WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW President Eric Bischoff discussed the debated topic of John Cena’s creative control influence during an episode of his 83 Weeks podcast. Bischoff offered a unique viewpoint on how top stars like Cena have input in their storylines and character direction within WWE, addressing misconceptions surrounding “creative control” and the extent to which superstars manage their own narratives.
Top Stars’ Influence on Storylines and Work Relationships
Bischoff challenged common narratives about creative control by pointing out that nearly every major star over the past two decades has some say in who they work with and the storylines they share. Responding to criticisms, he said,
“It’s not a blind spot for me. I just have a different perspective on life and the way it really works than perhaps Matt Morgan does. And I like Matt. You know, we’re friends. But you know, he wrote it so f**k it, here you go. Name me, Matt, one top star in the last 20 years in either WCW or WWE, who doesn’t get to voice an opinion about who they work with and the storyline.”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
According to Bischoff, the term “creative control” is often overstated or misunderstood. He claims that only Hulk Hogan truly held contractually guaranteed creative control, and even then, only exercised it once. Other major WWE stars like The Rock, Steve Austin, and John Cena had significant but not absolute say over their careers. Bischoff elaborated,
“People like to often talk about ‘guaranteed contracts’ and ‘creative control.’ One person had creative control, Hulk Hogan. A couple of guys had the right to meaningful consultation, which in the real world doesn’t mean anything. In a court of law, for me to be able to satisfy a meaningful consultation claim is pretty freaking easy. Doesn’t mean we have a meaningful conversation and I have to agree with you, right? There was only one person who had creative control, and he only used it one time. But, effectually? Rock, John Cena, Steve Austin. Oh, he didn’t like it? He walked away. Literally walked away, left Vince McMahon holding the bag. Name any other world champion at the — you think The Undertaker hasn’t had conversations? Brock Lesnar? MJF? Name anybody in AEW who doesn’t get to vote on who they work with?”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
Clarifying How Creative Discussions Really Occur in WWE
While Bischoff disagreed with aspects of criticisms leveled by former WWE agent Matt Morgan regarding Cena’s level of control, he acknowledged that scouts and agents do not reveal management’s confidential perspectives to talent, because it risks their positions. Bischoff noted,
“Let’s be really honest about it. Creative control and people… just because John Cena — and I’m not defending John Cena. I wasn’t in those agent meetings, and I agree with Matt to the extent that if you’re an agent, you’re not going to pull talent aside and share management’s perspective that isn’t meant to be shared with the talent. You’re not going to do that, because you would be fired the next day. And by the way, you should be fired the next day. Because now you’re playing politics, now you’re trying to grease your own skids. Now you’re trying to put yourself in a favorable position with the talent and fade to heat to somebody else, because you’re chickens**t. There’s no chickens**t agents in WWE. That I can assure you. And I’m not even there, but I know how it works.”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
Understanding John Cena’s Position as a Leading Superstar
Bischoff emphasized that it is normal for top stars to exert influence over their directions and opponents, whether or not their contracts explicitly grant them creative control. He explained that such influence generally occurs through conversations with promoters like Vince McMahon. Bischoff said,
“But to suggest from Matt’s perspective — at least the way I interpreted that, what you read to me? That John Cena was some kind of control freak and had power over people, and exercised it? Sure he did, just like anybody else that’s ever been in his position. You’re the top star. You get to vote, whether your contract says so or not. And guess what? You vote by having a conversation.”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
He clarified that Cena’s input was often based on business reasoning, including whether a finish or opponent would add value for WWE’s future. If Cena disagreed with a proposed path, it did not equate to exerting undue force, but rather reflected the input expected from a performer at his level. Bischoff continued,
“I’m sure Vince McMahon and John Cena had many conversations about finishes and opponents. And if John felt like he could get somebody over. It was from a business perspective, added value for WWE going forward? That would be one conversation. But if he didn’t feel it, didn’t see it, didn’t think he could make it work? That’s a different conversation. Doesn’t mean that he was imposing his will and forcing his way of life and his way of doing business on everybody else around him, like he’s some kind of evil character. John was doing what anybody in the business before him and since then has been doing, which is voicing his opinion and getting a vote whether he had a contract that says he could or not.”
—Eric Bischoff, WWE Hall of Famer
The Broader Implications of Superstar Input on WWE’s Creative Process
Bischoff’s comments shed light on the complex dynamics between WWE management and its top talent, highlighting that superstar influence is more informal and conversational rather than absolute creative control. His perspective suggests that while wrestlers like John Cena can affect their storylines and partnerships, this influence stems from their status and working relationships rather than outright power granted in contracts.
As WWE continues to evolve with new stars and shifting backstage policies, understanding the nuanced reality of superstar input is vital. Bischoff’s insights clarify that creative collaboration happens regularly, not just with Cena but across many top performers, shaping WWE programming in ways fans might not see behind the scenes.
