In the month of October, we're flipping the versions of Ask PWTorch that is on the www.PWTorch.com Website and the PWTorch App. During this month, "Ask PWTorch: All-Star Panel" will be a Website Exclusive, and "Ask PWTorch Staff" will be an App Exclusive.

As always, VIP MEMBERS (www.PWTorch.com/govip) have daily access to both versions of Ask PWTorch on BOTH the App and the Website.

So if you aren't a VIP member, and you want to continue reading the PWTorch Staff's version of "Ask PWTorch," be sure to visit our PWTorch App every day (it's a free download in every smart phone app store - Apple, Android, Windows Phone, Amazon Kindle, Samsung Smart Devices).

If you aren't familiar with the All-Star Panel version of "Ask PWTorch," it features a panel of people who have been active in the pro wrestling industry in a wide range of roles, supplemented by PWTorch contributors and PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell. For a full list of All-Stars, including an ex-WWE Creative Team member, authors, historians, a former World Champion wrestler, a mainstream media reporter/podcaster, an indy promoter, and more, scroll down after today's featured questions and answers for mini-bios on the full panel and contributor list.

It is time to gather around the All-Star Panel because the panel is about to panel…

===

PWTorch reader & VIP MEMBER Abdou from Chelmsford, England asks: How does Triple H compare to Randy Savage in terms of their overall careers? It's fair to say that by the time it's all said and done history books will be written to favor Hunter, but on an objective scale how do they compare? I think Triple H was in more money drawing events, but Randy had a more larger-than-life persona, way more charisma, and cut better promos. Randy was a better babyface and arguably a more respected worker for his era and also proved himself outside WWE. Triple H had a long career filled with good to great matches, more so than Randy. Neither of them was the no.1 guy for long stretches, but I favor Randy over Triple H because he was such a big part of the early WrestleMania years. I would love to hear your thoughts?

Brad Stutts (indy wrestling promoter, announcer, manager, show runner) answers: Lanny Poffo said this in a recent DVD interview about someone else but I feel it's 100 percent applicable here: "Randy was chosen BECAUSE he was special. (The other guy) was 'special' because he was chosen." To me there is no comparison. Savage had a vastly superior body of work and is practically a pop culture icon.

Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay - Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: I'm a Randy Savage guy! I think the Macho Man persona was one of the greatest in the history of the business. So on every chart, I have Savage ahead of Triple H. Was there lots of Savage that I wasn't a fan of in WCW? Sure. But in his heyday, Macho Man was the best!

Justin Credible (current IWE Champion, former ECW World Champion, former WWF wrestler in the 1990s & 2000s, www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: I think Triple H drew more money, because of the years he spent on top. That attitude era money was crazy, but Savage is a much more Iconic personality in the business. The thing is Triple H isn't done. I think by the time he is off TV it will be an open and shut case, in favor of Triple H.

===

PWTorch reader Ruben Jay asks: Should people be calling the WWE COO by "Triple H"? I've always thought that on camera, as the COO, people should refer to Triple H as Hunter. What do you think? Triple H? Hunter? Or Paul Levesque?

John Piermarini (ex-WWE Creative Team member 2009-2010, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: In the world of the WWE Paul Levesque plays a character named Triple H. Triple H worked his way into power so he's still Triple H.

Justin Credible (current IWE Champion, former ECW World Champion, former WWF wrestler in the 1990s & 2000s, www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: Triple H is the name they are told to use when addressing him. WWE is very careful with their wording. I'm sure he is not called Triple H in the back. Most call him Hunter. Branding, branding, branding.

Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay - Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: I don't think it matters. The guy has 10 names and 30 nicknames and we still figure out that it's him.

===

EDITOR'S NOTE: There are TWO new versions of "Ask PWTorch" every day. The original "Ask PWTorch Staff" feature is now exclusive on our PWTorch App, available for free in every smart device app store. Just search "pwtorch." As a VIP member, you can access both versions of Ask PWTorch on the VIP website, also (www.PWTorch.com/govip). Many of these topics in "Ask PWTorch - All-Star Panel" are also addressed by the experienced expert Torch staff ever day including PWTorch editor Wade Keller.

===

PWTorch reader & VIP MEMBER Kevin B. asks: Do you think the squash match format could work today? Maybe they could gradually incorporate it intro Raw? If Raw consisted of squash matches, one or two main event type matches, and two talking segments/angles, what effect do you think it would have on the ratings?

PWTorch contributor Shawn Valentino answers: Thank you for your question Kevin. I absolutely think that squash matches would work today. If you think about it, most of these battles between "superstars" we see weekly are essentially meaningless forgettable bouts that the announcers treat with no level of importance anyway. If some of these matches were replaced by squashes where a star wrestler faces a nameless jobber and shows off his entrance and finishing moves, I do not think there will be any dip in business, and it will preserve the value of matches between two big names.

This could lead to a ripple effect that if done properly should result in championship matches, including the mid-card titles, would mean so much more. Additionally, it could rebuild dream matches and the idea that a fight between two stars is something truly special. I grew up in an era where nearly every match on television was a squash, and I am not advocating the return to that, but if these matches are systematically inserted into their programming, it could result in a better product in the long run.

Additionally, it creates the possibility of a star-making moment when a jobber finally wins a match. I believe that WWE should experiment by slowly adding one or two squash matches to their weekly shows. I believe some of their young stars like the Wyatts and the Shield would greatly benefit to showcase their skills against jobbers. WWE needs to become more disciplined in utilizing their valuable television time, and squashes can become a valuable part of that transition.

PWTorch contributor Benjamin Tucker answers: Sadly, I don't think squash matches really have a place on Raw anymore. The issue lies in the fact that the viewer is expected to sit through a full three hour show every week. That's 1/8 of your entire day! It's so long that the squash matches will be regarded more as filler that can be skipped. If there was an hour long show where the viewer didn't have to dedicate so much time to one program, then maybe they'd feel more compelled to watch it. That being said, the average wrestling watcher has been subjected to all-star cards every week. Would they be willing to view multiple squash matches week after week? At least in the short term (and especially in this instant gratification society), I assert "No."

PWTorch contributor Jimmy Eaton answers: Hi Kevin, great question. I actually always thought it could work today and have mentioned it previously in columns, podcasts, etc. I don't see that being the case for a number of reasons, though. First, I don't think today's fans would be able to get as invested. It's at least less likely. This leads me to my second point where they would have to, in my opinion, modify how all matches are structured because we get squash matches at times now, but they're basically two minute long "matches." I do miss the days of true squash matches and while it's not impossible, the pacing today makes it unlikely to happen again. Ryback was a pleasant exception more recently and, if it were to work today, that's the initial blue print to use.

PWTorch contributor Michael Cupach answers: Squash matches seem to work for debuting wrestlers. Ryback, Brodus Clay, and The Wyatts seemed to benefit from squash matches, Ryback more than the others. I think if Raw was still at two hours it might work, but with three hours the crowd is worn out and not willing to sit through 50/50 back and forth matches, I don’t think they would sit through two hours of squashes and interviews just to get to main event matches. So I would say that today on a three hour Raw, it would kill the ratings.

PWTorch contributor Jon Mezzera answers: I certainly think more squash matches could be incorporated into Raw with a mix of some other longer matches as you suggest. An all squash format like Superstars or Challenge in the '80s would not work. WWE has come too far the other way to go all the way back to that, plus those shows were only an hour. Three hours of mostly squash matches, two talking segments, and only two longer matches doesn't seem like a great way to go. I think that would be way too many squashes in one show. It seems to me that Raw being three hours hurts a lot of otherwise good ideas. Of course, from a business stand point, making fans pay to see more of the biggest matches on PPV makes sense. However, from a fans' prospective, why not just watch more longer higher quality "PPV" worthy matches for free? That way you aren't as compelled to buy a PPV and waste your money on the effort that they have put forth the last few months.

===

PWTorch reader Randy Boone of Kunkletown, Pa. asks: Awesome job with the entire Torch production, as always. Just a quick question: I understand why WWE tracks PPV buys (consumers directly purchasing the product) and TV ratings (ammunition to use with networks and sponsors). What is the significance of social media activity numbers? If RAW's social media activity goes through the roof for a stretch of a couple months, how does WWE monetize that, directly or indirectly?

PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell replies: I separate WWE tracking social media activity from monetizing their social media activity. First, the tracking aspect. Trendrr.TV offers a ridiculous (in a good way) number of metrics for any given TV show tracking what trends within a show, what people talk about during a given minute, and any other social media trends a company wants them to pull. So, this allows WWE to look inside a Raw or Smackdown episode to see what connects with another "focus group" beyond TV viewers and the in-person audience.

The monetization aspect has always been the big question. Twitter could create a system where if, say, WWE gets x-number of people to click on a promoted link, then WWE would generate x-dollars directly from Twitter. But, I think what most people have seen as the best model is using social media to make money in-house. In WWE's case, it would be getting their Twitter followers to click on a WWE.com story that takes them to WWE's website, which produces ad revenue for WWE. So, it's using a direct connection to their Twitter followers to generate website revenue.

===

PWTorch reader Xavier from Illinois asks: It's pretty obvious that not all of the clips that WWE shows in their "Don't Try This at Home" PSA's are of legitimate injuries. Some of them are of routine bumps and sells added for dramatic effect. Do you think that in order to hammer home the point that you shouldn't try this at home and legitimate injuries can occur, shouldn't they be focusing on real injuries that wrestlers have sustained?

Justin Credible (current IWE Champion, former ECW World Champion, former WWF wrestler in the 1990s & 2000s, www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: I think they have too. This way it shows that even though we are pros we frequently get hurt. I here were your coming from, but its important too show what does happen in order to get the point across.

Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay - Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: No, show the most graphic thing possible to drive home the seriousness.

===

(Send questions for a future Ask PWTorch to: askpwtorch@gmail.com. If you have a particular person on the All-Star Panel you'd in particular like to direct your question to, include that in the subject line, but multiple panelists may also answer.)

In case you are new to this feature, let me introduce you to our All-Star Panel…

EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION: By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

Thanks to Pat McNeill and Anthony Jeselnik for the name of this feature. Just as "CSI" spawned "CSI: Miami," "Ask PWTorch" spawned "Ask PWTorch: All-Star Panel." Only without David Caruso. In any case, we are excited to present to you a new cast for the Ask PWTorch spinoff, which is available exclusively on the PWTorch App (or, for VIP members, on the VIP website too). You are reading this, so you are either a VIP member or have already downloaded the free PWTorch App on your phone or tablet. If you aren't a VIP member, why not? With VIP membership, you gain full access to both Ask PWTorch features on all devices you use to visit PWTorch - our App and our Website.

The "Ask PWTorch All-Star Panel" edition is scheduled to be published first thing in the morning (although not necessarily every single day, like the afternoon website-based Ask PWTorch is; we'll see about that as we move forward). It will feature an entirely different panel of experts and analysts than the afternoon Ask PWTorch does. We have assembled a wide range of contributors, which may expand or change over time, with the goal being to give PWTorch readers new perspectives from people who have particular areas of expertise. Along with our All-Stars from outside of PWTorch, several of our PWTorch contributors (but not the main staff who contribute to the website-based original Ask PWTorch!… you will be quizzed on all of this, so take notes) will also be regularly contributing, especially to current-events-related questions.

Let me introduce you to our panel…

Justin Credible: Current pro wrestler and former ECW Champion and longtime WWE wrestler in the 1990s and 2000s, Justin Credible (P.J. Polaco) currently is the IWE Champion. He travels as indy champion from Maine to Mexico with the title. He posts new Wrestling 101 YouTube videos at www.TheJustinCredible.com or on YouTube at his YouTube Channel.

John Piermarini: Ex-WWE Creative Team member who will provide a behind-the-scenes perspective from his years working for WWE including alongside Vince McMahon, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and John Cena. He has been a frequent PWTorch Livecast guest and was the subject of a comprehensive five-hour Torch Talk interview several years ago about his experience with WWE for most of 2009-2010.

Greg Oliver: SLAM! Wrestling reporter and wrestling book author (and hockey book author), Greg will provide a Canadian perspective on many wrestling topics. If you are a fan from Canada or have Canadian-related wrestling questions, Greg can help you. He is a wrestling historian who published a wrestling newsletter during the boom period of insider wrestling newsletters starting in the late 1980s. We were pen pals in the early 1990s and first met at a 1989 wrestling convention in Chicago run by Jon Gallagher of the Wrestling Forum (the first insider wrestling newsletter I ever received in the mail in early 1987).

George Schire: Author of "Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling," former Pro Wrestling Focus radio cohost with me in the early 1990s on KFAN, former contributor of history pieces to the PWTorch Newsletter, and multi-time guest on PWTorch Livecast "Interview Friday," he will be providing a historical perspective to Ask PWTorch.

Johnny Fairplay: Reality Star and Wrestling Manager, perhaps best known as Pat McNeill's Regis Philbin. He was an old neighbor of PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell who watched PPVs at his house long before he became a contestant on Survivor twice. He has been on many reality TV shows, the PWTorch Livecast numerous times, and follows wrestling very closely. You can read more about him on Wikipedia.

Brian Fritz: Host of the long-running "Between the Ropes" podcast, and now working for Yahoo! Sports radio, he also has been a guest on the PWTorch Livecast (and I've been a guest on his podcast), he brings years of reporting on wrestling including on-site interviews with wrestlers at major press events over the years. He follows today's wrestling and will provide his perspective and take on your questions.

Mick Karch: An early PWTorch Newsletter columnist over 20 years ago, Mick has been an announcer for virtually every national wrestling promotion other than the WWF, WCW, and TNA in the last 25 years. He currently works as an announcer on Minnesota indy wrestling shows. He got his start in wrestling running the Nick Bockwinkel Fan Club in the 1970s and is known for his sense of humor, strong opinions, and tremendous insight into wrestling's past dating back many decades, but he also watches today's wrestling regularly and can provide valuable perspective as a result of that span of time following and participating in the industry.

Brad Stutts: He has worked behind the scenes in wrestling in many roles, including taking jackets to the back, setting up and tearing down rings, running websites for indy promoters, running lights and music at live events, and performing as a manager, announcer, wrestler, and promoter. He currently is the lead announcer for CWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling in North Carolina.

Current PWTorch Contributors: A mix of current PWTorch contributors will provide their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Michael Cupach, Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Jon Mezzera, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, and Mike Roe.

Plus, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell will help coordinate and publish this feature regularly, while also contributing exclusively to this version of Ask PWTorch.

You can send your questions for the All-Star Panel to the same address as always: askpwtorch@gmail.com. We will make sure they are directed to the appropriate panelist for potential inclusion in a published Ask PWTorch feature here on the PWTorch App or VIP Website. You may see your question asked in both versions of Ask PWTorch (the Afternoon original website-exclusive version and app-exclusive All-Stars version) so check both versions. Different groups of panelists may tackle your question on different days, so keep checking back. Because they all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences as both fans and working in some capacity in the business or covering it for the Torch, you're going to get some strong specific points of view from them.

We suggest these recent related articles...

ASK THE SPECIALISTS ROUNDTABLE: Who will be WWE's Next Top Star?

SATURDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 4/11: How should WWE cater to Texas at WM32? Does WWE using Sting and Hogan add to chances more TNA wrestlers are hired? Do NXT gimmick wrestlers have a chance? Is El Generico really Sami Zayn?

THURSDAY’S ASK PWTORCH ALL-STARS 4/9: Are El Generico & Sami Zayn the same person? Next MITB cash-in for IC or U.S. belt? What match do you show non-fans so they get it? Why don’t heel teams cheat?