Eric Bischoff Criticizes Wrestling Observer Awards, Citing AEW Bias

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has publicly criticized the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) awards, alleging a significant bias towards All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in the voting results. The controversy stems from the recent release of the 2025 Year-Finish Awards, which saw AEW heavily favored while WWE received largely negative recognition.

Bischoff Questions Credibility of Voting Base

Speaking on his “83 Weeks” podcast, Bischoff questioned the credibility of the WON’s voting base, suggesting a lack of representation from the broader wrestling audience. He characterized the voters as a “culturally isolated and irrelevant group of people,” heavily influenced by longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer. Wrestling News Source reports Bischoff believes the voters view the world of wrestling “through the Dave Meltzer lens.”

Concerns Over Sample Size and Representation

Bischoff highlighted the small sample size of voters – only a few hundred – compared to the global wrestling audience, raising concerns about the awards’ ability to accurately reflect the preferences of fans. Ringside News detailed Bischoff’s argument that the limited voter pool inherently skews the results.

Awards Spark Ongoing Debate

The WON awards have consistently generated debate within the wrestling community. While supporters view them as a reflection of a dedicated segment of fans, critics argue they represent a narrow perspective. Wrestling Attitude notes that despite the criticism, the awards continue to attract attention due to their history and presence in wrestling media.

WWE and AEW Recognition in 2025 Awards

The 2025 awards saw Booker T receive the Worst Television Announcer award, while John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes was named Worst Match of the Year. Conversely, AEW All In 2025 was named Best Major Wrestling Show, and WWE was labeled Worst Promotion of the Year. These results fueled Bischoff’s criticism and the broader discussion about the awards’ validity.

Bischoff Addresses WWE’s “MAGA Company” Label

In separate comments, Bischoff also addressed recent online discussions labeling WWE as “the MAGA company,” stemming from reactions to “F*** ICE” chants during AEW events. eWrestlingNews reports Bischoff dismissed the label, pointing to WWE’s diverse entertainment offerings, including the platform given to Bad Bunny, and suggesting the categorization is “cheap noise” created for online debate, and engagement.

Industry Impact Remains Minimal

Despite the annual controversy, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards have a minimal impact on the wrestling industry. The discussion they generate, however, continues to be a recurring feature of the wrestling media landscape.