The First Moments: Setting the Tone for Live Wrestling Television

In professional wrestling, where storylines are ever-evolving and characters constantly shift, the opening of a show plays a pivotal role in setting the tone. Eric Bischoff, a seasoned figure in the wrestling industry, delves deep into the significance of a show’s opening and its potential to either captivate or lose viewer engagement.

Bischoff’s philosophy revolves around the belief that the initial moments of a show are paramount. These moments serve as a guidepost, subtly instructing the viewer on how to engage with the show and what to expect. He emphasizes moving away from the conventional graphic or card rundown, which often becomes mere background noise for many viewers. Instead, by innovating the opening, not only does the show feel special, but it also ensures that it doesn’t become monotonous.

Drawing from his vast experience, including his brief stint with WWE in 2019, Bischoff recalls how he felt the show openings could have effectively threaded the stories at the time. They should have guided the audience on what to anticipate. However, he also mentions the challenges of bringing about change, especially when certain ideas might not resonate with key decision-makers.

One of the techniques Bischoff often employed was to start a show almost in action, bypassing the traditional ring announcer. This approach reinforces the live aspect of the show and creates a sense of urgency in the viewer. It subtly trains the viewer to tune in on time, emphasizing the concept of appointment television.

While the landscape of television has evolved, the principles of engaging an audience remain. For live television, the opening moments are as crucial as the final ones, and as Bischoff rightly points out, they hold the power to shape the viewer’s experience.