BLOG 12/12/2007
Merry Christmas!  
It’s been a while.

I’ve tried to sit down and write a blog several times over the last few months, but honestly haven’t been inspired to do so.

Its not that I haven’t been interested in politics, business, or other current events, its just that I haven’t been inspired by anything that is happening in the sports entertainment business for quite a while. And that’s what most of you log on to this blog to read.

I do have a favor to ask of all of you, but I will save that until the end of this blog.

This past Monday night, I had the opportunity to be a part of the 15th anniversary of Monday Night Raw on the USA Network. I got a call about two weeks ago and was asked if I would be interested and available to do the show. My first reaction was to pass, as I have not been home for more that 36 hours since well before Thanksgiving. With several shows in production, two major licensing projects that are eating up 12 or 14 hours a day, I wasn’t looking forward to an un-scheduled trip from Los Angeles to Bridgeport Ct. But I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to see some friends, and be a part of a great show.

It was also a refreshing change as I was only coming in for a “one nighter” and I knew I would have a chance to be much less scripted than normal. I love the flexibility and freedom to read the crowd and improvise a performance as opposed to a hard scripted segment. Chris Jericho is a great performer, and I was really glad to have a chance to work with him. I had a blast doing the segment and was glad I still have the chops to piss off the audience!

I also had an opportunity to spend some time with RVD and Hulk Hogan on a private jet from L.A. to Ct. As most of you know, Hulk has been taping the first 8 episodes of the new “American Gladiator” series on NBC. Monday was his only day off, and he had to be back on set early Tuesday morning. The only way to accomplish that was via private charter to and from L.A. As both Rob and I were coming in from L.A., we all ended up on the same jet.

While I’ve known Rob for more than ten years, this trip was the first time I had an opportunity to have a real non-business conversation with Rob. Rob is a very positive and motivating person, and it was really interesting to realize how much Rob, Hulk, and I have in common on a personal level.
It was great stepping out in front of a live audience again, and I am glad I made the decision to be a part of Raw.

So now for the favor.

As our children have gotten older, my wife Loree and I have been talking about ways to bring some of the “magic” back to the holiday season. Our family has been blessed over the years to be able to enjoy all the things that most people associate with the Christmas holiday. But as time has passed, we have realized that there was something missing. After much discussion, our daughter and my wife came up with a great idea.

Through the Salvation Army, our family has adopted a family in need and we intend to help make this a very special Christmas for them. Our adopted family is Mary Villela, a grandmother who has seven grandchildren living with her and could really use some help.

I would like to ask you to send a gift, suitable for children between the ages of 8 and 14 (boys or girls) or a cashiers check/money order (no personal checks please) made out to: Mary Villela Please send your presents to P.O. Box 4543 Cave Creek, Arizona 85327

The Bischoff family is going to donate the money we would normally spend on gifts for each other and help the Villela family experience a Christmas they won’t forget. I ask you to join our family over the Christmas holiday , and be a part of someting special. We will deliver our presents on Christmas Eve (and have been assured that there will be a table-full of Cristmas tamales to share!)

Please help us make this extra special.

Merry Christmas!

E