WWE HOFer Eric Bischoff Explains Necessity Of 'Episodic' Storytelling In Wrestling

Eric Bischoff has consistently criticized the storytelling in modern pro wrestling, previously warning AEW to not allow storytelling to become secondary to wrestling, while on the other hand praising Triple H and Bruce Prichard for winning back WWE fans after Vince McMahon lost the audience with his storytelling.

However, Bischoff believes wrestling needs to go further, becoming more akin to a soap opera. "It is a male, testosterone — and sometimes female — testosterone-driven, action-driven, combat — it's fake combat, but perceived combat — but I think it has to have that soap opera feel in order to be episodic," he opined during an episode of his "83 Weeks" podcast. 

"If it's going to be successful, it should be episodic," he added. "We should create the same need, desire, whatever you want to call it, for the audience. When that show's over? They should already be looking forward to next week to find out what happened or where a story goes." Bischoff further opines that this is what's missing in pro wrestling more often than not, as wrestling can't just be a fight without an angle behind it.

He also proclaimed that episodic storytelling is what made WCW thrive under his regime. "It was very unique at the time." Bischoff acknowledged that some fans do enjoy matches without much story, but he believes this is the minority of the audience.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit "83 Weeks," and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.