PWTorch.com - ASK PWTORCH ALL-STARS 10/23: When wrestlers do the DDT mid-match today is that disrespectful to Jake Roberts? Isn't having less frequent WWE Title defenses making title matches a bigger deal? Who should Stone Cold face? 2020's top stars?

Ask PWTorch
ASK PWTORCH ALL-STARS 10/23: When wrestlers do the DDT mid-match today is that disrespectful to Jake Roberts? Isn't having less frequent WWE Title defenses making title matches a bigger deal? Who should Stone Cold face? 2020's top stars?

Oct 23, 2014 - 9:36:47 PM

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO BOOKMARK US & VISIT US DAILY

The PWTorch All-Star Panel features an array of contributors answering your questions who have worked in various facets of the pro wrestling industry, plus PWTorch contributors join in. You get an unmatched mix of perspectives including first-hand insights from people who have worked in the ring and behind the curtain.

===

PWTorch reader Aaron P. asks: Do you think it's disrespectful to Jake Roberts when somebody like Randy Orton or The Rock uses the DDT as just a move and not as a finisher? I went to a live event once where Orton DDT'd an opponent on the floor outside of the ring. When Jake did that to Ricky Steamboat it was a huge angle. Now it's just another move. It sort of reminds me of when guys used to always get pinned after getting hit with a steel chair, whereas now they often kick out. Did everyone all of a sudden become stronger or something?

VETERAN WRESTLING ANNOUNCER Mick Karch (announcer for three decades including the AWA on ESPN, the NWA, and LPWA, former PWTorch Newsletter columnist in 1980s, President of the Nick Bockwinkel Fan Club in the 1970s) answers: That has always been an issue for me. It's not limited to the DDT. Back in the day, if you were put in a sleeper hold (Verne Gagne), it was lights out. A lariat/clothesline (Stan Hansen), same thing. A piledriver (Mad Dog Vachon), match over. That's one major thing about the current product that just stinks. It absolutely minimizes (destroys) the work of the guys that blazed the trail.

PROFESSIONAL BROADCASTER Jim Valley (Long time wrestling fan, Torch subscriber, and currently PWTorch Livecast guest host. He won a National Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional awards during his 20 year broadcast career. He has done TV announcing for several independent wrestling promotions, hosted his own wrestling radio show, interviewed many top stars, and was flown out to Stamford to audition for WWE. He took second to Todd Grisham.) The DDT has been widely used in wrestling since Jake's first TV appearance in the WWF. Actually, "Playboy" Buddy Rose used the DDT on WWF TV in 1985 during his short run before Jake got to the WWF. Vince McMahon called it a reverse piledriver or a standing piledriver; I forget which. Jake, as you know, grew up around wrestling. Before Jake got into the business, a wrestler named Black Gordman used a similar move called the front chancery drop. Some have speculated that is where Jake got the idea. As far as being disrespectful, I would think he likes it. The move is associated with him and can serve to remind fans about Jake Roberts. It's a living legacy.

EX-ECW CHAMPION AND LONGTIME WWE WRESTLER Justin Credible (also current IWE Champion, visit www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: No, they did not become stronger. That said, no one does the DDT like Jake Roberts.

===

PWTorch reader Iain B. from Scotland asks: My question this time relates to the present situation with the WWE Title not being defended regularly. We have all grown up with the regulation that the title should be defended every 30 days or forfeited if it is not. However, in boxing, the titles are defended maybe twice a year, yet no one claims they are any less valid or valuable. While I would have maybe shot some backstage scenes or sit-down interviews with Brock if the plan was to keep him off until January, could WWE not claim that they are in fact treating the title and champion more realistically by not having him defend so often, thus building anticipation? Incidentally, I'm not saying I agree with it, but it's something I've been wondering about. Thanks as always for all your work, guys.

PROFESSIONAL BROADCASTER Jim Valley (Long time wrestling fan, Torch subscriber, and currently PWTorch Livecast guest host. He won a National Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional awards during his 20 year broadcast career. He has done TV announcing for several independent wrestling promotions, hosted his own wrestling radio show, interviewed many top stars, and was flown out to Stamford to audition for WWE. He took second to Todd Grisham.) I don't remember the last time that the 30 day rule was mentioned on WWE TV. It's funny. There are often discussions about over-exposure, that titles don't mean anything, and that WWE should work harder to make things special. Now when the WWE Champion is no longer on TV each week, some don't want to give this experiment a chance.

EX-ECW CHAMPION AND LONGTIME WWE WRESTLER Justin Credible (also current IWE Champion, visit www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: I hate it, but it may help in this instance. I think it helps Brock.

REALITY TV STAR & EX-TNA MANAGER Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay was also former personal assistant to Roddy Piper and cohost with Sean Waltman of weekly podcast at www.ProWrestling.net) answers: It could easily be addressed by Paul Heyman as part of Brock’s contract. It’s little stuff like this that infuriates the long-term viewer and leads to lack of viewership numbers of the network.

===

PWTorch reader Adam A. asks: If Steve Austin were to come back for one more match, who do you guys think he should face? Should he face a new guy or and old rival that he trusts? Maybe The Rock vs. Austin 4?

INDY PROMOTER & ANNOUNCER Brad Stutts (Follow @cwfmidatlantic and @stuttsy and listen to his podcast at www.WrestlingWithOptimism) answers: Obviously Punk was THE choice, but with him out of the way, Triple H or maybe Bray Wyatt come to mind as guys with whom Austin could have a great match and perhaps most importantly a great TV build to the match with.

PROFESSIONAL BROADCASTER Jim Valley (Long time wrestling fan, Torch subscriber, and currently PWTorch Livecast guest host. He won a National Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional awards during his 20 year broadcast career. He has done TV announcing for several independent wrestling promotions, hosted his own wrestling radio show, interviewed many top stars, and was flown out to Stamford to audition for WWE. He took second to Todd Grisham.) I don't think he will come back. If he were to come back, it would have to be a big name like John Cena, The Rock, or Brock Lesnar, He comes with a high price tag, so it would need to be a match that would attract the casual fan.

REALITY TV STAR & EX-TNA MANAGER Jonny Fairplay (@jonnyfairplay was also former personal assistant to Roddy Piper and cohost with Sean Waltman of weekly podcast at www.ProWrestling.net) answers: C.M. Punk, that's it.

EX-ECW CHAMPION AND LONGTIME WWE WRESTLER Justin Credible (also current IWE Champion, visit www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: Steve has everything to lose and nothing to gain. His character must always kick ass. They need to put him with a guy that will bump and feed for his whoop ass. I'd love to see him vs. Punk. Never say never.

===

PWTorch reader Hem V. asks: Hey guys, thanks for the daily question and answers, love that and this whole entire site. My question is a bit of a fantasy booking type of thing. If you were the owner of the WWE in the year 2020 and John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, C.M. Punk, and Randy Orton had retired, then who would you have as the top three face and heel characters? I think the face of the company would be Roman Reigns, the second guy would be Daniel Bryan, and the third would be Cody Rhodes. Heel-wise, I think NXT guys will be the bad guys Corey Graves, Connor O'Brian, and either Wade Barrett (if he finally gets a good character) or Antonio Cesaro. So, my question for you is: If you ran WWE in seven years, who would you have lead the company and what about your choice made you pick them.

EX-ECW CHAMPION AND LONGTIME WWE WRESTLER Justin Credible (also current IWE Champion, visit www.TheJustinCredible.com and on YouTube here including his ongoing Wrestling 101 Series) answers: My choice for top babyface is Roman Reigns. Daniel Bryan will be done by then due to injuries. Bray Wyatt will have just turned heel again and Triple will be WWE Champ for the 23rd time. Plus Ric Flair will be wrestling next week on Raw 2020.

INDY PROMOTER & ANNOUNCER Brad Stutts (Follow @cwfmidatlantic and @stuttsy and listen to his podcast at www.WrestlingWithOptimism) answers: Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Scott Dawson.

PROFESSIONAL BROADCASTER Jim Valley (Long time wrestling fan, Torch subscriber, and currently PWTorch Livecast guest host. He won a National Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional awards during his 20 year broadcast career. He has done TV announcing for several independent wrestling promotions, hosted his own wrestling radio show, interviewed many top stars, and was flown out to Stamford to audition for WWE. He took second to Todd Grisham.) In 2010, who knew about Roman Reigns outside of the Anoa'i family? Those are good choices, but 2020 is several eternities from now. Wrestling is a volatile industry. It's impossible to predict next year, let alone 2020.

===

(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.)

===

Catch up on past Ask PWTorch articles...

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

===

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brad Stutts: He has worked behind the scenes in wrestling in many roles, including taking jackets to the back, setting up and tearing down rings, running websites for indy promoters, running lights and music at live events, and performing as a manager, announcer, wrestler, and promoter. He currently is the lead announcer for CWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling in North Carolina.

Jim Valley: Long time wrestling fan and Torch subscriber. He won a National Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional awards during his 20 year broadcast career. He has done TV announcing for several independent wrestling promotions, hosted his own wrestling radio show, interviewed many top stars and was flown our to Stamford to audition for WWE. He took second to Todd Grisham.

Current PWTorch Contributors: A mix of current PWTorch contributors will provide their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Ben Tucker, Jon Mezzera, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, and Mike Roe.

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.