Eric Bischoff Examines WWE’s Decision To Release High Equity Talent Ahead Of AEW Rampage’s Debut

Eric Bischoff believes AEW is in a great position heading into the debut of their new show, Rampage.

Speaking on the latest episode of his 83 Weeks podcast (via AdFreeShows), Bischoff discussed AEW launching a second show and how he believes they are firing on all cylinders right now. He continued on, analyzing WWE’s decision to release high equity talent such as Bray Wyatt at a time when AEW is building momentum and becoming a bigger threat, despite what Vince McMahon might say. Here is what the former WCW President had to say:

“They’re [Tony Khan and AEW] hitting on all cylinders right now and, you and I talked about this a little bit recently, that it is such an unusual time, in my opinion, for WWE to be releasing not just talent in general, but top talent. Big equity. At a time when CM Punk is being dangled like the golden carrot, which has created a ton of enthusiasm. I don’t mean that to be derisive at all, I think they’re doing a great job with it. AEW has done such a phenomenal job of building up anticipation not only for CM Punk but on the heels of CM Punk, possibly, make sure I’m clear about that, possibly, you’ve got Daniel Bryan following up in New York. Now, how does that relate to this third hour on Friday night you ask, well you didn’t but I’m going to tell you anyway, I think AEW is in a phenomenal position due in large part, or at least in some part, because of the release of Bray Wyatt. The timing is just mind-boggling to me.”

Bischoff would elaborate by talking about the rating gap between the two companies and how hiring big-name WWE talents while running a show immediately following SmackDown could sway some of those ambivalent viewers to give AEW a chance. The key, however, will be delivering multiple weeks of consecutively good programming to turn those first-time samplers into loyal viewers.

On July 21, Fightful reported CM Punk was in talks with AEW for an in-ring return. Later in the evening, Bodyslam.net reported Daniel Bryan had signed with AEW.

AEW Rampage debuts on Friday, August 13 at 7 p.m. PST. Fightful will have live coverage of Rampage as well as a post-show review immediately following its conclusion.