Returning to WWE not as fun as it used to be, legend says
WWE legends sometimes appear on current-day shows as special guests or as part of a storyline. Eric Bischoff still enjoys making sporadic returns to the company, but he believes the camaraderie is no longer the same as it once was.
Bischoff oversaw WCW Nitro's television ratings success over RAW between 1996 and 1998. The 70-year-old later worked as an on-screen WWE authority figure from 2002 to 2005 before briefly returning in 2019 as SmackDown's Executive Director.
On his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff said he and many other legends think the backstage atmosphere has changed:
"I've talked to guys in my category, legends that go back and make appearances, and we all kinda say the same thing. It's always fun to go back, don't get me wrong, but you go there kind of anticipating an experience that's gonna remind you of the way it used to be, just the vibe backstage, the camaraderie, the interaction with talent and staff. It's not like that anymore. It's like working in an office, and it takes the fun out of it." [From 1:54:49 – 1:55:25]
WWE has hosted several legend-based shows over the last decade, including RAW Reunion in 2019 and RAW Legends Night in 2021. Aside from the 2025 Hall of Fame, Bischoff last appeared on television in 2024 in an NXT storyline with Ridge Holland and Trick Williams.
Eric Bischoff on TKO's backstage impact on WWE
Several behind-the-scenes changes have occurred since Eric Bischoff's short-lived run as SmackDown's Executive Director. Triple H is now in charge of the main roster's creative direction, while Vince McMahon is no longer involved with the company amid serious misconduct allegations.
Bischoff thinks the new ownership structure under parent company TKO has contributed to the different backstage feeling:
"You go there hoping to hang out with some old friends, and you get there and it's not what you remember, and I can only imagine that that's only been exacerbated with new ownership. So, yeah, I get that, it's a machine. It's always been a machine. Different kind of machine now." [1:55:26 – 1:55:45]
In the same episode, Bischoff speculated on how R-Truth could make a sensational return despite announcing his departure.
Please credit 83 Weeks and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.