WWE’s $50,000 Makeup Investment: Eric Bischoff Reveals Costly Details Behind Iconic Wedding Segment

One Big Thing

Former WWE RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff revealed that WWE invested approximately $50,000 in prosthetics and makeup for his priest disguise during the memorable Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo wedding segment in 2003.

Behind The Scenes

• Two professional makeup artists flew from Los Angeles for a three-day commitment
• Bischoff underwent a special fitting and molding session in LA a month before the event
• The segment was written by then-WWE writer Brian Gewirtz

Key Quote

“They had to spend $50 grand on that s**t. They flew two makeup artists out from LA for three days to put the makeup on and take the makeup off. It cost a fortune,” Bischoff revealed on his “83 Weeks” podcast.

Why It Matters

This revelation showcases WWE’s willingness to invest heavily in production value during the Ruthless Aggression Era. The significant financial commitment to a single segment demonstrates the company’s dedication to creating memorable moments and maintaining kayfabe, even as wrestling was evolving in the early 2000s.

The Impact

• The segment remains one of the most memorable moments of Bischoff’s WWE run
• Highlights WWE’s production values during a pivotal era
• Demonstrates the lengths WWE would go to for storyline authenticity

Bischoff’s Perspective

“It was such a fun segment as a performer to do, and the payoff was so good. That will always be my favorite,” Bischoff reflected, emphasizing the segment’s significance in his career.

What do you think about WWE’s significant investment in production value for this segment? Was it worth the $50,000 price tag? Share your thoughts in the comments below!