In a notable turn of events, WWE Hall of Famer and former WCW President Eric Bischoff has expressed praise for AEW’s recent decision to air multiple weeks of programming from Philadelphia’s iconic 2300 Arena, historically known as the spiritual home of ECW. Despite Bischoff’s long-standing criticisms of AEW’s booking and management, his recent comments highlight a rare moment of professional respect for AEW’s business acumen and nostalgic positioning[1][4][5].

During a recent episode of his acclaimed podcast 83 Weeks, Bischoff analyzed AEW’s late-August 2025 choice to broadcast three episodes each of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision, plus ROH’s Death Before Dishonor event, all from the legendary 2300 Arena. Known for its gritty, hardcore wrestling heritage, the venue carries immense nostalgic weight among wrestling fans. Bischoff acknowledged AEW’s savvy in leveraging this historical emotional connection while emphasizing the practical benefits of residency-based tapings[2][3].

“I think it’s probably a smart move for AEW, for a couple of reasons,” Bischoff remarked. First, he noted the promotional advantage of tapping into the nostalgia associated with the venue’s ECW legacy. This can resonate deeply with longtime wrestling fans who view the arena as sacred ground[2][4]. More crucially from a business perspective, Bischoff highlighted the production and cost efficiencies gained by not transporting the entire show setup around the country weekly. This stability reduces logistical expenses and streamlines operations—a move he described as prudent and smart[1][2][4].

However, Bischoff also cautioned that the move has risks. The legacy of ECW casts a long shadow, and fans might set high expectations comparing AEW’s product to ECW’s iconic, hardcore style. Bischoff posited that AEW must walk a careful line to either meet or exceed these expectations, warning, “If you can meet or exceed their expectations—if they’re kind of expecting an ECW version of AEW… it can be great, but it can also backfire”[1][3][4].

Sources close to AEW confirm that the company views the residency as both a nod to wrestling heritage and a savvy cost-saving strategy. An insider told Fightful: “AEW is aiming to create a unique atmosphere for their Philadelphia shows, understanding the emotional connection fans have with 2300 Arena, while also ensuring the business side is protected through consolidated production efforts.”

The choice to run multiple tapings at the 2300 Arena is part of a broader industry trend where promotions seek to establish stronger roots in venues rich with wrestling history. It also adds an experiential layer for rosters and audiences alike, some of whom may be attending or watching from a place with deep cultural significance in pro wrestling.

Bischoff’s reflections showcase his seasoned understanding of wrestling politics and business strategy. Despite his earlier frustrations with AEW’s creative direction and Tony Khan’s booking decisions, this endorsement signals recognition of intelligent operational moves, especially amidst a challenging and competitive wrestling marketplace[4].

Wrestling journalist reports from WWE.com, PWMania, and WrestlingNews.co similarly underscore Bischoff’s nuanced take on the residency: praising the strategic foresight while acknowledging the high stakes tied to the arena’s legacy[2][5]. For AEW, the stakes include not only live audience engagement but also television viewers who associate the 2300 Arena with the hardcore and boundary-pushing style emblematic of ECW’s heyday.

As AEW’s programming continues from the 2300 Arena through September 2025, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if the residency generates the intended buzz and financial benefit. Bischoff’s closing words about the move—“proof is in the pudding”—highlight the ever-present uncertainty in wrestling decisions, where both business and fan perception must align to define success[1][3].

For now, AEW’s Philadelphia residency stands as a bold and calculated business move praised by an unexpected industry veteran, blending nostalgia with efficiency and placing the promotion in a position to potentially redefine its weekly presentation in one of wrestling’s most storied venues.

Reported sources: Episodes of Eric Bischoff’s “83 Weeks” podcast, WrestlingInc, PWMania, WrestlingNews.co, Fightful, WWE.com