Eric Bischoff Critiques Warner Bros. Discovery Over AEW's Political Chants

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has recently garnered attention for the "F*** ICE" chants that erupted during its events, notably at the February 4, 2026, AEW Dynamite show in Las Vegas and the Grand Slam event in Sydney, Australia. These chants have been linked to a broader political discourse, with CNN highlighting the situation in an article that noted Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of CNN, holds a minority stake in AEW. The article framed the chants within a politically charged rivalry between AEW and WWE, the latter having historical ties to political figures, including the Trump administration.

CNN Covers Anti-ICE Chants at AEW Shows & Confirms WBD Owns Minority Ownership Stake in AEWCNN article claims Warner Bros. Discovery has minority stake in AEW, covers politics in pro wrestlingAEW’s Internal Reaction to Anti-ICE Chants at Grand Slam in Australia RevealedCNN covers anti-ICE chantsEric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEWWWE Hall Of Famer Puts WBD On Blast For Anti-ICE Chants On AEW

Eric Bischoff, a WWE Hall of Famer and former executive, has publicly criticized Warner Bros. Discovery for its handling of the situation. In his podcast, Bischoff questioned the rationale behind CNN's decision to connect its corporate identity to the politically charged chants. He argued that such a move risks alienating a significant portion of AEW's audience and could lead to negative repercussions for WBD's reputation. Bischoff stated, “Why would CNN, owned by Turner, do that? You don’t have to be that smart to know what a stupid thing it is to do, unless there’s a reason for doing it.”

Eric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEW

Bischoff further elaborated on the potential instability within WBD, suggesting that the company’s decision to highlight its ownership stake in AEW during a politically volatile time was misguided. He remarked, “You cannot be successful in the entertainment business if you don’t know your audience,” emphasizing that companies should avoid politicizing their programming. He expressed concern that the current corporate climate could lead to significant brand damage, referencing other companies that have faced backlash for similar political engagements.

Eric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEW

Eero Laine, a professor of theatre at the State University of New York at Buffalo, provided an academic perspective on the chants, noting that they are not typical of wrestling culture and do not directly relate to the matches. Laine stated, “The anti-ICE chants are interesting in that they support a political stance associated with one of the wrestlers, but they are not necessarily directly related to what’s happening in the ring.” This highlights the evolving nature of audience engagement in professional wrestling, where political sentiments can intersect with entertainment.

CNN article claims Warner Bros. Discovery has minority stake in AEW, covers politics in pro wrestlingCNN covers anti-ICE chantsCNN Covers Anti-ICE Chants at AEW Shows & Confirms WBD Owns Minority Ownership Stake in AEWAEW’s Internal Reaction to Anti-ICE Chants at Grand Slam in Australia RevealedWWE Hall Of Famer Puts WBD On Blast For Anti-ICE Chants On AEWEric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEW

While the CNN article confirmed WBD's minority stake in AEW, the exact percentage remains unclear, with speculation suggesting it is below 10%. This ambiguity raises questions about the extent of WBD's influence over AEW's programming decisions and how that might affect future corporate strategies.

CNN article claims Warner Bros. Discovery has minority stake in AEW, covers politics in pro wrestling

As AEW continues to navigate the implications of these chants, the company faces critical decisions regarding its approach to political content in its programming. The internal reaction to the chants suggests a level of anticipation among AEW executives, indicating that the organization may be prepared to address the situation proactively moving forward. The ongoing discourse surrounding the chants and corporate involvement will likely shape the future of AEW and its relationship with WBD.

AEW’s Internal Reaction to Anti-ICE Chants at Grand Slam in Australia Revealed

• “Why would you do that? Because you believe so much in this AEW product that you’re willing to risk the negative publicity and stock price to invite a televised version of us versus them on a wrestling show? Because you have a minority stake in it? It’s too stupid to be true, and too stupid to fathom.” — Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer

Eric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEW

• “You cannot be successful in the entertainment business if you don’t know your audience.” — Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer

Eric Bischoff Blasts Warner Bros. Discovery for Dragging Anti-ICE Politics Into AEW

• “Laine said the anti-ICE chants, “are interesting in that they support a political stance associated with one of the wrestlers, but they are not necessarily directly related to what’s happening in the ring.” — Eero Laine, Professor of Theatre

CNN covers anti-ICE chants