Story perspectives

Eric Bischoff Slams WBD Over AEW Political Chants

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff criticized Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for permitting anti-ICE chants at All Elite Wrestling (AEW) events.
He argued CNN's linking of WBD's minority stake in AEW to the chants risks alienating audiences.
Bischoff noted WBD's volatile situation and warned against entangling politics with entertainment.
He warned that current corporate decisions could trigger backlash.
No responses from AEW or WBD were reported.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) acquired a minority stake in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) for approximately $175 million, marking a significant intersection of sports and entertainment. Founded in 2019 by Tony Khan, AEW has rapidly grown, challenging WWE's dominance. This investment reflects ongoing tensions in the industry, reminiscent of the backlash faced by corporate entities over political affiliations, notably during the 2016 NFL protests.

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Story summary

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff criticized Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for permitting anti-ICE chants at All Elite Wrestling (AEW) events.
He argued CNN's linking of WBD's minority stake in AEW to the chants risks alienating audiences.
Bischoff noted WBD's volatile situation and warned against entangling politics with entertainment.
He warned that current corporate decisions could trigger backlash.
No responses from AEW or WBD were reported.

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