Torch Newsletter #767 (cover-dated July 18, 2003) has just been added to the Torch VIP Archives. VIP members can access the complete Torch Back issue by clicking here, or just click on the VIP Torch Archives button in the upper right cover of this webpage, then go to "Torch Newsletter Back Issues 2003" for a list of all 2003 back issues since the beginning of the year.

You can read this back issue online in two ways: either as text on a web browser or as a PDF (which is also printable) so you can see the news and features as they were originally formatted and featured - a new feature for select PWTorch Newsletters.



This issue begins with a cover story on WWE's lack of attention to detail regarding the Kane transformation storyline... The WWF Newswire includes Bret Hart commenting on the Montreal Screwjob... TNA Newswire details the rise of Scott D'Amore as a backstage influence in TNA... Jason Powell's "On Topic" headlines: The wrestling industry could use a hero, but Piper isn't it... Pat McNeill's "McNeill Factor" examines how wrestling promotions play with fire when they interact with fans in new ways... Part five of the Mick Foley "Torch Talk" includes a discussion of Hell in the Cell's bumps and what he'd change to inject some new life into pro wrestling... Bruce Mitchell's "Memo" looks at Jim Cornette's OVW booking... James Guttman's column debuts with a look at General Manager moments - good and bad - over the course of one year... Plus the TNA PPV Report and Roundtable, Torch Newswire, Live Event Results, 1993 Backtracks, Wade Keller's End Notes, Raw & Smackdown Reports, and more...

ORIGINAL PREVIEW

-COVER STORY: Wade Keller's look at the Kane situation and how this storyline might pay off in the short run, but the way they've gone about it will hurt then in the long run.

-TOP FIVE STORIES OF THE WEEK: Keller's analysis of this week's biggest five happenings.

-WWE NEWSWIRE: All of the insider news that we've dug up from our sources over the past week plus summaries and additional insight into some of the bigger well-known news items of the week.

-TNA NEWSWIRE: All the latest insider news from NWA-TNA, by far the most insider weekly look at the promotion you'll find anywhere.

-ETC. NEWSWIRE: Other interesting tidbits from around the world.

-TORCH TALK: Part five of our 100 minute exclusive one-on-one with Mick Foley includes Foley adding his list to big names (Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin) who are against the heavily scripted nature of today's WWE programming.

-ON TOPIC: Jason Powell's case for why pro wrestling may need a hero, but as opposed to what Bruce Mitchell asserted last week, Roddy Piper isn't it.

-MCNEILL FACTOR: Pat McNeill's look at how promotions are playing a dangerous game when they let fans dictate the direction of certain elements of wrestling.

-JAMES GUTTMAN: James Guttman, author of the acclaimed Raw "alt perspective" reports and "Insult to Injury" Lounge column, makes his newsletter debut with a feature-length column evaluating the first year of the General Manager role on Smackdown and Raw.

-MITCHELL MEMO: Bruce Mitchell's look at how one of the best booked angles on wrestling this year has involved one of the worst tag teams in WWE.

-END NOTES: Wade Keller's "Random Thoughts" on Zach Gowen, Kane, Johnathan Coachman, Triple H, and Goldberg.

-PLUS: Full rundowns of the TNA's PPV and Torch Roundtable reviews of the event... A rundown of the biggest live events of the past week... A summary of the major WWE TV shows... The handy upcoming events schedule... Two 10 Years Ago This Week "Backtrack" features...

The VIP section adds two new complete Torch Newsletter back issues on average every week to the Torch VIP Archives section - one from ten years ago this week and another from five years ago this week. The back issues catch you up on insider stories and controversial commentaries at a very different time in the wrestling industry. Learn how we got to where we are today one week at a time as a VIP member! Sign up today and catch up on all of the back issues from 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 now available, with new ones being added on average twice every week.

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