83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff

It's another loaded edition of 83 Weeks as Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson break down the biggest stories making headlines across professional wrestling while revisiting some of the most pivotal moments of Eric's legendary career.
The guys discuss WWE's decision to counter-program AEW in Chicago and whether the city is becoming the next major battleground in the ongoing competition between the industry's biggest promotions. Is Chicago about to become ground zero for professional wrestling? Then it's time for another installment of NW30, as Eric looks back at the iconic image of Hulk Hogan arriving dressed entirely in black on the road to one of wrestling's most influential moments.
Eric also celebrates the 35th anniversary of his WCW debut at The Great American Bash 1991, reflecting on why leaving the struggling AWA felt like a fresh start and how that opportunity changed the course of his career. Next, the guys revisit one of the most unforgettable nights in WWE history the moment Vince McMahon shocked the wrestling world by naming Eric Bischoff the General Manager of Monday Night RAW 24 years ago. Eric explains why it remains one of the most surprising moments of his entire career and shares behind the scenes memories from that unforgettable debut.
Plus, Eric discusses why every wrestling fan has a favorite era, what makes different generations of wrestling resonate so deeply, and responds to lingering misconceptions about his role in TNA by setting the record straight on exactly what he did and didn't have responsibility for.
 
 
 
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Thirty years later, we're celebrating one of the most shocking and influential moments in professional wrestling history! On this special edition of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson take you back to Bash at the Beach 1996, the night the wrestling world changed forever when Hulk Hogan stunned fans by turning his back on the red and yellow, aligning with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, and helping launch the New World Order.
Eric shares firsthand memories from inside the arena, the creative process behind one of wrestling's greatest plot twists, the risks involved in pulling it off, and how close the moment came to never happening. Hear what was going through Eric's mind before Hogan walked through the curtain, how the infamous reveal came together, and why this single angle forever altered the business.
 
 
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On this week's edition of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson tackle the biggest stories in professional wrestling with Eric's trademark honesty and behind the scenes perspective. The conversation begins with one of WWE's most debated topics as Eric asks, "Is Sami Zayn the new Danhausen?"After famously admitting he underestimated Danhausen's connection with fans, Eric explains why he's wrestling with many of the same questions surrounding Sami Zayn's championship run. Has WWE made the right decision, or is there something Eric still isn't seeing?
The guys also explore whether this could be the perfect opportunity for Cody Rhodes to make the shocking leap to the dark side. Could a heel turn be exactly what Cody's character needs, and what would it take for WWE to pull it off in a way that feels authentic and compelling? Then the show shifts into wrestling history as Eric breaks down one of the defining strengths of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash during the formation of the New World Order. From their unmatched confidence to their instinctive understanding of television production, Eric explains how Hall and Nash knew exactly how to command the camera and capture an audience unlike anyone else.
 
 
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On this episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff and Conrad Thompson tackle some of the biggest stories shaping professional wrestling today before taking a fascinating trip back to one of the industry's most influential eras.
The guys kick things off by discussing Tubi's emergence as a major destination for professional wrestling content. Eric shares his thoughts on what expanded streaming distribution means for wrestling promotions, how it could change the way fans consume content, and whether free, ad-supported platforms represent the next major battleground in the wrestling business. The conversation then shifts to Road Dogg and the challenges that await him if he joins TNA Wrestling's creative team. Eric breaks down the realities of modern wrestling creative, the obstacles anyone stepping into that role will face, and why building a successful promotion requires far more than simply writing compelling television.
Next, Eric and Conrad celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic promos in wrestling history—Steve Austin's "Austin 3:16" speech. Eric offers his unique perspective on why the experiences Steve Austin endured during his time in WCW helped forge the "Stone Cold" persona that would eventually change the wrestling business forever. It's an insightful look at how setbacks, frustration, and opportunity combined to create one of the greatest characters the industry has ever seen.
Plus, the guys continue their deep dive into the 30th anniversary of the formation of the nWo, revisiting the behind-the-scenes stories that made wrestling history. Eric reveals just how dangerous some of those unforgettable moments really were, including why one wrong move by Kevin Nash or Scott Hall during the early days of the nWo could have had catastrophic consequences. It's another candid look behind the curtain from the man who helped reshape the wrestling industry.
 
 
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Conrad Thompson introduces you to The Phenomenally Retro Podcast with WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles and Tony Giles.
Each week, AJ pulls back the curtain on his legendary career, talks about what's happening in wrestling right now, shares stories from the road, behind-the-scenes insight, and talks about one of his biggest passions, retro gaming.
Be sure to follow The Phenomenally Retro podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe to the YouTube page at The Phenomenally Retro Podcast - YouTube