PWTorch.com - TUESDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 1/6: How about Undertaker wins the Rumble & avenges loss to Lesnar at WM31? Can New Japan become no. 2 in U.S.? What is in store for TNA in 2015? Why does that fan always get front row seats?

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TUESDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 1/6: How about Undertaker wins the Rumble & avenges loss to Lesnar at WM31? Can New Japan become no. 2 in U.S.? What is in store for TNA in 2015? Why does that fan always get front row seats?

Jan 6, 2015 - 9:29:53 PM

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Pro Wrestling Torch was established in 1987 by Wade Keller. One of the primary traits PWTorch has been credited with over the years is assembling the best and most diverse staff of columnists with broad knowledge, but also areas of specialty where they have a particularly strong grasp of history. Every day PWTorch.com presents that team of writers answering your questions, some of which are fact-based and others of which are opinion-based. Either way, we've got you covered with Bruce Mitchell, Pat McNeill, Sean Radican, Greg Parks, James Caldwell, and Wade Keller. Collectively they have over 80 years working for the Torch, writing about wrestling and studying industry history and trends.

If you have a question you'd like us to respond to, send your question to askpwtorch@gmail.com. I, along with the Torch staff, will address you questions in this feature and also the “Ask PWTorch: All-Star Panel” edition which is also published most days here at PWTorch.

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PWTorch reader Forrest M. asks: Jeff Jarrett's involvement with New Japan opened up my thought to watching Wrestle Kingdom 9, and I was very excited to be getting the PPV (it was my first New Japan PPV). Adding Jim Ross was just icing on the cake. So I would like to thank Jarrett and Global Force Wrestling for finally getting me to order a New Japan PPV. However, I think New Japan will be the big winner in this as Jarrett is marketing a superior wrestling product (or so it seems) to the U.S. audience. It got me wondering, with New Japan getting their own Network and now this big PPV, could New Japan eventually become the no. 2 wrestling promotion in the U.S.?

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: There are many hurdles New Japan has to clear before they can become a viable no. 2 promotion in the United States (without even touring in the country, by the way). But then, in recent memory, there's never been a more wide-open battle for that no. 2 spot behind WWE with TNA, Lucha Underground, ROH, and now New Japan all jockeying for that spot.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: They will become “no. 2” if they start drawing better PPV buys than ROH and TNA, plus either get a national TV clearance in the U.S. or find a way to draw thousands of fans on tours featuring their stop Japanese and non-Japanese (including U.S.) wrestlers. It’s metrics. Either way, they’re a long, long way from being anything but a very distant no. 2. Could they eventually become a true competitor to WWE that made WWE take notice? Yes, especially if they launch an English-language streaming service and compete with WWE Network itself. That, again, would be years away and several stages of growth away. But it’s possible, especially since they really do offer a true compelling alternative to the WWE style.

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PWTorch reader Forrest M. asks: I'm happy to see that TNA will be on Friday nights now and I really hope they do become an alternative to WWE rather than a weak copy of WWE. Does TNA have the proper people in place to make that change? I see moving to Destination America as a step backwards and it will take a huge effort to become an actual number 2. Or do you think this is just TNA prolonging their inevitable demise?

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: I'll be as diplomatic as I can with this answer. I've seen nothing from the current regime that makes me think TNA will suddenly get the ship righted in the near future.

PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers: I don't know, but TNA starts their new phase with what figures to be significantly fewer viewers than Ring of Honor Wrestling on Sinclair. Are the right people in place to change that? Based on past performance, there is no evidence to suggest that they do.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: The move to Destination America is a step backward in terms of national clearances (about a 40 percent drop compared to Spike). They are now a relative big fish in a smaller pond, and I suspect it feels good to be wanted again. The deal they signed with Destination America gives them some stability they didn’t have when they weren’t sure what their TV future was. As long as they budget accordingly, and hit a certain viewership threshold, they’ll be around. In order to really grow, though, they need to do something substantially different than they were on Spike with Impact Wrestling, and we’ll find out tomorrow night if they are moving in a new direction to try to grow or if they’re content to stay in their comfort zone and “hope for the best.”

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PWTorch reader Ben from Brooklyn, N.Y. asks: Thanks for this forum guys, great to get to see some have the same questions I may have. My question/concern is if there is any type of plot significance for the gentleman I see so frequently at WWE Raw and the premium monthly shows who sits at ringside wearing a camo shirt? At TLC, for instance, he was seated in middle of camera view, although he usually has aisle seating at the entrance. Just curious how one person seems to be able to get such choice seating every time. Thanks.

PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers: I have no idea. I'm guessing he has a connection to purchase those tickets since he goes so frequently.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: There are a number of fans who get primo seats to WWE TV shows around the country. Some know people in the company, others are just really dedicated fans. As for plot significance, I doubt it has anything to do with storylines.

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PWTorch reader Mike S. asks: What do you think of a scenario of The Undertaker being a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, winning, then getting the opportunity to avenge his loss at WrestleMania in a title match against Lesnar? It would be an incredible final match to cap his career, especially if he were to win then retire.

PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers: There are three major problems with this. One is that Undertaker was so physically limited last year at WrestleMania 30 that he had, even with a year's rest and training, a poor performance. He'll be a year older at WrestleMania 31. Second is that Undertaker is, at best a once-a-year special attraction, would either have to get immediately beaten for the WWE Title or give it up for a tournament, both of which would weaken the title for a time. Third is that this scenario would derail the year-long plus plan to establish Roman Reigns as the much-needed next new face of the company.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: Last year's match against Lesnar was not really that good (granted, a mid-match Taker concussion played a part), so I'm not sure a rematch would be so wise. Especially having Taker go for the title. I'm not really keen on that idea.

PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers: No, no, no, and no! That would effectively kill the meaning of Lesnar beating the streak and there would be so much collateral damage if Undertaker won the title and then walk away. Also, let's not forget Undertaker is in bad shape and might not even have one match in him. I just think this is an awful idea all around.

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