Widely regarded as one of the greatest creative minds in the business, Eric Bischoff was appointed as the Executive Director of SmackDown Live a fortnight ago. It was reported last week that Bischoff was present last week at the blue brand's TV tapings, where he was getting himself familiarized with the process. This will be the former WCW honcho's first stint in WWE in an executive position. Bischoff had previously worked for WWE from 2002-2005 as the on-screen General Manager of RAW.
Bischoff's appointment was met with a mixed response from the wrestling community. While a section of people felt that he was an apt choice for the role, given his experience of working with TV networks, others have been pessimistic about it as they feel that Bischoff is way behind the curve as he has been out of the business for a long time. Bischoff's last stint as the creative head of promotion didn't go well, as TNA/IMPACT went through one of its worst phases when he was at the helm of affairs.
But, all of that it is in the past. Bischoff's contribution to the business cannot be discounted and he has a pretty solid track record as a promoter/booker, despite a few hiccups here and there. Here are three things we would like Eric Bischoff to do once he takes charge of the blue brand:
# 3 Put the women's division back on track
The blue brand's women's division was on fire for the majority of 2018. From the instant classic between Charlotte Flair and Asuka at WrestleMania 34, to the chaotic TLC match between Charlotte, Asuka and Becky Lynch, the women of SmackDown delivered on the big stage. Although there was a brief period of a lull with Carmella as the SmackDown Women's Champion, things really picked up when Charlotte won the title at SummerSlam. This was followed by one of the best feuds between Flair and Lynch which saw the duo put on some of the best matches of 2019.
But, the buzz around the division has died down considerably since Lynch lost the title at Money in the Bank. Although Bayley becoming the blue brand's champion was a welcome surprise, her character has become so unidimensional and bland that it is hard to root for her. Despite having the likes of Ember Moon, Sonya DeVille, Mandy Rose, Kairi Sane, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair, the company having Alexa Bliss, a RAW Superstar, feud with Bayley over the SmackDown Women's Championship is very telling of the current status of the division.
One of Bischoff's first task as the Executive Director of SmackDown will be to get things back on track. He can do this by putting superstars like Moon, Sane, Asuka, and Flair on TV on a regular basis. Putting these superstars in a prominent position and giving them the opportunity to compete on a weekly basis will go a long way in reviving the division.
# 2 Bring in the Cruiserweights
With SmackDown moving to FOX in October, fans have started wondering about the future of WWE's Cruiserweight division and their weekly WWE Network show, 205 Live. It was reported a few weeks ago that the company might be looking to do away with the purple brand, which is quite sad considering the fact that 205 Live roster has been putting on some of the best TV matches in recent memory.
If that is indeed is the case, we would like to see the Cruiserweight division move to SmackDown Live and become a permanent fixture there. One of the best things about WCW Nitro during the late '90s was their Cruiserweight division. Names like Jushin Thunder Liger, Dean Malenko, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Gurrero put on some of the best TV matches during that period. The rise of the division was one of the reasons why WCW was able to beat WWE in TV ratings from 1995-1997.
Eric Bischoff provided these Superstars with an opportunity and gave them the spotlight and the rest, as they say, is history. Bischoff should look to integrate the Crusierweights into the blue brand and have them open the show with a bang, like he used to when he ran Nitro. This will put the focus back on the ailing division and could prove to be potential ratings draw for the blue brand.
#1 Turn Roman Reigns heel
Now, this might seem quite controversial, given the recent real-life trials and tribulations of the man behind the character. But, that doesn't mean that it won't work if done properly. Fans have been clamoring for a Reigns heel turn for years now, but somehow the company never got behind the idea for whatever reason, despite knowing the potential of such a move. Perhaps, it was a risk that Vince McMahon & Co. thought wasn't worth taking.
But, the same can be said about Hulk Hogan, the biggest star by a margin during the '80s and '90s, turning heel and joining Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the New World Order (nWo). Hogan was the biggest babyface during his time in WWE who's connection with the younger audience was very strong - much like what Reigns has today. Turning Hogan heel was the biggest risk of Bischoff's executive career and it's safe to say that without Hollywood Hogan and the nWo, there wouldn't have been a Monday Night War to begin with.
Bischoff was the one who made the phrase "Bad is the new good" relevant in the wrestling business. The biggest hurdle with turning Reigns heel is that he can't be boxed in as a prototypical bad guy. His motivations have to be different from a run of the mill heel in WWE. But, we believe that Bischoff is someone who can do it the right way and make Reigns the star the company had wanted him to be for all these years.
What other changes can Easy-E make on the blue brand? Share you thoughts in the comments down below.
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