If you have a question you'd like us to respond to, send your question to askpwtorch@gmail.com. Wade Keller, 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.

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PWTorch reader Jeff from Michigan asks: Who would make the most sense as a long-term GM for WWE Raw?

PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers: I don't want to see any G.M. at this point. The gimmick is burned out. I would much rather see someone (anyone!) play a scaled down edition of the role. I don't need some clown coming out and announcing matches every week on Raw. I think they should let the wrestlers carry the story and have the match-making be either a minor thing on the show or nonexistent.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: The way William Regal plays the role - both in terms of when he’s utilized (not every show, only for significant match-making announcements) and how he executes the role (as a straight-talking babyface whose sole interest is in assuring an even playing field to find out who the best pro wrestler is) - would be what I’d like to see on Raw and Smackdown. Having heel authority figures so undercuts so many tenets of what makes pro wrestling as a genre work as a weekly TV series, it’s maddening that it’s been such a staple the last 15 years or so. It was never part of pro wrestling consistently, if at all, before the Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff turns during the Monday Night War, and for good reason. It makes no sense for a promotion to ask for fans’ to support the brand if the promoter’s leaders are evil or hire evil people who slant the playing field week after week in favor of cheating heels. So either Regal or someone just like him playing a similar low profile, infrequent role.

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PWTorch reader Jesse of Queens, N.Y. asks: Hey guys, great job on the site. I've always wanted to know why WWE always dropped certain wrestlers first or last name, such as Big E (Langston), (Alexander) Rusev, (Antonio) Cesaro, etc. Is there a point to this? Thanks again guys, and keep up the awesome work.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: I'm sure there's a point, but it's probably one only Vince McMahon knows.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: In those examples, NXT gave them longer names and Vince shortened them on the main roster. I think Vince just likes simplicity with certain characters. I don’t feel strongly either way, although I think most wrestlers should have first and last names so that those who don’t stand out a little more. I’m also for, when it doesn’t matter that much either way, adding some realism to the way the wrestlers are presented on TV as it builds a more sports-like foundation so that the content that strays away from realism is more grounded in a world that feels more realistic.

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PWTorch reader Forrest M. asks: With WWE creating the Performance Center and developing stars in their image, does that mean the term independent contractor has left the WWE? As it really seems more like these wrestlers are employees of a large company. I haven't actually heard the term or this argument brought up in a long time so maybe this question is not relevant. I'm just curious if WWE still treats the talent as independent contractors or actual employees?

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: They're still technically independent contractors, but they do get much more help from WWE as far as the company insisting talent get health insurance, providing them with financial planning information, etc. than any other time in the company's history.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: WWE’s “in-ring talents” (i.e. pro wrestlers) being billed as independent contractors is more of a tax classification loophole than a reflection of reality. Independent contractors tend to have their own equipment and pay for their own equipment, they can freely sell their services at a price they set and move from one bidder to another freely, choose to take time off whenever, and execute their skills their way (i.e. not as a result of a producer telling them move for move what to do, nor a writer telling them what to say word for word). If there were no big tax drawbacks to WWE changing them to employees, they’d certainly be switched to that classification. I don’t see many check boxes on what makes someone a true independent contractor checked anymore when it comes to WWE’s full time wrestlers.

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PWTorch reader Josh of Bloomington, Minn. asks: Hey guys, this will likely get me ostracized for even bringing it up, but I wondered what you all thought about this. The WWE Hall of Fame has "inducted" certain folks of dare I say, dubious credentials into their "hallowed" halls over the years. (Donald Trump, Drew Carey, Sunny) What about someone like Barry Horowitz? Were it not for the jobbers some of their “Superstars” may not have been so super. Thanks! Love the site!

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: So your suggestion is to make the Hall-of-Fame even LESS of a Hall-of-Fame than it already is? No thanks.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: Yeah, I think Barry Horowitz qualifies under certain criteria. I mean, if the HOF was treated as a place for elite wrestlers with elite winning records, well, of course not. But as someone who was a bit of an iconic wrestler with some big TV moments who also make other wrestlers look good for a long stretch, I could see that argument. I think if WWE did, there should be a wing of the HOF that is designated for special attractions or certain role players, like an “Honorable Mention” part of the Hall instead of the “Elite” wing. Also, I wouldn’t put Sunny in the same group as Drew and Donald. She was a groundbreaking performer on the road full time. She had backstage and off-camera issues, for sure, but she’s in an entirely different category as novelty celebrities. If the HOF was just for top top guys and long-term draws, it’d be an entirely different HOF. Based on how WWE does it, though, I could see the case for Horowitz being made.

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