Eric Bischoff Comments On Strained Relationship With Bobby Heenan

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was the best at what he did. He possessed an incredible ability to make any story in the ring so much more entertaining with his quick wit and solid commentary.

Heenan was employed with WCW for a number of years but his release from the company wasn’t a very good one. Eric Bischoff recently opened up about his relationship with Bobby Heenan on an episode of The Ross Report.

“He was I think not only creatively and from an instinct point of view and a psychology — that’s what I really mean, from a psychology point of view as a performer I don’t think there’s ever been anybody as good,” Bischoff said as Jim Ross agreed with his statement. “I just don’t. And clearly, the man could — he could do a better job on commentary in his sleep than most of us could ever do on our best day. That’s what I think of him professionally.

“On a personal level I’ve looked up to him, I’ve admired him. But I think we probably — especially toward the end had a strange relationship. Because my approach to business was significantly different than Bobby’s and I was pretty untraditional. I really liked improv — he didn’t, Bobby liked to be prepared. I kinda liked not preparing the talent. I liked how to act naturally to things not because it’s what we do.”

“I can’t express how much respect I have for Bobby. But I also acknowledge my approach to the business was significantly different to his and that probably rubbed him the wrong way especially toward the end.”

“He probably felt disrespected and that was by no means my intention but it doesn’t matter what my intention was if that’s how he felt. It’s unfortunate and Bobby and I sort of had a good conversation briefly before he got sick. So I’d like to think it’s okay but I’m sure if Bobby could articulate right now he’d probably call me a sawed-off son of a b-tch. But that’s okay.”

Credit for the quotes in this article goes to The Ross Report with a H/T to Still Real To Us for the transcription