Eric Bischoff has revealed new details about the creation of Sting‘s iconic Crow character, crediting an unlikely name as one of the key figures behind the legendary WCW transformation.
Speaking on 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff discussed a visit to AFX Studios and reflected on the contributions of special effects artist Andre Freitas to some of WCW’s most memorable characters and visual presentations.
“We went to AFX Studios,” Bischoff said. “Andre Freitas was so instrumental in coming up with some of the coolest stuff we ever did in WCW in terms of special effects and costuming.”
According to Bischoff, Freitas worked closely with Sting to develop the darker, Crow-inspired persona that became one of the defining characters of the Monday Night Wars.
“Andre really designed the Crow Sting character,” Bischoff said. “He worked with Steve Borden, Sting, and they collaborated on that character.”
Bischoff explained that Freitas recently showed him original sketches and concepts for the project, including some of the material used to pitch the idea to WCW management.
The former WCW President also recalled hearing stories about Freitas’ work on the KISS Demon character and his interactions with KISS frontman Gene Simmons.
“A lot of it was information I either didn’t know, wasn’t aware of, or completely forgot,” Bischoff said. “It was interesting for me as well, because you’re hearing stories from a different perspective.”
Eric Bischoff Explains Why He Kept The Crow Sting Idea A Secret
Eric Bischoff also explained why he kept the Crow Sting project under wraps during its development, saying he was concerned about negative reactions within WCW.
“It wasn’t so much that I was worried about leaks, although that too,” Bischoff said. “You start having people internally passing judgment on a project, before the project even starts, they’re already crapping on it.”
Bischoff said he wanted to avoid resistance to the character before fans even had a chance to see it.
“That was one of the reasons I kept things internal,” he said. “Because I didn’t want people internally to start passing judgment and resisting it before it even got started.”
The Crow version of Sting debuted in 1996 and went on to become one of the most successful and recognisable characters in WCW history.
