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WEDNESDAY'S ASK PWTORCH STAFF: What's next for Punk and did he do enough to be a Hall of Famer? Did Dynamite Kid face Savage more than once and was their match scripted? Could IC Title return to past glory? More concussions today?

Apr 16, 2014 - 9:24:32 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 your 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 Jeff from Michigan asks: With Sin Cara, Christian, Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler, and Daniel Bryan suffering concussions recently, are there more concussions happening today as opposed to ten years ago or is WWE (and the wrestlers) more aware of concussions?

PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers: Professional wrestlers always tried to work through concussions in the past because they didn't get paid if they didn't work, and also because sitting out due to a concussion was seen as a sign of weakness. Medical research has just begun to confirm the serious medical effects of concussions. WWE now takes that risk much more seriously, as do all sports, and part of their protocol now is to report all concussions, which is why you hear about it more.

PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers: WWE (and society in general) are more aware of concussions. I don't think the style of wrestling in WWE has become less safe over the past decade.

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PWTorch reader Derek Daniel of Indianapolis, Ind. asks: I love reading all of the thoughts about the sport that is professional wrestling on here. Thanks so much for what you do. My question is about the Intercontinental Championship. Having been able to watch older shows via the WWE Network, I noticed that in the early ’90s the IC Title was very important. Even back into the ‘80s it held such meaning, with people like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Bret "Hitman" Hart, and Shawn Michaels putting on classic matches where it was the prize. I have heard it called the "Workhorse Championship" by legends. Do you think it can get back to its famed glory of days of old? If so, what would it take? Thanks!

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: Sure, it can return to its glory days, but it's unlikely that happens. WWE would have to refocus the mid-card and concentrate on building storylines around them, something Vince McMahon doesn't seem to have the patience for. The main event players are the only ones given storylines and angles they can sink their teeth into. Philosophically, WWE would have to decide not to use mid-carders as just fodder for meaningless TV matches. That would be a start.

PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers: It's true that in the Hulk Hogan era of the World Wrestling Federation, the Intercontinental Title was considered a place for great technical workers, or "mechanics." However, this is 2014. The "workhorses" (Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, John Cena) are the ones holding the WWE Title. If you're holding the top belt, you should be able to have four star matches on a semi regular basis. So no, I don't expect the Intercontinental Title to be anything more than a secondary championship.

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PWTorch reader Bill from Detroit, Mich. asks: I'm watching a match between Randy Savage and Dynamite Kid on the WWE Network from "Wrestlevision Classic 1985." Amazing, albeit short, match. My question is in two parts: (1) Did Savage and Dynamite ever lock up before or after this match? The two seem to work so well together, the company appears to have left money on the table if this is their only one-on-one encounter. (2) Knowing that Savage scripted the WMIII classic with Ricky Steamboat, did he script every single match he wrestled for WWF/E, including this one? I'm guessing, with the fast pace of the match, that this one was called in the ring. There's a great sequence where Savage gets Dynamite to his feet, throws his arm over his shoulders as if to suplex the Kid, only to drop him with a kidney punch and have Dynamite come roaring back with his own offense. Seems too fast-paced to be scripted ahead of time, outside of the finish (spoiler alert: Savage pins Dynamite after reversing a cradle, Dynamite thinking he had the pin). Thanks! Keep up the good work!

PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers: That's a really good match from a time when the WWF, in deference to Hulk Hogan, didn't emphasize in-ring workrate. They never faced each other before or since. Dynamite Kid was seen as a tag team wrestler in the WWF so he didn't have singles feuds and aside from there he and Randy Savage never worked in the same promotions. The match was called in the ring.

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PWTorch reader Dave C. of New York asks: Hey guys. My question is about C.M. Punk. Don't worry, this isn't about why'd he leave or when's he coming back because it looks to me that he won't be back. So my question is two parts. Part one is what do you think Punk's plans post-WWE will be? MMA, Ring of Honor, TNA? Maybe write a book, get into acting or even start a band? Part two of my question is what do you think the possibilities are of him making the Hall of Fame some time in the future? I think had he stayed maybe three or four more years he'd be a lock, but now I feel like Punk will be in the same situation as the Warrior was for so long as it will take a long time for both sides to come to an agreement. Would love to know your opinions and looking forward to your responses. Thanks again guys. Keep up the great work!

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: (1) I think Punk will just lay low. I don't think he's interested in wrestling for any other company, and MMA should be off his radar too. I could see him dabble in acting, but I think he's someone who just wants to do his own thing. (2) I think he's a lock for the HOF at some point. WWE isn't burying him on TV (by name, anyway) which makes me think they want him back at some point or that WWE and Punk are still on okay terms. I think he comes back at some point before he goes in the HOF.

PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers: I think C.M.Punk will lay low for the foreseeable future, except for making appearances on the lucrative comic book convention circuit. He'll make The WWE Hall of Fame when his generation comes around for its nostalgia run.

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PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers:
PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers:
PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers:
PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell answers:
PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell answers:
PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers:

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