Eric Bischoff thinks WWE is still thriving financially, but he also believes the company’s creative direction has become too safe and predictable.
During the latest episode of 83 Weeks, Bischoff gave his honest assessment of WWE’s current product while discussing Clash in Italy, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and the company’s overall momentum heading into summer. While talking about possible title changes and future storylines, Bischoff suddenly described WWE’s current creative state in blunt fashion.
“WWE’s kind of reached a flatline. Flatline. I said it. That doesn’t mean it’s dead. That just means it’s kind of cruising along just doing the same old stuff every week.”
Bischoff quickly clarified that he was not criticizing WWE’s business performance, because he openly admitted the company is still doing extremely well financially. His issue is that he no longer feels the product is evolving creatively or taking enough major risks.
“It’s not good TV. Good TV grows.”
The conversation eventually shifted toward Cody Rhodes specifically, with Bischoff explaining that Rhodes may have reached the point where fans need to see a completely different side of his character after such a long babyface run.
“I’d turn Cody heel.”
Conrad Thompson questioned whether Rhodes would even want to move away from his current role considering how successful he has become as WWE’s top star, but Bischoff argued that the biggest wrestling acts often need reinvention before audiences grow too comfortable with them. He explained that while Cody’s current presentation still works, he personally feels it has stayed in the same lane for too long.
“I need to hit the refresh button here. It’s great and all, but it’s been great and all for a long time. I need something that’s a little different in order to engage.”
Bischoff also suggested WWE could be missing opportunities to spark another major creative boom because the company has become too comfortable maintaining the status quo while business remains strong.
“Business-wise, it’s great. Maybe there’s no reason to make any changes. But if the business is not what it once was and there’s an opportunity to light a new fire under it and create new business, I’d be all about it.”
Before wrapping up the discussion, Bischoff returned to Cody one more time and admitted he simply wants to see a new version of WWE’s top babyface sooner rather than later.
“I’d love to see a different character out of Cody.”
The comments immediately sparked debate among fans because Rhodes remains one of WWE’s biggest merchandise sellers and most protected stars, but Bischoff clearly believes WWE’s current creative momentum could benefit from a major shake-up before the product starts feeling even more repetitive.
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