17 Things We Learned From Eric Bischoff On Legends With JBL (Part 1)

15. Growing Up As A Fan Of The Business

JBL shows that he's done his research by mentioning that Bischoff grew up as a fan of the business and would watch the likes of the totally insane Original Sheik Ed Farhat and Bruno Sammartino, both WWE Hall of Famers, as he moved around from city to city. Talk then shifts to Verne Gagne, whom Bischoff met in high school while he was performing in an amateur wrestling tournament. Bischoff wanted Gagne to promote the tournament on AWA television and the two struck up a relationship. Unfortunately, Bischoff's amateur career came to an abrupt end in 1973 when he suffered a devastating knee injury. Gagne would resurface later in his life, however, and become an important part of his career. Bischoff's amateur days were behind him but he was still somehow able to kickbox and formed a friendship with Sonny Onoo, who would go on to manage in WCW. The two men came up with a game called 'Ninja Star Wars', manufactured 40,000 units and then Bischoff talked Gagne into going into business with them and taking a 50% cut of the profit. Bischoff opines that Gagne was stubborn and behind the times and couldn't see where the business was going like Vince did and that's what eventually ruined his business.