WWE is shaking things up in a big way as they attempt to turn things around for a product that has become stale, and has driven fans away to explore other pro wrestling entertainment products.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barraso, WWE has named both Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff executive producers that will, essentially, run WWE TV.
Heyman is set to become Executive Director of Monday Night Raw, while Bischoff will fill the same role for SmackDown Live. Both will report directly to WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.
The two gigs are full-time executive roles with the company, and there are currently no plans for it to be a part of any storylines in the future.
Heyman taking a more prominent role behind the scenes, where he has helped development with characters on the roster, is exciting news for fans as he is best remembered for his prominent work with as ECW president from 1993-2001, on camera, and with superstars such as Brock Lesnar.
Bischoff heading up SmackDown as they prepare to join FOX’s lineup this fall is a savvy move as he was the catalyst for WCW’s boom on the TNT network with ‘Monday Night Nitro’, and also landed WCW programming on TBS with ‘Thunder’ during the infamous Monday Night Wars in the 90s.
Per the report, Bischoff will also work directly with executives from FOX.