dives
Eric Bischoff's Current Enjoyment of Life
Eric expresses his contentment living in Cody, Wyoming, especially enjoying the pleasant weather. His description highlights the clear skies and comfortable temperatures, emphasizing the beauty of the area and how it positively impacts his mood. This set a light-hearted tone at the start of the podcast, inviting listeners to join in on the nostalgic fun of revisiting a classic wrestling event. The conversation also reveals his connections to WCW alumni visiting him, indicating a lively social life filled with camaraderie.
Nostalgia of Clash of the Champions 24
The podcast focuses on a nostalgic review of Clash of the Champions 24, which took place on August 18, 1993. Eric and Conrad are excited to revisit the event, indicating its significance in wrestling history and their personal experiences. The mention of this episode underscores the enduring connection wrestling fans have with classic moments and the joy of reliving them through discussions. It sets the stage for a unique watch-along experience, enhancing the sense of nostalgia for both the hosts and the audience.
WCW Alumni Gather in Cody
Eric shares about a gathering of WCW alumni in Cody, including notable wrestlers like Ernest Miller, Sonny Ono, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. The excitement in his voice as he describes their plans to enjoy the local rodeo conveys the camaraderie and friendships formed in wrestling. His recollection of sharing cocktails with his friends before their activities creates a warm and relatable atmosphere for listeners. This anecdote not only provides entertainment but also highlights the strong personal bonds within the wrestling community.
Upcoming AEW Events and Rumors
The hosts discuss the upcoming AEW event dubbed the 'WrestleMania of AEW,' signaling significant anticipation for the show. They speculate on the potential of new mega shows and the buzz surrounding AEW's future announcements, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability of wrestling promotions. Eric shares his thoughts on the challenges and excitement of such major events, reflecting both optimism and skepticism based on his extensive industry experience. This discussion underscores the dynamic nature of wrestling promotions in capturing the public's interest.
Creative Challenges Faced by WCW
Eric reflects on the difficulties faced by WCW during the early '90s and how those challenges mirrored contemporary issues in the wrestling landscape. Specifically, he points to the struggles of drawing live audiences effectively due to creative missteps, particularly with character development and audience connection. Eric recalls the atmosphere of uncertainty and experimentation, revealing how such conditions hindered widespread success. This insight serves as a cautionary tale for current wrestling promotions regarding the importance of sustaining audience engagement.
Vader's Athleticism and Impact
As the main event features Big Van Vader, Eric takes a moment to highlight Vader's impressive athleticism, emphasizing how it set him apart from other wrestlers of his time. He praises Vader’s ability to blend size and agility, resulting in compelling in-ring performances that captivated audiences. Eric recalls the respect Vader garnered from both fans and peers, noting the power dynamic he brought to matches. This tribute adds depth to the evaluation of talent in wrestling, celebrating those who successfully balance various elements in their performance.
Reflections on Kevin Sullivan's Legacy
The conversation shifts to a tribute for the late Kevin Sullivan, with Eric reminiscing about Sullivan's contributions to wrestling and the bonds he formed with colleagues. He describes Sullivan as a mentor to many in the industry, noting his genuine passion for helping others and sharing knowledge about the craft. Eric recalls Sullivan's love for intricate storytelling in wrestling, which continues to influence modern promotions. This heartfelt acknowledgment emphasizes the lasting impact of individuals like Sullivan in shaping the wrestling landscape.
Discussion on Recent Changes in the Industry
The podcast delves into recent shifts within wrestling promotions and the analysis of the industry's response to various challenges. Eric talks about the evolving dynamics of the wrestling audience and how it influences booking decisions. He articulates that meeting audience expectations requires a deep understanding of viewer preferences and presents a perspective on modern wrestling's success. This commentary serves as a reminder of the delicate balance wrestling promotions must maintain to thrive amidst constant change.
Barnett's Role and Influence
Eric discusses Jim Barnett's influence in WCW and his role in negotiating international deals. While recognizing Barnett's extensive experience and connections, he highlights the limitations of relying on secondary promoters due to prior relationships with WWE. Eric provides context on how these dynamics affected WCW's international business strategies, emphasizing that ultimately, the execution of these strategies rested on the quality of promotions. This insight expands viewer understanding of the complexities involved in wrestling promotions trying to expand their reach.
This episode of 83Weeks with Eric Bischoff is brought to you by Magic Spoon! Get $5 off your next order through my link https://sponsr.is/magicspoon_83weeks or use code 83WEEKS at checkout, or look for Magic Spoon in your nearest grocery store!
This week Eric and Conrad take us back to Clash Of The Champions XXIV and the infamous debut of The ShockMaster! Eric discusses his place in the company at the time and having to navigate though the personalities. Eric also shares his thoughts on the passing of his longtime friend Kevin Sullivan and his impact on Eric's life. All that plus Eric's thoughts on the business of the wrestling business today on this edition of 83Weeks.
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