Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff said two all-time great wrestlers were different kinds of stars. He told listeners that Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Bret “The Hitman” Hart were both huge talents, but each was missing a key quality that separates a mega celebrity from a top performer.
Bischoff on Randy Savage
Bischoff praised Savage as a unique and gifted performer. He said Savage gave fans memorable moments and could entertain in unpredictable ways. But Bischoff also argued Savage did not have the one quality that turns a top wrestler into a long-term megastar.
Bischoff said, “I don’t think Randy had that quality that the audience would have embraced as a long-term megastar, a Rock, a John Cena, an Undertaker, [Hulk] Hogan, [Ric] Flair.” He added that this observation had nothing to do with Savage’s talent. The veteran promoter called Savage amazing, unique and incredibly gifted, but that there was “something that was missing.”
Bischoff on Bret Hart
On Bret Hart, Bischoff focused on technical skill and professional behavior. He said Hart was a top choice for many wrestlers because he protected his opponents and worked to make matches look good and safe.
Bischoff said Hart was excellent from a technical perspective but did not have the same hard-to-describe presence that creates a megastar. He said, “Bret was just not born with that one thing that kind of put you into that star category. You can call it charisma. You can call it whatever you want. It’s a presence. You either have that presence or you don’t.”
What Bischoff’s View Means
Bischoff’s comments point to a simple idea in pro wrestling. Skill and showmanship are both important, but they are not always the same thing. Some wrestlers win the fans’ hearts with technical work and respect for the craft. Others reach a wider audience because they have a special presence or entertainment flair.
Bischoff worked with both men during their careers in WCW. His view is that Savage and Hart were both great in the ring, but missing the same single trait needed to become a long-term, crossover megastar in the mold of the biggest names in the business.
Bischoff’s comments came on his podcast “83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff.” H/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription of the quotes.
