Eric Bischoff Examines The Release Of Multiple WWE Superstars Including Elias And Dolph Ziggler
A recently emerged wrestling stars has garnered significant praise from WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff. Bischoff discussed notable wrestlers like Shelton Benjamin, Dolph Ziggler, and Elias. Eric Bischoff recently shared his thoughts on Shelton Benjamin during an episode of the Strictly Business podcast: He had nothing but compliments for the former Intercontinental Champion, highlighting that Benjamin consistently exceeded expectations. Since his WWE debut in 2002, Shelton Benjamin has been seen as a future superstar for the company. He displayed remarkable athleticism and always put his best effort into his performances. Benjamin initially had a successful stint in WWE, winning tag team championships and the Intercontinental Championship. However, he never reached the same level of success as John Cena or Randy Orton. Despite a less successful second run in the company, Benjamin continued to give his all in every appearance. Regrettably, this dedication couldn’t secure his job, and he was released from WWE. “He’s genuinely one of the nicest, most professional, talented, and gifted people I’ve ever worked with. Shelton is one of those individuals you can keep on standby, ready to excel in any role you place him in. He’s an outstanding performer and a true professional. Both he and Dolph Ziggler are like the Swiss Army knives of professional wrestling because they can do it all.” Eric Bischoff also speculated that Dolph Ziggler might join AEW: Dolph Ziggler, a top WWE star, was unexpectedly released during the latest round of budget cuts. Eric Bischoff, a WWE Hall of Famer, suggested that the 43-year-old might consider moving to AEW, especially since his brother works there. One of this year’s surprising WWE releases was the long-standing superstar Dolph Ziggler. Although Dolph had been absent from television for some time, his release came as a surprise to many. “Among everyone we’ve discussed, if I had to pick one person most likely to make the move, it would be Dolph, given that his brother is there, and that would be an enjoyable experience. I believe that’s the motivating factor for Dolph at this point,” Eric Bischoff stated. He added: “Dolph is financially secure. While I’m not privy to his financial decisions, he strikes me as a savvy individual. He will pursue what brings him joy, and I suspect working with his brother would bring him joy. So, if anyone among those individuals were to go to AEW, my bet would be on him.” “I would assume that Dolph has accumulated enough wealth, having consistently earned a substantial income for twenty years.” “He may not have been one of the top earners, but he has had a long career in wrestling, and that translates to a substantial income.” “He’s likely in a position where he could retire or explore other passions like stand-up comedy or acting.” “I believe he will pursue what he finds most enjoyable, given that he has the option to prioritize enjoyment over financial gain. That’s a wonderful position to be in.” Eric Bischoff also shared his thoughts on Elias’ release: During his time with WWE, Elias left a significant impact on fans and was involved in high-profile moments, including a segment with The Undertaker at WrestleMania. However, Elias hadn’t wrestled since May 15 on WWE Raw, and his television appearances in 2023 were infrequent. He showcased his versatility under the personas of Elias and Ezekiel. Unfortunately, WWE released Elias on September 21. Eric Bischoff, who had worked with Elias as an Executive Producer, offered his perspective on Elias’ release and his future in wrestling. “It’s a bit more challenging to predict. I collaborated with him during my brief WWE tenure. We had regular discussions about his character and ways to enhance it through different approaches. I got the impression that he was dedicated and exceptionally talented. He wasn’t afraid to experiment with new ideas. However, I’m uncertain about his ambitions. At some point, typically in your late thirties or early forties, you must decide whether you want to commit to this line of work for the next two decades or, perhaps, explore other opportunities while you’re still relatively young.” “I believe individuals in Elias’ age group must have this internal discussion about their future. It’s less about external considerations like whether Tony Khan is interested or if he could join IMPACT, and more about introspection, especially when you’re in your late thirties or early forties.”
WWE NXT’s Higher Authority Is Not Happy After The Release Of Mustafa Ali
WWE has recently released many of its superstars, and there’s been some surprising news about Mustafa Ali’s departure. According to the latest reports, the creative team at WWE wasn’t pleased with Mustafa Ali’s sudden release. Earlier reports had suggested that WWE let go of Ali because many within the company didn’t believe he could become a big star. Additionally, his recent political gimmick might not have been well-received by Fox. You can find more details on this matter here. In the meantime, a recent report from Fightful Select reveals that higher-ups at NXT were frustrated by the lack of communication regarding Mustafa Ali’s abrupt release. There was already a planned match between Ali and Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship at No Mercy, and there was no indication that Ali would be released. This was because it was believed that the company wouldn’t release anyone with a main roster contract. Despite having requested his release two years ago, Mustafa Ali had received praise for his recent work in NXT, making WWE’s decision to release him even more surprising. WWE legend Shawn Michaels, the Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative, shared his thoughts on the recent releases made by the company. He discussed how NXT had to change its plans due to these releases. He mentioned that September 21, 2023, was a regrettable day for WWE fans and wrestlers, with several superstars being released following the merger with UFC. Notably, this wave of releases extended beyond the main roster, affecting NXT talents like Mustafa Ali and Dana Brooke. Shawn Michaels, a WWE Hall of Famer, spoke about various topics, including NXT No Mercy, the status of NXT Europe, NXT’s TV ratings, and more. When addressing the recent releases, he stated that the creative team had to quickly adapt their plans. Michaels expressed his liking for Mustafa Ali and his enjoyment of working with him. Ali was originally set to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship at No Mercy, but his release forced last-minute changes. Dana Brooke was another talent in NXT’s long-term plans. According to Michaels, she was receiving a push from the creative team, well-liked by everyone on the roster, and her sudden release surprised many. It also disrupted NXT’s immediate plans. In addition to the WWE releases, Mustafa Ali has shared his plans for the future after leaving the company. He announced on social media that he is ready for a “WORLD TOUR” and that wrestling promotions can book him for their shows. He provided his contact information for bookings. There is also speculation about Mustafa Ali possibly joining AEW. Vince Russo, speaking on The Wrestling Outlaws, believes Ali will be the first to make the move to AEW due to his wrestling abilities and appeal to fans. However, this remains to be confirmed. With limited time to adjust, NXT management seems to have adapted well to these changes. It will be interesting to observe the long-term effects of these adjustments. What are your thoughts on WWE’s recent releases? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
