Torch Newsletter #786 (cover-dated November 29, 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 titled: WrestleMania XX approaching, an early look at potential matches... On Topic with Jason Powell: Bad Reception, Great Promos: A Stroll Down Memory Lane... McNeill Factor: Vegas Smackdown Politics and Cena's Ascension... Mitchell's Memo: The Ultimate Ric Flair Collection DVD - Liner Notes... Torch Talk with Sonjay Dutt, pt. 2: "I really can't go out there (for a match) without a plan"... End Notes with Wade Keller: Unscripted Reax... Plus Torch Newswire, the Top Five Stories, TV reports, Live Event Results, and more...



Original Torch Newsletter Preview:

This week, the entire 12 page edition of the Pro Wrestling Torch Weekly newsletter, packed with first-generation news, a "Torch Talk," and numerous exclusive features has been made available on-line to Torch VIP/Newsletter subscribers. Rather than having to wait until after the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend to receive the issue in the mail, every article has been made available on-line and is being read right now by Torch VIP/Newsletter subscribers.

This week's Torch Newsletter features Wade Keller's "Cover Story" looking at where WrestleMania XX stands right now and insider word on various matches that are planned and other surprising matches being talked about.

The WWE Newswire is packed with first-generation behind-the-scenes news including details on botched moves and botched finishes and why they happened and what the reaction was to them along with dozens of other exclusive new items. That is followed by the TNA Newswire and ETC. Newswire.

As usual, pages five, six, and seven feature full page feature columns by Torch editor Wade Keller, Torch assistant editor Jason Powell, and Torch columnist Pat McNeill. Keller's column looks at how various high-profile bookers would have "altered" this week's Raw if they were given the freedom to do so by Vince McMahon. It's a team effort, with various bookers of recent years taking turns putting their own special touch on each of the segments. McNeill looks at John Cena's rise to a top Smackdown babyface and looks to history for indications of whether it will work. Powell takes a stroll down memory lane and reviews recent Classic Wrestling PPVs on cable.

Bruce Mitchell stops by with his week "Mitchell's Memo" featuring exclusive "Liner Notes" on the Ric Flair DVD - part one in a series. Mitchell provides insight and background into key segments and matches on the Flair DVD, giving the behind-the-scenes story on what was really going on at the time.

Part two of our "Torch Talk with Sonjay Dutt" features a fascinating first-hand account of what it's like for one of today's top young indy standout to build a career. He goes behind the scenes into the locker room, talks about conflicting advice from veterans, and how he plans his matches with opponents using different approaches and styles.

Plus Wade Keller's "End Notes" featuring a review of the new WWE Unscripted book… The Top Five Stories of the Week with insider notes on several of the week's biggest happenings... "Backtrack" featuring highlights of the Torch Newsletter ten years ago this week... Summaries of all major WWE house shows and TV shows over the past week... A TNA PPV report with star ratings... The handy upcoming events schedule...

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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