WWE Hall Of Famer Thinks AEW Should Be More Worried About TNA Than WWE

A WWE Hall of Famer is impressed with TNA.

At NXT Battleground, Trick Williams did what was once unthinkable. With victory over Joe Hendry, he became the first WWE contracted star to become the TNA World Champion.

The title change sent shockwaves through the industry, but only served to highlight the closeness of the relationship between the two companies.

WWE has had a working relationship with TNA since early 2024, with the partnership becoming official in January 2025. During this period, several TNA stars have appeared in NXT, and Joe Hendry even wrestled Randy Orton at WrestleMania.

Eric Bischoff Shares Thoughts On WWE/TNA Partnership

On the latest edition of his 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff gave his thoughts on Trick Williams’ TNA World Championship win and the promotion’s wider partnership with WWE.

The former WCW boss backed the decision to make Williams champion, and even suggested that AEW would do well to keep an eye on TNA rather than trying to be competition to the sports entertainment giant.

“I think it’s cool, right? TNA appears to be gaining momentum and if I was AEW, I’d be much more concerned about TNA than I would be WWE because that’s your real competition.

And if you’re not careful AEW, you’re going to find instead of looking in your rearview mirror and see them coming up from behind you, you’re going to be watching them pass you by because they’re gaining steam.

And this kind of thing with “NXT” and even something as subtle as Shawn Michaels holding up the title, that’s a hell of an endorsement.”

Bischoff added that he wasn’t sure what TNA’s future looks like with Williams holding the company’s top championship, but he remained convinced that the partnership with WWE is working.

Trick Williams is set to defend the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana on the June 3 edition of NXT. Santana made a winning debut in NXT, defeating Tavion Heights on May 27 before confronting Williams, warning the new champion that his troubles were just beginning.

H/t to Wrestling Inc