Eric Bischoff Reveals MLW SuperFight 6 is Likely In-Ring Retirement

Tonight, Major League Wrestling (MLW) will host its highly-anticipated event SuperFight 6 at Center Stage in Atlanta. Overseeing the show is none other than MLW Executive Producer and ex-WCW President Eric Bischoff. Last year, he managed MLW’s One-Shot event, and due to its success, he returns for SuperFight, but this might be his last wrestling appearance for a while. ComicBook had the exclusive interview with Bischoff regarding his upcoming departure and the reasons behind working with MLW, the unique aspects of MLW in the wrestling market, and more.

The collaboration between Bischoff and MLW can be traced back to a YouTube video where Paul Walter Houser and Bischoff were conversing on Bischoff’s show Wise Choices, as reported by Houser in the video, he contacted MLW President Court Bauer and facilitated a connection with Bischoff. I asked if this was the initial spark for their working relationship or if any discussions had taken place prior to this.

Bischoff stated that approximately half to three-quarters of the content in the impromptu interview was truly unscripted. While there had been some brief discussions beforehand, he wanted to maintain the authenticity and surprise for everyone.

After spending many years in the wrestling industry, Bischoff rarely encounters anything new. However, while working with MLW on One-Shot, he did discover a few key observations. “First off, I must say that the atmosphere and enthusiasm were exceptional,” Bischoff shared. “It’s always inspiring to be around young talent or even seasoned performers who are eager to prove themselves and put on an amazing show because they truly believe there’s still a chance for them to succeed in this industry.

I truly appreciate being part of this vibrant, upbeat atmosphere. It’s difficult not to enjoy myself here. One of the motivations behind my participation in this show is that I wasn’t satisfied with my performance from December. Ring rust can affect even those who aren’t wrestlers, and it had been a while since I appeared on live television. The flow just didn’t feel as smooth as I desired. I didn’t want that lackluster performance to be my final one if it wasn’t up to the mark. So, I decided to approach this as if it might be my last, because it very well could be.

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve witnessed Eric Bischoff on the small screen quite frequently in recent months, gracing shows like One-Shot and NXT. However, SuperFight 6 promises to be an extraordinary event, possibly marking Bischoff’s final in-ring performance. “With a heavy heart, I must confess that this might very well be my swan song in the ring,” Bischoff shared. “Regardless of whether I have a minor or major role, what matters most to me is giving it my all and delivering a performance that speaks for itself.

Bischoff expressed that his goal is to give his best performance and feel satisfied with it, and if this turns out to be his final appearance in the ring, he’s ready for it. This event takes place in Atlanta, and it feels like a significant moment in his career if indeed it’s his last chance. He truly believes that this could be his last live in-ring performance, so he wants it to be memorable, enjoyable for all involved, and hopefully entertaining for the audience too.

Bischoff identified travel as a major factor. He explained that he dislikes the entire experience of traveling. To put it simply, if he had to fly to Atlanta, it would be like you flying to Paris for him – that’s how challenging it is for him to reach Atlanta. Therefore, after nearly 40 years of constant travel around the globe, he’s had enough.

As a performing enthusiast myself, let me put it this way: “Number one, I can’t deny the thrill it brings. Number two, there’s something about being on stage that I find hard to express similarly. I adore performing, but I’ve reached a point where I no longer need it in the traditional sense.

What I mean is, standing before a live audience, whether it’s a small or massive crowd, there’s an electrifying exchange of energy. As artists, we’re there to stir up that energy and evoke emotions in our fans. Experiencing that exchange firsthand is addictive, serving as instant feedback on whether we’re doing well or not. It’s this very exchange that I believe keeps acts like the Rolling Stones touring.

Eric Bischoff explained that it’s not about needing money, but rather a deep affection for the adrenaline rush and energy exchange that comes from being in front of a camera or in the ring. Over time, he has developed a sense of gratitude for all the opportunities he’s had, whether they were small crowds or large ones. However, his desire to perform isn’t as strong as it once was. So, Bischoff believes this could be a sign that it’s time to relax, appreciate what he’s achieved, watch others continue performing, and move on to the next phase of his life.

For the SuperFight event, Bischoff isn’t disclosing his strategies, but he is guaranteeing that he will enjoy himself immensely. In fact, if he is entertained, audiences are likely to have a great time as well. Here’s what Bischoff had to say: “I won’t give anything away. We’ll see. But I can assure you, I am absolutely going to have a fantastic time. And if I’m having fun, it should be enjoyable to watch.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m impressed with Major League Wrestling’s innovative approach in the entertainment industry, particularly their exceptional focus on storytelling. They’re nailing it! Being an independent production, they don’t have a vast pool of talent to draw from like some larger companies might. Instead, they skillfully utilize what they have when they have it, making each tale more engaging and unique. It’s a refreshing change from the usual shuffle of talent in larger productions.

Working with freelancers can be a bit challenging due to their independence. However, they’re doing well in that aspect. It’s important to note that Court Bauer has a background at the WWE, where he was a writer. This means he appreciates the value of structured, detailed, and thoughtfully developed storylines. As long as they prioritize this, I believe they will continue to gain more opportunities.

You can watch MLW SuperFight 6 live on YouTube right here, and the event kicks off at 9 PM EST.

What do you like best about MLW, and what exciting events would you like to see at SuperFight 6? Feel free to chat about wrestling with me in the comments or on Bluesky @knightofoa!

2025-02-08 22:11

Read More