ROH News: Eric Bischoff addresses talk of Bullet Club being a nWo ripoff, nWo changing wrestling in the 1990s and more

What’s the story?

In a recent appearance on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling, former WCW President and ex-WWE RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff opened up on a myriad of topics.

Bischoff addressed the ongoing banter within the professional wrestling community regarding Bullet Club possibly being a nWo rip-off.

Besides, Bischoff spoke about the nWo changing pro-wrestling in the 1990s, as well as Bullet Club using the signature nWo “Too Sweet” sign.

In case you didn’t know…

Bischoff was at the helm of the WCW organization during the nWo’s rise to the top of the pro-wrestling world.

The nWo is widely regarded as one of the most influential pro-wrestling stables of all time, and its “Too Sweet” sign has been utilized by several other pro-wrestlers as well as fans worldwide in the ensuing years.

The heart of the matter

Bischoff insinuated that the nWo changed the pro-wrestling business back in the 1990s. Bischoff added that he was a bit disconnected from current affairs at the peak of his WCW duties, as his life saw him move from his office to the inside of a plane, a hotel room, an arena, etc—with negligible interactions on the streets.

Bischoff continued that it was at a Japanese New Year’s Eve show—likely in 1996-97—that he saw about a thousand fans donning nWo shirts; which in turn served as proof of the stable’s incredible impact on the pro-wrestling world. Bischoff also commented on Bullet Club possibly drawing inspiration from the nWo—

"I don't look at it as a rip-off honestly. I think it has roots in the nWo and I don't think that can be denied and I don't think they are trying to deny it but I think it is more than an homage and I think it is more an extension but certainly its roots creatively speaking are in the nWo. But rip-off to me is something negative and disparaging and I think the Bullet Club is cool."

Furthermore, Bischoff alluded that the “Too Sweet” gesture popularized by the nWo, has been used by factions such as DX and Bullet Club.

However, he pointed out that the reason behind Bullet Club’s success today is that its members have the right vibe can deliver in the ring, and have a unique attitude.

What’s next?

Bischoff presently works as an entrepreneur, and regularly puts forth his analysis as a pro-wrestling critique.

Meanwhile, experts note that Bullet Club continues to be one of the most popular factions in the pro-wrestling world today.

Author’s take

Bischoff is spot-on with his analysis of Bullet Club being an excellent group in its own right.

Despite the similarities between the nWo and Bullet Club, one can’t help but acknowledge the fact that Bullet Club has carved out a unique niche for itself in the pro-wrestling world today.