By Wade Keller, Torch editor

Billy Taylor of Chandler, Ariz. asks: How many wrestlers in WWE read the internet wrestling websites often? I think Vince said a while back that he doesn't want bookers or wrestlers reading the net cause it's too negative, but how many actually do? As far as internet rumors and spoilers, why would people within the industry (be it wrestlers or other insiders) leak out information on feuds and storylines early when it hurts business for people to know ahead of time what the plans are for future programming?

WK: I would guess, based on experience over the years dealing with wrestlers, that around 65-75 percent occasionally or often visit Internet websites. There are around a third to a fourth who just go by word of mouth and are otherwise preoccupied with family life and non-wrestling matters during their off time. Many wrestlers, though, pay close attention to how they are written about.

As for how information gets out, it can happen many ways. Some of us talk to friends of ours in the promotions, be it wrestlers or otherwise, who run down ideas looking for feedback or reaction. Sometimes one wrestler tells another wrestler what is planned for him, and then that wrestler tells another wrestler not in that promotion but working the indy scene, and then he spreads the word. Sometimes wives who are into their husband's character talk to people about what they've heard. WWE typically tried to tell wrestlers only a on "need to know" basis what the long-term plans are for their character. I've always asked people I talk to who are privy to future storyline twists to only tell me if there's a good reason, because my preference is not to know the outcomes ahead of time. For instance, I think a movie reviewer would be able to give a better review of a movie if he didn't read the script or hear the "surprise twist" at the end ahead of time. That said, sometimes outcomes are predictable, but that makes a great match no less exciting or a well executed turn or angle no less entertaining.

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Joshua Autry asks: My dream to write television for a major wrestling promotion. Can you give me pointers on how to get my scripts looked at?

WK: There are very few writing positions in wrestling, and lot of wrestling fans who would like them. Many WWE writers have been hired because of their experience in Hollywood contributing to the writing of other TV shows. Stephanie McMahon has pushed WWE more toward bringing in non-wrestling people who she believes can be "quick studies" regarding how the industry works and then utilize their "outside the box" ideas when it comes to scripting TV shows. TNA's writing team has a mix of people with various backgrounds, but all got involved due to previous experience in wrestling and connections resulting from that. It's not really feasible to submit a script to either promotion. The key is to apply for a job and hope that your resume impresses them. The other approach is to get your foot in the door as a referee or producer or cameraman or ticket taker with any promotion, earn the respect of wrestlers and promoters who have more experience than you, and hope they get a job in one of the big groups and then hope they bring you as an assistant.

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Mark of Boston, Mass. asks: Is there any chance of Hogan vs. Austin match at WM22, since Hogan did call out the rattle snake a few months back? I ask because the line up is not looking good and worth the money.

WK: There's always a chance that could be added if Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin are offered enough money and a satisfactory finish to the match that both can agree on. The problem is, as of last word Austin was still fuming over how WWE treated his good friend Jim Ross and how he was positioned to work against Coach on a PPV without any consideration given toward how he'd feel about it, in effect, being the storyline reason Ross lost his job. Hogan would gladly wrestle Austin, since Hogan would love to have a pinfall win over Austin on his resume. Austin, though, has told friends that he will not, under any circumstances, job to Hogan. Hogan won't job to Austin, either. That puts Vince McMahon in a tough position. In a Keller VIP Audio Update last month, I suggested a potential finish for the match, which would entail Hogan and Austin wrestling each other, getting in their key moves, and each looking strong by kicking out. Then having two top heels who had an issue with one or both of them (perhaps heels from their past who themselves are also retired) attack them during the match, leading to an impromptu tag match with Hogan & Austin as a "dream team" beating up the two heels, and scoring simultaneous pins on the heels after a legdrop and a Stunner. That way, neither would outshine the other, and they could end by posing together - Hogan flexing and Austin drinking beers. Some fans might be upset with the non-finish, but if the match weren't built around "settling a grudge" between them, but more around "the spectacle of seeing them in the ring together," fans might feel less cheated. That finish would also prevent either Hogan fans or Austin fans from feeling bad about their favorite losing. Although Hogan and Austin aren't close at all, they might be willing to go with that scenario.

Note: A recent Ask the Torch question noted that Byte This has been cancelled. While it was off WWE.com's menu for a while, and the most recent edition had been deleted from the archives, it has not been cancelled.

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Background on Torch editor Wade Keller: Torch editor Wade Keller founded Pro Wrestling Torch in September 1987. He has been interviewed as a wrestling expert by dozens of TV and radio stations across the country; he has also been quoted in dozens of major newspapers and magazines across the world. Media entities that have featured Keller in stories covering wrestling include National Public Radio, Fox News Channel, ESPN Magazine, the New York Post, Entertainment Weekly, the All-News Channel, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He also hosted his own weekly two hour wrestling talk show on KFAN sport radio in the '90s. Over the past 17 years Keller has also interviewed, one-on-one, wrestling's top names for in-depth "Torch Talks" and feature articles including powerbrokers such as Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff, Jerry Jarrett, Bill Watts, Jim Cornette, Jim Crockett, Jim Herd, Paul Heyman, Ed Ferrara, Terry Taylor, Kevin Sullivan, Jim Ross, and Vince Russo; top wrestling stars such as The Rock, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Matt & Jeff Hardy, Rick Steamboat, Jerry Lawler, Bill Goldberg, British Bulldog, Road Warrior Hawk, Jesse Ventura, and Hulk Hogan; and legends such as Lou Thesz, Gordon Solie, Bruno Sammartino, Roy Shires, Terry Funk, and Verne Gagne. He is also host of the nationally distributed Ultimate Insiders DVD series.

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