Introduction
In an interview with Wrestling Inc, the legendary Eric Bischoff, former President of WCW and a renowned figure in the world of professional wrestling, shared his recollections of the WWE’s tumultuous 2019. Specifically, he recalled the frustration that existed between Kevin Owens and Vince McMahon, two of the most influential figures in the company at that time. This article will delve into the backstory of the tension between Owens and McMahon, its impact on the WWE universe, and what it signifies for the future of the company.
Background on Kevin Owens
Born Kevin Steen in 1984, Kevin Owens is a Canadian professional wrestler who rose to prominence in the independent circuit. His impressive in-ring skills and charismatic persona caught the attention of WWE, who signed him in 2014. Owens rapidly established himself as a fan favorite, becoming a two-time Intercontinental Champion and a one-time Universal Champion during his time in the company.
The Angle with Shane McMahon
In 2019, Owens found himself entangled in a storyline with Shane McMahon, Vince McMahon’s son and a WWE executive. The angle, which saw Owens feuding with Shane over a series of grudges and misunderstandings, was met with a lukewarm response from fans. Despite Owens’ best efforts to inject passion and conviction into the character, the storyline ultimately fizzled out, leaving many wondering what could have been.
Backstage Frustration
According to Bischoff, the tension between Owens and Vince McMahon was palpable during this period. Bischoff, who has a deep understanding of the WWE’s inner workings, attributed the frustration to the company’s creative direction. “When Vince McMahon gets a certain idea in his head, he can be quite stubborn,” Bischoff said. “If Owens wasn’t delivering on that idea, it would likely lead to frustration and tension.”
Fan Reaction Analysis
The Owens-Shane McMahon angle was met with a mix of confusion and apathy from fans. While some appreciated the effort Owens put into the character, many felt that the storyline lacked direction and purpose. As the angle dragged on, fans began to tune out, and the once-beloved Owens was left looking like a mere afterthought. This serves as a stark reminder of the WWE’s propensity for creating storylines that fail to resonate with audiences.
Future WWE Implications
The tension between Owens and McMahon in 2019 has significant implications for the WWE’s creative direction moving forward. Bischoff’s comments highlight the importance of listening to and adapting to the needs of the talent, rather than pushing a predetermined agenda. By doing so, the WWE can create storylines that truly resonate with fans, rather than forcing a narrative that may not be entirely organic.
Conclusion
The recall of Eric Bischoff highlights the complexities of the WWE’s creative process and the tension that can arise between writers, talent, and executives. While the Owens-Shane McMahon angle failed to captivate audiences, it serves as a learning experience for the WWE, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and flexibility in the storytelling process.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the nature of the tension between Kevin Owens and Vince McMahon in 2019?
A: According to Eric Bischoff, the tension was largely due to the WWE’s creative direction and Vince McMahon’s stubbornness in pushing a specific idea.
Q: What was the Owens-Shane McMahon angle about?
A: The angle involved Kevin Owens feuding with Shane McMahon over a series of grudges and misunderstandings, which failed to gain traction with fans.
Q: What does this recall signify for the WWE’s future creative direction?
A: Bischoff’s comments highlight the importance of listening to and adapting to the needs of the talent, rather than pushing a predetermined agenda, to create storylines that truly resonate with fans.
Q: How did fans react to the Owens-Shane McMahon angle?
A: Fans were largely apathetic and confused by the angle, with many feeling that it lacked direction and purpose.
Q: What does this recall reveal about Eric Bischoff’s views on the WWE’s creative process?
A: Bischoff’s comments suggest that he values collaboration and flexibility in the storytelling process, and believes that the WWE should listen to and adapt to the needs of its talent.