Brian Gewirtz, a key figure in the WWE writing team during some of the company’s most iconic eras, recently shared insights into one of his favorite moments he penned, featuring none other than Eric Bischoff.
During a guest appearance on Bischoff’s “83 Weeks” podcast, Gewirtz took a nostalgic trip back to the fall of 2002. He highlighted the memorable commitment ceremony between Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo on “WWE SmackDown,” where Bischoff made a surprise appearance as the minister.
“I was definitely the writer of that segment,” Gewirtz confirmed. “I’m not even sure where the idea originated from, but it was one of my most favorite segments. Eric Bischoff disguised as an old man moderating or officiating the wedding or whatever it was … tearing off the makeup.”
The Big Reveal and Backstage Reactions
The segment was a masterclass in surprise and entertainment. Bischoff, disguised under layers of makeup as an elderly minister, played his role to perfection, convincing even the most seasoned WWE personnel. Gewirtz recounted an amusing backstage incident involving a former WWE stage manager, who was completely unaware of Bischoff’s true identity.
“She came up to me and was like, ‘Yeah, the guy you have as the priest keeps asking me for alcohol, do we need to do something?’ I’m like, ‘It’ll be okay,'” Gewirtz laughed, highlighting the authenticity of Bischoff’s portrayal.
Inspiration and Legacy
The success of this segment not only captivated the audience but also inspired future storylines. Gewirtz revealed that Bischoff’s unexpected reveal as the minister at Billy and Chuck’s commitment ceremony served as a creative spark for another memorable moment later that year. At the “Unforgiven” pay-per-view, Rikishi disguised himself as a woman to perform “hot lesbian action” with Stephanie McMahon, only to turn the tables on Bischoff and deliver a stink face, avenging the earlier disruption of Billy and Chuck’s ceremony.
Gewirtz’s recollection underscores the creativity and unpredictability that characterized WWE’s storytelling during that era. The blend of humor, shock value, and dramatic reveals became a hallmark of WWE programming, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
Reflecting on WWE’s Creative Process
Gewirtz’s anecdotes offer a glimpse into the intricate and often surprising creative process behind WWE’s segments. The commitment ceremony, in particular, exemplified the collaborative efforts of the writing team and performers to create unforgettable moments. The segment’s success hinged on the seamless execution of Bischoff’s disguise and the genuine reactions it elicited from both the audience and WWE staff.
The legacy of such segments extends beyond their initial airing, influencing future storylines and setting a benchmark for creative storytelling in wrestling. Gewirtz’s fond memories of the Billy and Chuck segment highlight the enduring impact of well-crafted narratives and the importance of innovation in maintaining WWE’s entertainment value.
The Magic of WWE Storytelling
For Gewirtz, the Billy and Chuck commitment ceremony remains a standout example of the magic that can be created in the wrestling world. It showcased the power of surprise, the value of dedicated performance, and the importance of clever writing. As WWE continues to evolve, the lessons from such segments serve as a reminder of the timeless appeal of well-executed drama and humor in sports entertainment.
The blend of reality and scripted drama, the unexpected twists, and the engaging characters all contribute to the unique allure of WWE. As Gewirtz and his fellow writers have demonstrated, the key to memorable wrestling moments lies in the perfect combination of creativity, performance, and audience engagement.
