CONTACTABOUTFACEBOOKTWITTERPODCAST IPHONE APPANDROID APPAMAZON APPRSS
Pro Wrestling Torch
Pro Wrestling Torch Reaches The Most Wrestling Fans Every Week: #1 in iTunes • #1 on iPhone and iPad • #1 on Android • #1 on Kindle
GOT THE PWTORCH APP YET?
iPhone & iPad
Android
Amazon Kindle
Windows Phone
PWTorch Phone App
App Alert
ASK PWTORCH ALL-STAR PANEL #21: Could Heyman and Jim Ross form a dream team to take over TNA? Former ECW Champ Justin Credible and other panelists give their view, plus Simmons-Luger race-based angle, Austin opponent

Sep 18, 2013 - 11:57:57 AM
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO BOOKMARK US & VISIT US DAILY


HeymanPaul_GGwide516_1.png


Alright All-Star Panel, it's time to panel, so let's panel...

===

PWTorch reader Leon M. asks: This may seem like a far-fetched idea, but in my mind it's the only way to save Impact Wrestling. J.R. is a free man and I am not sure what Paul Heyman's contractual status is, but his current run appears to be nearing it's end. It's really a dream team, but could you imagine J.R. doing play-by-play with Heyman doing color commentary. At the same time, Ross could lend a big hand in talent relations or scouting/developmental while Heyman takes full control of the company as an executive producer. Ross is the best storyteller/talent man in the industry and Heyman is the most brilliant creative mind in the entire industry. If I were Dixie Carter, I'd dream big and go for broke with this duo.

Jonny Fairplay (Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: Stop reading from my dream journal. I don't see either going there. I wish they would though. I would be employed again!

Brian Fritz (host of Between the Ropes podcast, Yahoo! Sports podcast host) answers: I believe Heyman's contract coincides with Brock Lesnar since Lesnar is the reason why Heyman is working at the WWE these days. He had no plans on coming back but when Lesnar returned, he didn't want to talk and convinced Heyman to return. TNA had a chance to land both Jim Ross and Paul Heyman several years ago and they had extensive talks. But in the end, a deal could not be made. The landscape is different now and TNA is in a different place. Never say never but I just don't see JR making the move to TNA.

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: Dixie could pony up the cash, but I don't ever see it happening. J.R. has said he wants to do other things at this stage in his life. Heyman is happy with his role as a performer. Plus even Heyman is not a guaranteed home run. ECW was the perfect storm. Paul doesn't work well with others. Even if he had full control, which would never happen, he would get himself into trouble before things could take off. Plus 13 years later we are all different. Times are different. Back then he was fighting for respect, for acknowledgment, and fighting for survival. People's desires change. To do what he did in the '90s he would have to be in that same pitbull, dog-eat-dog mentality. After years of the good life with WWE, I don't see the necessary hunger and desire it would take to turn around TNA. I don't blame him.

===

PWTorch reader Brian from Des Moines, Iowa asks: I started to watch wrestling when I was ten. Do you think with today's current product it's good enough to turn a 10 or 12 year old into a life long fan.

Jonny Fairplay (Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: When I was 10, I saw some of the worst wrestling ever, WWF 1984; and some of the greatest wrestling ever NWA 1984... and I'm still watching today.

===

PWTorch reader Mike W. asks: I enjoy looking back at old YouTube clips of storylines that I missed out on because at the time I wasn't paying attention to wrestling for one reason or another. The WCW angle back in the early-'90s where Ron Simmons was trying to become the first black champion by defeating Lex Luger is pretty startling looking back on it. Luger tells Ron things like how he wants Ron to be his driver after he loses, which is a racial reference. Harley Race, who it appears was managing Lex at the time, tells Ron that back in his day he had "boys like you carrying my bags," again with the racism. Obviously, they were heels and no one was supposed to like what they were saying, but it seems to me like there's no way this could fly today. I just think it would make people way too uncomfortable. So I'm wondering how it was perceived at the time. Was it considered as edgy and dangerous as it seems now? How did the people involved feel about carrying it out? And I know wrestling has never been an example of perfect racial union for society to follow, but this was a centerpiece angle at a time that seems a bit late for that sort of thing. Thanks.

(Editor's Note: Keep in mind that the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter has been published every week dating back over 25 years, and almost all of those back issues are available for VIP members. As soon as you sign up for a VIP Membership, you gain access to what the actual coverage was at that time in the Torch including commentary on the hype leading up to the event. Sign up here: www.PWTorch.com/govip)

Jonny Fairplay (Reality TV contestant including "Survivor," former TNA on-air performer, frequent PWTorch Livecast guest) answers: I live in North Carolina and I hear the N word on a daily basis. Things have not changed as much as people think. WCW was a Southern Company; it wasn't a outrageous in this area as you would think. For some fans those comments made Luger and Race babyfaces.

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 remember this angle. I was actually at one of the PPVs for Simmons vs. Luger. Yes, it was edgy then; at least I felt that way. It certainly would never fly in today's P.C. world. I'm not too critical about wrestling storylines. It's a script, and the wrestlers are playing their part, but with racists stuff like that, I do not approve. It is way too much and does more harm than good. Simply, it turns fans off. It turned me off when it was done back then.

===

PWTorch reader Jeff from Michigan asks: Who would draw the most money with Steve Austin in a WrestleMania 30 match? The obvious choices are C.M. Punk, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Orton. Would WWE pair Austin with a hot heel at the time like Alberto Del Rio, Daniel Bryan, Antonio Cesaro, or even Fandango?

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 C.M. Punk would be a great opponent. If Austin where to come back, he would make sure it's against someone who could make him look good. Austin is smart. He will not just get in the ring, at this stage in the game, unless it serves him and his legacy. He doesn't need the money, so if it ever happens Punk would be the best bet. He also would be able to move for Austin and be able to sell the PPV with his promos, and we all know he can do that as well.

===

(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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
prowrestling.net
CLICK HERE FOR EVEN MORE PW.NET HEADLINES


CLICK TO EMAIL THIS ARTICLE
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN LISTING

NEW! SIGN UP FOR FREE PWTORCH BREAKING NEWS EMAIL ALERTS
BECOME A PWTORCH VIP MEMBER
-FORMER MEMBERS LOGIN HERE TO RENEW
-NEW MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
SELECT BY ARTICLES CATEGORY
SEARCH PWTORCH.COM



CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF UPCOMING PRO WRESTLING EVENTS
MORE HEADLINES AT AFFILIATE SITES
MMATorch
LATEST HEADLINES - CLICK TO READ CLICK HERE FOR MORE MMATORCH HEADLINES


PWTORCH POLL - VOTE NOW!
RAW POLL 10/12: Vote on Monday's show
 
pollcode.com free polls


RAW POLL 10/12: What was the Best Match on Raw?
 
pollcode.com free polls
MCNEILL LIVECAST POLL: TNA will have a 32-person tournament to determine a new Hvt. champion - your thoughts?
 
pollcode.com free polls
CENA POLL: If John Cena takes a year-end break, who should win the U.S. Title from Cena?
 
pollcode.com free polls
VOTE IN OR SEE RESULTS OF PREVIOUS POLLS



LATEST HEADLINES - CLICK TO READ CLICK HERE FOR EVEN MORE INC HEADLINES

_
LATEST FREE AUDIO SHOWS - CLICK TO LISTEN VIEW MORE PWTORCH LIVECAST EPISODES
DOWNLOAD PWTORCH LIVECAST APP
SUBSCRIBE TO PWTORCH LIVECAST IN ITUNES


ABOUT US

THE TORCH REACHES MORE COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT FANS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE

PWTorch editor Wade Keller has covered pro wrestling full time since 1987 starting with the Pro Wrestling Torch print newsletter. PWTorch.com launched in 1999 and the PWTorch Apps launched in 2008.

He has conducted "Torch Talk" insider interviews with Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Eric Bischoff, Jesse Ventura, Lou Thesz, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Paul Heyman, Bruno Sammartino, Goldberg, more.

He has interviewed big-name players in person incluiding Vince McMahon (at WWE Headquarters), Dana White (in Las Vegas), Eric Bischoff (at the first Nitro at Mall of America), Brock Lesnar (after his first UFC win).

He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)


REACHING 1 MILLION+ UNIQUE USERS PER MONTH
500 MILLION CLICKS & LISTENS PER YEAR
MILLIONS OF PWTORCH NEWSLETTERS SOLD
PWTORCH STAFF

EDITORS:
Wade Keller, editor
(kellerwade@gmail.com)

James Caldwell, assistant editor
(pwtorch@gmail.com)

STAFF COLUMNISTS:
Bruce Mitchell (since 1990)
Pat McNeill (since 2001)
Greg Parks (since 2007)
Sean Radican (since 2003)

We also have a great team of
TV Reporters
and Specialists and Artists.

PWTORCH VIP MEMBERSHIP

PWTorch offers a VIP membership for $10 a month (or less with an annual sub). It includes nearly 25 years worth of archives from our coverage of pro wrestling dating back to PWTorch Newsletters from the late-'80s filled with insider secrets from every era that are available to VIPers in digital PDF format and Keller's radio show from the early 1990s.

Also, new exclusive top-shelf content every day including a new VIP-exclusive weekly 16 page digital magazine-style (PC and iPad compatible) PDF newsletter packed with exclusive articles and news.

The following features come with a VIP membership which tens of thousands of fans worldwide have enjoyed for many years...

-New Digital PWTorch Newsletter every week
-3 New Digital PDF Back Issues from 5, 10, 20 years ago
-Over 60 new VIP Audio Shows each week
-Ad-free access to all PWTorch.com free articles
-VIP Forum access with daily interaction with PWTorch staff and well-informed fellow wrestling fans
-Tons of archived audio and text articles
-Decades of Torch Talk insider interviews in transcript and audio formats with big name stars.


**SIGN UP FOR VIP ACCESS HERE**

CONTACTABOUTFACEBOOKTWITTERPODCASTIPHONE APPANDROID APPAMAZON APPRSS
VIP SIGN-UP
VIP LOGIN
THE TORCH: #1 IN COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE | © 1999-2013 TDH Communications Inc. • All rights reserved -- PRIVACY POLICY