The new "Ask the Specialists" Roundtable is the latest spin-off from the "Ask the Torch" feature. CSI led to CSI: New York and CSI: Miami, which is where you'll find the Specialists tackling a daily topic submitted by PWTorch readers to askpwtorch@gmail.com.

Ask the Specialists Roundtable #21

- Question from PWTorch reader Brian Hamilton: What do you think of an angle leading up to next year's WrestleMania where Brock Lesnar announces that he "is the one who ended the streak, and now he is going to start a new, better streak." He then announces that every year at WrestleMania his career will be on the line - if anyone beats him (at WrestleMania ONLY), he will walk away and retire from professional wrestling. Would this work? I could see this as a way to generate interest and even result in a few career vs. career matches as certain superstars start to age out and leave the profession. It may be a neat way to "continue the streak." With his part-time schedule, I could see this working for quite a few years.

- "KPCC Radio" (@MikeRoe) responds: I like the idea of a Brock streak, especially as long as Heyman is around to talk it up. It would also be solid in the early years to have the announcers talking about how it's not nearly as impressive since it doesn't have the history of The Undertaker, while also saying that if Lesnar beats THIS opponent, it will mean something. I don't see a new streak being a draw in and of itself, but it's a nice additional element to the Lesnar/Heyman team.

- "Mr. PPV" Nathan Kyght responds: I really like this idea. Obviously, Lesnar beating The Undertaker was a huge WrestleMania moment and to not capitalize on it in any tangible way (save Paul Heyman getting to antagonize the crowd with his bragging) would be foolish. Having Lesnar begin to defend 'the new streak' is a fun gimmick, and while it won't have nearly the same drawing power as Undertaker's run, I do think it's a good way to tip the hat to the past while moving forward with a new WrestleMania theme.

Lesnar would be great as the smug heel, and Heyman would have even more to sink his teeth into as arguably the best promo guy in the business today. I'm one of the daydreamers that still think we may see Rock vs. Brock next year, but in all likelihood that ship has long since sailed (movie studios are not going to want to chance having to delay production so Rock can wrestle once or twice a year), so having Lesnar proclaim the beginning of a new streak would add a fun dynamic to one of the top matches at the biggest show of the year.

- "Common Fan" Jimmy Eaton (@TheCommonFan) responds: Thanks for the question, Brian. I don't see anything like that ever happening. At least for a long time. It would feel too cheap to grasp onto the old streak which should be remembered as a great time throughout wrestling and the career of The Undertaker. That being said, it's not out of the question that Lesnar's character can use the streak like Heyman is now, but starting a new one seems very, very unlikely.

- "Instant Reaction" Ben Tucker (@BTuckerTorch) responds: I actually adore this idea. It instantly gives a big money match to the annual Mania card, builds off of the legacy of the original Streak, and honestly doesn't require storytelling much different from what WWE already has. Will it happen? Probably not. But it makes a whole mess of sense.

- "Showstopper" Shawn Valentino responds: Thank you for your question, Brian. I have been to WrestleMania the last several years and the Streak was easily the highlight of the show. It was something that happened organically and took on a life of its own. If WWE tries to contrive a new streak, I do not see it working and I think the scenario you proposed would not work. Career-ending stipulations should be something really special, and they should only be used on rare occasions.

Unfortunately, fans do not really take these matches seriously because we have seen too many occasions where the wrestler that was supposed to be finished return after a few months. Lesnar is only a part-time guy anyway, and I do not think the fans have that emotional connection with him that his potential retirement would mean that much. Additionally, he probably will not be around for that many years where the streak would mean much. The only way I see a new streak taking off is if WWE protects a young Superstar that they see being around for the long haul and have them win every year at WrestleMania. It would take about a decade for it to build into something meaningful. The Streak is likely a once-in-history accomplishment and The Undertaker was the perfect character to make the most of it.

***

[ FYI: The specialists consist of a mix of current PWTorch contributors providing their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Ben Tucker, Jon Mezzera, Justin James, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, Nathan Kyght, Tony Donofrio, and Mike Roe. ]

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

We suggest these recent related articles...

PODCAST ALERT: Now Available - Wade Keller on Jim Ross's podcast, plus Three Big Questions for Ross

RADICAN'S LIVE BLOG: Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne) "YouShoot Live" - WWE exit, ROH return?, stories from all over, more

PHOTO GALLERY: Smackdown TV Tuesday night in N.C.