Eric Bischoff doesn't think fans will see any major changes in front of the camera as a result of the new WWE and UFC merger that has created TKO Group Holdings.
Eric Bischoff is no stranger to corporate mergers, and the AOL-Time Warner merger is often discussed as something that led to the ultimate downfall of World Championship Wrestling.
Recently, WWE and UFC merged to create TKO Group Holdings. This new sports entertainment conglomerate sees these powerhouse brands under one umbrella and also sees Vince McMahon not in majority control of WWE for the first time since 1983.
Speaking on the most recent episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff gave his thoughts on the type of changes he foresees coming to WWE, given his own experience with corporate mergers, and says that fans should not expect any major changes to come across the television screens.
Eric believes that major changes behind the scenes will happen over the course of the next six months.
"Just based on my limited experience, having been a part of a merger on two separate occasions, first Time Warner and then AOL, I don't think you'll see a majority of the changes for another three, four, five, six months. It takes time. Obviously, Frank Riddick [former WWE CFO who will be stepping away from the company following the merger], as you pointed out, one company doesn't need two CFOs, but I think the real changes will probably be seen in administration because that's where there's most likely duplication between the two entities," Eric said. "So I think you're at the administration level, your mid-level management team, you're going to, you're probably going to see some over the next two or three, four, five, six months, but I don't think it's going to affect creative. I'm almost certain of that. I don't think it's going to affect the things that people see on television. It's more about the way the business operates behind the scenes, stuff that none of us ever talk about or know about. That's where it's going to happen. I think it's going to be slow. I don't think you're going to see wholesale changes within the next 30 days. I think you'll see changes that are going to occur consistently over the course of the next six months."
Corporate synergies and workforce reductions at the administration level began occurring on Friday, September 15. Fans can learn more about those reductions here.
As of yet, there have not been any on-screen talents whose position with WWE has been affected by this move. Fans can learn more about the closing price of TKO stock on its opening day at this link.
If you use any of the above quotes, make sure to credit the original podcast as well as Fightful for the transcription with a link back to this article.
