They had already started the promotion, and Kiss was already hired as part of the event. Then Turner Executives began hearing rumblings of discontent from WCW employees who didn’t want to work on New Years Eve, and the entire thing was shut down.
Bischoff adds that he and WCW were working closely with Gene Simmons and KISS at this time, and they were planning on creating a KISS-based stable in WCW so that they could then sell KISS merchandise through WCW’s programming. This failed to ever fully take hold, but Bischoff and KISS were in full agreement to work together for a period at this time.
Hausman asks Bischoff for his opinion on Corey Graves taking over JBL’s seat on the Smackdown Live commentary team. Bischoff says he’s a big fan of Graves and there’s no denying his talent at the commentary booth, however he thinks having the same voice on RAW and Smackdown Live really dilutes an already diluted brand split.
Speaking about JBL’s decision to step away at this time, Bischoff isn’t surprised to hear this news. JBL has had a very successful career in professional wrestling and has other things on his plate such as a regular FOX news segment and a charity organization. He wishes JBL the best of luck in all of his future endeavours.
