Subhojeet Mukherjee on November 22, 2025
Tony Khan recently gave a polite nod to Eric Bischoff during an interview with Ariel Helwani, acknowledging the former WCW President’s frequent criticism of AEW. But Khan’s vague tone didn’t go unnoticed—because Bischoff has now responded, and he’s not letting it slide. On Ariel’s show, Khan addressed his longtime critic with carefully chosen words:
“I do respect his opinions. I think he talks about AEW a lot because AEW is on every Wednesday night, every Saturday night, and it gives them good content to talk about. In his case, I think it’s interesting because he spends a lot of time talking about AEW, but I think he’s also cognizant that there were a lot of media personalities and former wrestling promoters who had strong, vocal opinions of him. And I’m not trying to say that I’ve done more than him.”
Bischoff fired back on his 83 Weeks podcast, saying Khan completely avoided the core of his critiques.
“I don’t know what to think. He didn’t really answer—he didn’t really talk about my critique other than saying, ‘I talk about AEW a lot.’ Let me make something really clear: I don’t like talking about AEW. I had a conversation with you six months ago or so where I said, ‘I just don’t want to talk about it anymore. There’s nothing new to talk about.’”
Bischoff clarified that he only comments on AEW when prompted, and he’s not looking to stir the pot without reason.
“So if I get asked a question in the course of doing my show, I’m going to give an answer. I’m not going to respond with, ‘Oh, I don’t want to talk about that.’ It’s not what I do. It’s not what the show is about. But at the same time, I don’t spend much time thinking about AEW, and I try not to think about it unless I’m asked a question.”
He stood by every critique he’s given AEW, saying it’s all rooted in experience and not personal bitterness.
“My criticism toward Tony Khan and AEW has been—granted, it’s probably been a little salty, probably drew blood once or twice—but my criticism is based in fact. It’s based in experience. It’s based on what’s going on today.”
Bischoff pointed to years of concerns about AEW’s lack of storytelling and direction, saying he saw the writing on the wall.
“I’ve been talking about the lack of story, good story, actual story, the lack of it in AEW for five and a half years… and I’ve also predicted what the outcome of AEW would be from a ratings perspective and an audience perspective if these things are not addressed.”
He appreciated Khan’s respectful tone but urged him to take feedback seriously—whether it comes from him or even Jim Cornette. As for whether he’d ever sit down with Khan?
“It was nice of him to say nice things about me… I wish Tony would listen to criticism—whether it’s from me or Jim Cornette, who I think is probably smarter than me in many respects. I’m not against it. I just don’t know what the purpose would be. But you know me—sit me down with a glass of wine and a steak, and I’ll talk to anybody.”
Bischoff’s response may have been measured, but the message was loud and clear: if Khan wants AEW to grow, ignoring experienced voices won’t cut it.
Do you think Tony Khan should take Bischoff’s words to heart—or is this just more noise in a crowded wrestling media world? Let us know your take in the comments.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
November 22, 2025 2:21 pm
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