Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Live is reporting that the appointment of Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff as Executive Directors for Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live respectively didn't just catch fans and wrestlers off guard, it also surprised FOX.

Meltzer noted that FOX was totally unaware of this major change and had they had been kept in the loop on the changes they would have preferred Heyman in control of SmackDown instead of Bischoff. 

SmackDown is set to move to FOX in the fall and while details are still emerging it is likely Heyman was given the flagship brand because he has overseen SmackDown before and is being rewarded for his time with the company with control of the flagship brand.

Bischoff in charge of SmackDown would be viewed as the less controversial move given the history between WWE and WCW, also WWE is reportedly keen to tap into Bischoff's experience with television networks for their big move to FOX.

Both are expected to begin their roles imminently.