WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff believes TNA missed a major opportunity to secure its long-term future, claiming the company’s leadership let ego get in the way of a potential deal with Viacom.
Speaking on 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff recalled pitching the idea of Viacom purchasing a stake in TNA while the promotion was airing on Spike TV. According to Bischoff, the proposal was designed to prevent Viacom from repeating what had happened with UFC, which the network had helped grow before the promotion moved elsewhere.
“Why does Viacom buy into TNA? So you don’t have the same thing happen to you that happened with the UFC,” Bischoff recalled saying. “Why not own a piece of TNA?”
Bischoff said Viacom was interested in the concept, but the deal ultimately never happened.
He believes the Carter family, who owned TNA through Panda Energy, were unwilling to give the network any level of oversight.
“That was such a huge missed opportunity, and it was because of ego,” Bischoff said. “The Carters didn’t want to have to answer to Spike or to Viacom or show anybody their books. That’s my personal opinion.”
Eric Bischoff Believes The Failed Viacom Deal Really Affected TNA
Eric Bischoff added that the failed negotiations eventually had significant consequences for the promotion.
“TNA Dallas, the parent company, basically shut off funding for TNA and said, okay, you’re going to make it on your own, or you’re not going to make it,” Bischoff said. “We know how that turned out.”
The comments reflect Bischoff’s personal opinion on why the proposed partnership never materialised. Neither the Carter family nor Viacom has publicly responded to his claims.
