WWE: Eric Bischoff - Sports Entertainment's Most Controversial Figure DVD Review
7. Puts Over Verne Gagne's Influence On Bischoff
Anyone who has read Bischoff's WWE-produced book 'Controversy Creates Cash' will know how important Verne Gage was to his story. Verne gave Eric his start in the wrestling business, signing him as office staff in the AWA. From there, he noticed his new employee had a keen desire to progress and push on, and taught him as many aspects of the industry as he could.
There's no blinkered view on Gagne as a man or a promoter, and WWE resist focusing too heavily on the eventual failure of the AWA and instead aim squarely at what he equipped Eric Bischoff with. That's a classy touch. The focus should be on Bischoff himself after all.
Eric is complimentary towards Verne, outlining the fact that he was only so ready to take over at WCW due to the tools the AWA owner had readied him with. From sales and marketing to dealing with talent, TV production and syndication, Bischoff knew more than even he thought when he applied to become Executive Producer of the Atlanta promotion.
He instantly attributes all of that knowledge to Gagne, putting over his influence.