By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE issued the following press release on Tuesday to announce that Bruce Prichard has replaced Eric Bischoff as the executive director of WWE Smackdown.
Stamford, Conn., October 15, 2019 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has named Bruce Prichard the Executive Director of Friday Night SmackDown, reporting directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.
Prichard will oversee the creative development of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX and ensure integration across all platforms and lines of business, replacing Eric Bischoff.
Prichard brings nearly 40 years of experience in sports entertainment with an extensive background in character development and creative storytelling. Over the course of his career, Prichard has served in a variety of roles including announcer, producer, agent and on-screen personality. Earlier this year, Prichard returned to WWE as a member of the company’s creative team.
Friday Night SmackDown airs at 8 pm ET/PT on FOX.
Powell’s POV: The hiring of Bischoff for executive director role was surprising at the time. I can’t say the change is surprising. There’s no indication yet as to whether Bischoff will remain with the company. I reached out to the company for clarification on Bischoff’s status and will be sure to pass it along if they opt to address it. Bischoff and his wife relocated to Stamford, Connecticut when he was hired for the position, so here’s hoping for their sake that he’s still with the company in some capacity.
“…so here’s hoping for their sake that he’s still with the company in some capacity.”
It would appear your hope was not enough, friend.
This is what I hate about WWE. Eric is a mastermind in the business and they remove him from his position? From what other sites are saying is that is because he didn’t get along with others. That screams BS right there. Eric is one of the best minds in the Professional Wrestling period.
I think Vince is still salty from his WCW days and Heyman is now a kiss butt which is something he never used to be.
Prichard taking over, its going to be the same issue problem as before. It sounds like to me WWE is just asking to get sold.