Politics has become an increasingly common topic in pro wrestling, with Brody King becoming closely associated with his “Abolish ICE” shirt and AEW crowds regularly chanting “F*** ICE” during his matches. Former WCW President Eric Bischoff isn’t a fan of that trend, and he made it clear he thinks wrestling is better off staying away from politics altogether.
Speaking on Planet Tyrus, Bischoff was asked whether wrestling and combat sports have become too political. The interviewer specifically pointed to AEW’s anti-ICE messaging, along with fighters and wrestlers using their platform to make political statements.
Bischoff said he has no problem with people expressing patriotism or their faith, as long as it’s done respectfully. Where he draws the line is when politics, religion or other social issues are used to get attention.
“It’s not only controversial, but it’s complicated because, in the one sense, I think patriotism for one’s country, regardless of the country, I think patriotism is an attribute… So, I think if we can include patriotism, but in a respectful way to everybody else, I think it’s a wonderful thing. And I feel the same thing with faith… It’s the disrespect and using politics or using faith or using race or using religion as a weapon to create interest that I think is disgusting. I don’t like it… It’s not only my own personal belief… but even from a producer’s perspective, from a responsible businessman’s perspective, it’s not what’s good for the business.”
Bischoff also questioned whether political messages are actually what wrestling fans want to see. In his view, they might get a reaction, but that’s different from giving fans what they paid to watch.
“It’s people don’t want to see that. Will they respond to it? Sure. But it’s not what they want to respond to.”
Later in the conversation, Bischoff argued that politics has become too intertwined with entertainment in general. He believes people have gone overboard trying to use social and political issues to grab attention, but thinks that trend is starting to reverse.
“I mean, honestly, dude, that’s just stupid. To do something like that is just… that’s just a reflection of how stupid you really are.
But I think, look, life is kind of a pendulum at this point in my life… I think we swung so far into using politics, using the trans issue, using whatever issue, the green issue, whatever your issues are, and you weaponize them to get attention for yourself. That’s how far we’ve swung.
And now it’s just obnoxious. I think even for people who normally participate in that garbage, it’s just become too much. I think the pendulum is beginning to swing, and I think we’ll probably get to a happy place where it’s not as obtrusive and, you know, you don’t have to have politics in sports and entertainment. Don’t force it on people.”
Bischoff then stated that he believes things are already starting to shift and that sports and entertainment don’t need political messaging forced into them.
“Yeah. I think we’re getting there as a culture. I don’t think that we need to be forced into it.”
Love it or hate it, political messages have become part of wrestling in recent years. Bischoff thinks that’s a mistake, while others believe performers have every right to use their platform however they choose
Do you think politics belongs in professional wrestling? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
