Triple H's first PPV opponent should have been "massive star" in WWE, Eric Bischoff says

Triple H's only WCW pay-per-view match before joining WWE took place in December 1994 at Starrcade. Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff recently addressed why The Game's opponent that night, Alex Wright, did not achieve more as a wrestler.

Wright worked for WCW between 1994 and 2001. The former Cruiserweight Champion secured a big win over Triple H, then known as Jean-Paul Levesque, shortly before the WWE Chief Content Officer left WCW. He also shared the ring with wrestlers including Arn Anderson and Chris Jericho.

Bischoff said on his 83 Weeks podcast that Wright could have been a bigger star had it not been for a series of misfortunes:

"I actually feel bad for him. I hope I run into Alex at some point in time to commiserate a little bit because he had so much potential. Had he gone to WWE, maybe '99 was a little late for him, but I think he would have gone on to become a massive star." [1:44:57 – 1:45:18]

In 1999, Wright became known as Berlyn and began wearing all-black. The timing of the gimmick change coincided with the Columbine High School massacre in America. His new appearance closely resembled the look of the school shooters, resulting in the character's removal from television.

Bischoff believes backstage politics and the Columbine tragedy played a part in Wright's failure to become a main-event competitor:

"Had Columbine not happened, I think he would have gone on to become a massive star because that Berlyn character had money written all over it and Alex had the ability to deliver that character." [1:45:19 – 1:45:33]

In 2001, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon bought WCW but did not obtain Wright's contract. The German was approached twice about joining WWE but rejected the offers.

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WWE HOFer Eric Bischoff places Alex Wright on Mt. Rushmore list

Analysts and fans often debate which four legends belong on a wrestling version of Mt. Rushmore.

The list usually refers to the greatest wrestlers ever. However, Eric Bischoff thinks Alex Wright would be included on a Mt. Rushmore of wrestlers who deserved to achieve more:

"In terms of his look, his potential, his skill, what he delivered in the ring, absolutely, he'd be the first person on that Mt. Rushmore of what could have been. In wrestling, not just WCW, but in wrestling in general." [1:46:34 – 1:46:48]

Bischoff also explained why many male wrestling fans disliked Wright even though he was supposed to be a babyface.

What are your thoughts on Alex Wright? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit 83 Weeks and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use Eric Bischoff's quotes from this article.