WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff explains why Road Dogg couldn’t adapt to the TKO culture.
Speaking in a recent episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff discussed Road Dogg’s departure from his role as co-head writer of SmackDown in March 2026. He used the metaphor “square peg in a round hole” to describe how Road Dogg’s old-timer approach clashed with WWE’s current modern, corporate culture under TKO.
“I’ve never worked with him, so I absolutely have no idea [when asked to share his opinion about Road Dogg as a creative mind in wrestling]. Certainly know of him, so my opinion doesn’t really mean much,” Bischoff said. “Clearly out of place in the TKO version of WWE. Square peg, round hole, just never going to work. Culturally, from a business perspective, at least as it relates to in-ring storytelling and talent.”
Bischoff says Road Dogg failed to adapt to WWE’s new corporate culture
Bischoff further stated that even when a company and an individual are both highly successful on their own, they won’t work well together if their professional cultures and chemistry don’t align. He said that’s probably the case with Road Dogg and TKO’s version of WWE, and claimed that his inability to adapt was the main obstacle.
“It’s weird calling anybody old school, because I still remember when I was in my 30s and breaking into the business, listening to guys that were 70 talking about guys my age as being young punks, and the other guys as being old school. But that conversation’s always existed. But I think Road Dogg is old school.
“His perspective, his sensibilities, his creative instinct were all developed and learned through trial and error during a period of time that was so different than the period of time that we’re currently operating in. And I would say it’s fair to say that Road Dogg hasn’t been able to adapt.”
Eric Bischoff returned to WWE in 2019 as the Executive Director of SmackDown, replacing Road Dogg, who resigned as the brand’s head writer but remained with the promotion. Looking back, Bischoff noted that while the former D-Generation X member lacked chemistry with Vince McMahon at the time, his tenure after McMahon’s exit proved just as difficult because he struggled to fit into the company’s new corporate culture.
Road Dogg is reportedly expected at the TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view this Sunday amid rumors about his taking up a creative role with the promotion.
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