Summary

Eric Bischoff paid tribute to Ted Turner after news broke that the former World Championship Wrestling owner and CNN founder had died at 87.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Bischoff said Turner changed the course of his life by giving him opportunities that later shaped both his career and his family's future. He also pointed to the broader effect Turner had on the media business, saying thousands of people at Turner Broadcasting were able to build careers because of Turner's vision.

Quote from Eric Bischoff

"He was indeed a great guy. And I don't want to make it sound, because I didn't know him that closely. Ted and I weren't going out and having steak dinners together or anything like that.

But I did have a chance, through working with him, to get to know who he was and to watch how he operated. And when you think about it, he changed my life. He changed the lives of my children. None of us would be where we are today if not for the opportunities Ted Turner provided me.

I would not be involved with Real American Freestyle were it not for the opportunities that Ted Turner gave me. And I'm just one guy.

Think about all of the people who worked at Turner Broadcasting, the thousands of people who, just like me, got opportunities, got to grow, and got to pursue their careers because of the entrepreneurial, groundbreaking vision that Ted Turner had when it came to the media landscape.

He was the media version of Elon Musk in his time."

Ted Turner's place in wrestling history

Turner's role in wrestling went far beyond owning WCW on paper. Bischoff's comments underline how central Turner was to the company's rise, because the backing of Turner Broadcasting gave WCW the platform and resources to become a real national rival during the Monday Night War era.

Bischoff also framed Turner's impact as bigger than one promotion. The clearest takeaway from his remarks is that Turner's business reach opened doors for wrestling executives, television staff, and talent whose careers were tied to that expansion.

Sources

Eric Bischoff while speaking with Ariel Helwani following Ted Turner's reported death