Digest

Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson delve into the history of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, debating whether it should carry the lineage of the NWA title. Bischoff expresses his disdain for the NWA title's value by the time he was in charge of WCW in 1998, highlighting the WCW title's significance as a separate entity. They then discuss the impact of Vince Russo on WCW, with Bischoff attributing Russo's success to his ability to manipulate executives and standards and practices. The conversation transitions to the iconic Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley, where Bischoff and Thompson analyze the match's brutality, the risks involved, and the lasting impact it had on the industry. They discuss the match's unique spectacle, the physical toll it took on Foley, and the subsequent attempts to replicate its intensity. Bischoff emphasizes the match's significance as a one-time event, highlighting the risks involved and the difficulty of replicating its impact. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Hulk Hogan's decision to pitch the Goldberg vs. Hogan match on Nitro, with Bischoff defending Hogan's motives and highlighting his desire to protect Goldberg's career.

Outlines

00:00:00

Back Pain and Dave Meltzer

This Chapter begins with Eric Bischoff discussing his recent experience with severe back pain, which he attributes to a nerve or muscle issue. He then expresses his strong disapproval of Dave Meltzer, calling him a fraud and a con man for spreading false information about the wrestling industry. Bischoff also recounts his recent attendance at a Bear Knuckle Fighting Championship event, praising the fighters' skill and the excitement of the sport.

00:06:50

Bear Knuckle Fighting Championships

This Chapter focuses on Eric Bischoff's experience at a Bear Knuckle Fighting Championship event. He praises the fighters' skill and the excitement of the sport, comparing it to MMA and highlighting the fast-paced action and the realness of the contact.

00:11:36

Mrs. B's Ageless Beauty

This Chapter delves into a discussion about Mrs. B's ageless beauty. Eric Bischoff attributes her youthful appearance to genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and a good diet.

00:13:54

Manscaped: Smooth Sack Summer

This Chapter is a sponsored segment for Manscaped, a company that provides grooming products for men. Eric Bischoff highlights the benefits of Manscaped's Performance Package 5.0, emphasizing the importance of grooming for men during the summer months.

00:16:10

Who Killed WCW and Forbidden Door

This Chapter transitions to a discussion about the ongoing Who Killed WCW series and the upcoming AEW Forbidden Door pay-per-view. Eric Bischoff shares his thoughts on the series and his expectations for the pay-per-view, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in professional wrestling.

00:29:01

Vince Russo and Lie Detector Test

This Chapter focuses on Eric Bischoff's conversation with Vince Russo and his reaction to Russo's offer to take a lie detector test. Bischoff expresses his distrust of Russo and his unwillingness to work with him due to Russo's tendency to be dishonest and deceitful.

00:37:24

Working with Vince Russo in TNA

This Chapter delves into Eric Bischoff's decision to work with Vince Russo in TNA. He explains that he made the mistake of giving Russo another chance, motivated by a desire to be a team player and to support Hulk Hogan's involvement in TNA.

00:40:37

AdFreeShows.com and King of the Ring 1998

This Chapter transitions to a promotion for AdFreeShows.com, a platform that offers bonus content and live interactive Q&As with wrestling personalities. Eric Bischoff then announces that he and Conrad Thompson will be watching King of the Ring 1998 together, starting at one hour, eight minutes and 32 seconds.

00:45:46

King of the Ring 1998: First Blood Match

This Chapter begins with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson watching a segment from King of the Ring 1998, specifically the first blood match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kane. They discuss the match's significance and the behind-the-scenes context surrounding Austin's injury and the Monday Night Wars.

01:18:03

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

This Chapter delves into a discussion about the legacy of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and its relationship to the NWA title. Eric Bischoff shares his perspective on the title's history and his view of its significance during his time in WCW.

01:20:40

Vince Russo's Impact on WCW

This Chapter explores the impact of Vince Russo on WCW, with Eric Bischoff discussing Russo's ability to manipulate executives and standards and practices. He attributes Russo's success to his persuasive nature and his ability to convince executives to allow him to implement his creative vision.

01:24:56

The Undertaker vs. Mick Foley: Hell in a Cell

This Chapter focuses on the iconic Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley, with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson analyzing the match's brutality, the risks involved, and the lasting impact it had on the industry. They discuss the match's unique spectacle, the physical toll it took on Foley, and the subsequent attempts to replicate its intensity.

01:55:47

The Dungeon of Doom

This Chapter delves into a discussion about the Dungeon of Doom, with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson comparing its presentation to the Undertaker's character and the Cain character. They analyze the factors that contributed to the Dungeon of Doom's lack of success, highlighting the importance of credibility and consistency in character development.

02:00:31

Steve Austin's Staff Infection

This Chapter focuses on Steve Austin's staff infection, with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson discussing the risks involved and the dangers of working with an open wound in a wrestling ring. They highlight the importance of safety and the potential consequences of ignoring injuries.

02:03:09

Steve Austin's Performance

This Chapter praises Steve Austin's performance in the first blood match against Kane, highlighting his ability to deliver a compelling performance despite a staff infection and the intense spectacle of the previous match. They discuss the mental toughness required to perform at such a high level under challenging circumstances.

02:04:52

WCW Violence

This Chapter explores the level of violence in WCW, with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson discussing the most memorable injuries and violent moments they witnessed. They compare the level of violence in WCW to the Hell in a Cell match, highlighting the unique intensity of the Foley-Undertaker match.

02:06:23

Mick Foley's In-Ring Performances

This Chapter discusses Mick Foley's in-ring performances, with Eric Bischoff sharing his perspective on Foley's willingness to take risks and his commitment to the industry. They discuss the impact of Foley's performances on the industry and the challenges of balancing creativity with safety.

02:08:17

Hulk Hogan and Bill Goldberg

This Chapter delves into the story behind the Hulk Hogan vs. Bill Goldberg match on Nitro, with Eric Bischoff discussing the origins of the match and the factors that led to its creation. He defends Hogan's motives, highlighting his desire to protect Goldberg's career and his belief in Goldberg's potential.

02:17:38

Chris Benoit

This Chapter announces the upcoming profile piece on Chris Benoit, with Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson inviting listeners to submit questions about Benoit. They highlight the importance of addressing difficult topics in wrestling history and the need for open and honest discussion.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Eric Bischoff's opinion on the legacy of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship?

  Eric Bischoff believes that the WCW World Heavyweight Championship should be considered a separate entity from the NWA title, despite its origins. He argues that the title's history and significance in WCW should be recognized independently.

• How did Vince Russo gain influence in WCW?

  Eric Bischoff believes that Vince Russo's success in WCW was due to his ability to manipulate executives and standards and practices. He describes Russo as a persuasive figure who could convince executives to allow him to implement his creative vision.

• What makes the Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley so iconic?

  The Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley is considered iconic due to its extreme violence, the risks involved, and the lasting impact it had on the industry. The match's unique spectacle, the physical toll it took on Foley, and the subsequent attempts to replicate its intensity have cemented its place in wrestling history.

• What were the key factors that contributed to the Dungeon of Doom's lack of success?

  Eric Bischoff attributes the Dungeon of Doom's failure to a lack of credibility and consistency in character development. He argues that the characters lacked a strong foundation and were not presented in a way that allowed the audience to suspend their disbelief.

• Why is Steve Austin's performance in the first blood match against Kane so impressive?

  Steve Austin's performance in the first blood match against Kane is impressive because he delivered a compelling performance despite a staff infection and the intense spectacle of the previous match. His ability to perform at such a high level under challenging circumstances highlights his mental toughness.

• What was the most violent injury Eric Bischoff witnessed during his time in WCW?

  Eric Bischoff considers Sid Vicious's leg injury to be the most violent injury he witnessed in WCW. However, he emphasizes that it was a freak injury and not the result of a planned violent match.

• Why did Eric Bischoff try to talk Mick Foley out of in-ring performances in TNA?

  Eric Bischoff, as a friend, was concerned about Mick Foley's future well-being and tried to talk him out of in-ring performances in TNA. He recognized the risks involved and wanted to protect Foley from potential harm.

• What was Hulk Hogan's motivation for pitching the Goldberg vs. Hogan match on Nitro?

  Eric Bischoff defends Hulk Hogan's motives, arguing that he was not acting selfishly but rather trying to protect Bill Goldberg's career and help him gain exposure. He believes that Hogan saw Goldberg's potential and wanted to help him succeed.

• How did the Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley change the landscape of wrestling?

  The Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley set a new standard for violence and spectacle in wrestling. It created an expectation for extreme stunts and high-risk maneuvers in subsequent Hell in a Cell matches, potentially diminishing the impact of the original match.

Show Notes