WWE Hall of Famer discusses how MMA promotions can build up fighter storylines, says they don't "spend enough time getting to know the fighters"
A WWE Hall of Famer recently weighed in and discussed how MMA promotions can build up fighter storylines in order to get the audience emotionally invested in their fighters and events. The pro wrestling leader is known for their creative storytelling and does have a blueprint that can be replicated.
Eric Bischoff is highly regarded in his industry for his role in operating WCW, which was Vince McMahon's competition during the 1990s. During that time, he overtook McMahon as the top pro wrestling company in the world with his vision and outlook on creative storytelling.
During his latest appearance on former UFC champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST, the WWE Hall of Famer said that pro wrestling storytelling can be utilized to a certain degree. Bischoff mentioned that promotions spend a lot of time focusing on soundbites from press conferences and tend to overlook the impact of sharing their fighters' personal stories with the audience:
"There are so many fascinating stories that are real stories about the fighters and how they ended up, where they ended up, that I think you can bring those stories to life in a much better way. I don't think we spend enough time getting to know the fighters. We get to know the sh*t talk, we get to see what happens at the weigh-in, that's all the sizzle that they put on the steak in order to get your attention." [1:11:23]
Check out the full episode of MMA legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's podcast featuring Eric Bischoff below:
Eric Bischoff discusses importance of young MMA fighters learning to sell a fight
Eric Bischoff also discussed the importance for young aspiring MMA fighters to learn how to sell a fight in order to maximize their career earnings.
During the aforementioned episode, Bischoff mentioned that once the viewers are aware of the fighters' respective journey, they become more invested in their careers:
"When the audience knows what motivates [the fighters] and they know that they have to work at UPS from 3-11 and then come home and train and hopefully sleep for two hours, play with their kid before he goes to school...If you hear that story, you'll relate to that person...root for that person...want to see that person win and I think teaching young aspiring fighters how to sell a fight...they'll make money." [1:12:55]
Check out JAXXON PODCAST's post regarding their latest episode featuring Eric Bischoff and MMA legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson below: