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
Ask PWTorch
ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 8/22: Taker vs. Lesnar at WM31 for title? What moves have fallen out of favor that should be brought back? Why does pro wrestling have such a bad reputation? Could the IC Title be in spotlight if Lesnar is part time champ?

Aug 22, 2014 - 7:50:21 PM
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO BOOKMARK US & VISIT US DAILY


Undertaker_GG-wide516.png


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 you questions in this feature and also the “Ask PWTorch: All-Star Panel” edition which is also published most days here at PWTorch.

===

PWTorch reader Emilio asks: What are some of the moves that have fallen out of common use in the WWE product that you would like to see make a resurgence? Thanks!

PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell answers: A few moves have been eliminated for safety reasons (e.g. the piledriver) that were pretty popular. But, safe moves not used too often on WWE TV would be the sleeper as a finisher after Dolph Ziggler tried to get the move over at that level several years ago, Sting's Scorpion Death Drop reverse DDT, and Kevin Nash's Jackknife powerbomb as a finisher for big men. Luke Harper has used a sit-out powerbomb, but I'd like to see him to more of a straight drop rather than crashing down to the mat with his opponent.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: The Glam Slam and the Widow's Peak.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: Heels raking eyes of opponents over the top rope or with their fingers. Seriously, stuff like that is what heels did when I grew up. It made them heels, it prompted fans to boo. You also need announcers who properly shame wrestlers for using underhanded tactics. I never liked the atomic drop much when it was around because so often it was poorly executed, but if someone can make it look like the knee is being driven into someone's tailbone on impact, that's something worth doing again. The abdominal stretch seems to be used less these days. The Indian Death Lock, too. I think watching WWE Network's 1980s matches always reminds me of moves or sequences or even styles of selling that fall out of favor, but many of them are worthy of being brought back fresh again.

===

PWTorch reader Emanuel M. asks: Why is it so hard for WWE/Wrestling/Sports Entertainment to be viewed by the public as simply a form of entertainment, much like theatre and movies? No one claims to not be a movie fan because it is "fake." This question has no logical answer, just wanted to put it out there. Thanks.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: One reason for this is because of how hokey and embarrassing some of the storytelling and some of the angles are. There have been numerous times, even recently, that we've had to sit through moments that we as fans would've been embarrassed (or maybe were) to watch with a non-fan. As long as the major wrestling companies continue to put out awful storylines with amateurish acting, coupled with the lack of satisfying payoffs to many storylines (or storylines that are just dropped, which generally doesn't happen in the theater, movies or TV), they'll be seen as less-than entertainment.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: And what's ironic is that much of the stuff Greg mentioned is produced that way out of an insecurity of being seen as trying to fool people into thinking wrestling is real. It backfires. If pro wrestling is promoted and portrayed as real - from the opening to the closing credits, at least - then the whole thing feels less "apologetic" or "insecure with itself" and just a real cool athletic combat entertainment spectacle. The pro wrestling industry, though, has a history that haunts it, to a degree, which is that for most of the 20th century, wrestlers and promoters insisted vehemently that what they did wasn't worked or orchestrated with predetermined outcomes, and that cloud of deception and fraud hangs over the industry. So some people feel if they don't ridicule wrestling, someone will think they are stupid enough to think it's real. So there's an overcompensation at work. Plus, those who don't follow it at all actually think people who do follow it aren't fully aware that it is orchestrated and not real fighting.

===

PWTorch reader R. Jack asks: Do you think WWE would promote the Intercontinental Title as a top title during the periods the Brock Lesnar is off? It would certainly boost the titles credibility, in my opinion.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: This has been discussed before, and while it would certainly be a good idea, we've talked for years about opportunities WWE has had to elevate the prestige of the IC title, and it just hasn't happened. So, I'll believe it when I see it.

PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers: McNeill's Magic 8-Ball replies: Outlook not so good.

===

PWTorch reader Jason M. asks: I am currently watching a match on the WWE Network (which rumor has is available for $9.99 a month) that features a burly brute waving a Russian flag and led by a charismatic white-haired spokesperson versus a tall, muscular, blonde Real American, with the match focused on which country's flag will be waving at the end. No, I am not watching the Rusev-Swagger match from Summerslam, but Nikoli Volkoff (w/Freddie Blassie) versus Hulk Hogan on the second episode of Saturday Night's Main Event. All this got me thinking: What other repeated storylines over the past few years would someone be better served watching the original version on the Network, excluding the obvious one of watching Daniel Bryan's rise to the top instead of Eric Young's championship match in TNA. Thank you.

PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers: The most obvious storyline is Steve Austin's rise to becoming WWF's top babyface, starting in September/October 1996 and going through WrestleMania XIII. TNA should go through all WCW storylines from 1999-2001, so they know to never, ever try doing them again.

===

PWTorch reader Brad from Michigan asks: I enjoyed Brock's victory at Summerslam. Heel or face, it’s great to see a dominating performance worthy of a champion. My question is, does this indicate Undertaker retiring as WWE World Champion at WM 31?

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: I'm assuming you think Taker will beat Lesnar for the title in a rematch at Mania? I think that's unlikely. The direction right now seems to be Lesnar vs. Reigns. Taker wasn't able to do much at this past year's Mania, and I don't see him as the kind of guy who would want to put on a less-than performance in winning the title, only to retire and hand it over.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: I think if that happens, it's because Roman Reigns doesn't live up to Vince McMahon and Triple H's hopes and if Undertaker is able and eager to wrestle again to improve upon his performance at WrestleMania 30. I wouldn't rule it out, but I don't believe that was the original idea behind Taker losing nor do I think it's the plan today. If McMahon/Hunter feel they are short of options, though, perhaps that would cross their minds.

===

Catch up on past Ask PWTorch articles...

-ASK PWTORCH - FREE WEBSITE.
-CLICKING HERE - ASK PWTORCH - VIP VERSION

********

(Send your question for PWTorch editor Wade Keller and the PWTorch staff exclusively to pwtorch@gmail.com for consideration! You can hear expanded conversation on the above topics from Wade Keller by becoming a VIP member and gaining access to the daily Wade Keller Hotline, posted every day for VIP members for over 1,000 days straight. Sign up at www.PWTorch.com/govip)


We suggest these recent related articles...
ASK THE SPECIALISTS ROUNDTABLE: Who will be WWE's Next Top Star?
SATURDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 4/11: How should WWE cater to Texas at WM32? Does WWE using Sting and Hogan add to chances more TNA wrestlers are hired? Do NXT gimmick wrestlers have a chance? Is El Generico really Sami Zayn?
THURSDAY’S ASK PWTORCH ALL-STARS 4/9: Are El Generico & Sami Zayn the same person? Next MITB cash-in for IC or U.S. belt? What match do you show non-fans so they get it? Why don’t heel teams cheat?
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