PWTorch.com - SUNDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 3/15: Is the U.S. Title on the verge of becoming a major singles belt again? What would ROH need to do to become no. 2? Does WWE sabotage some wrestlers’ t-shirts compared to others based on politics?

Ask PWTorch
SUNDAY’S ASK PWTORCH STAFF for 3/15: Is the U.S. Title on the verge of becoming a major singles belt again? What would ROH need to do to become no. 2? Does WWE sabotage some wrestlers’ t-shirts compared to others based on politics?

Mar 15, 2015 - 11:50:59 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 you 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 Mark D. asks: Could you have Cena feud with Rusev and win the U.S. Title, giving some credibility to the title by having such a massive star hold the title. He could later drop it to Rusev again or even another wrestler eventually.

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks answers: The title would get a short-term credibility boost, but if the title goes back to being treated as a second-rate prop after Cena drops it (likely soon after he wins it), then it would be all for naught anyway. Consistent booking of the title, having the champions not lose in non-title matches so much, and also the creation of actual, competent storylines surrounding the secondary titles like the United States Title would be more helpful than having Cena briefly win it.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: Yes, it would take a combination of factors. A long reign with Cena working hard as a defending champion, with an overt contrast being made to Brock Lesnar’s infrequent (to say the least) title defense schedule, could elevate the U.S. belt. I think it could even have an outside chance of being the final match at WrestleMania 31 if Vince McMahon is worried on show-day about the reaction Roman Reigns will get. Main eventing WrestleMania 31 would be a big step to boost the belt; it’d suddenly mean more than the World Hvt. Title did before being merged with the WWE Title in December 2013. It would take a long-term commitment and concerted effort, along with Cena putting it over and facing top level challengers.

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PWTorch reader Phillip T. asks: Don’t need to tell you how fantastic your work is. I read you guys daily. Here’s my question. Instead of Japan’s push, what would ROH need to do to get the number two spot instead of TNA. It’s already pretty much the feeder company to WWE and TNA anyways.

PWTorch columnist Sean Radican answers: I think the answer is simple. ROH needs better management, better production, and booking that pushes their best acts like stars. As they clear more stations to air their programming, that would help them out as well. The gap is narrowing between TNA and ROH with TNA no longer on Spike and on a weaker station, however.

PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell answers: ROH needs to expand its TV reach to grab more wrestling fans beyond the hardcore audience, create more awareness of their product beyond the hardcore audience, and create true stars that connect with wrestling fans beyond the hardcore audience. Yes, the theme is they need to find a way to grow beyond their loyal fanbase. ROH doesn't have much control over expanding their TV reach through Sinclair, but what would be helpful would be cleaning up the TV to be more in sync with real-time events. Things like a Michael Elgin title defense on TV several weeks after Elgin dropped the title in real-time just feels minor-league. Also, taking their roster of independent wrestlers and turning them into big-time stars would help grow the brand. So much of what ROH does feels like they're content being the top independent promotion, which is fine if that's all they're striving to be, but they're capable of much more, especially pushing TNA for the #2 spot.

PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill answers: It would take is for Sinclair Broadcasting to purchase a station in every major U.S. television market and to air ROH in a dedicated consistent nationwide timeslot.

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PWTorch reader David C. asks: Hey all, love the content, keep it up! My question pertains to WWE's merchandise. Do you think WWE makes certain shirt designs less appealing than others on purpose, depending on whom it's for? Example: Roman Reigns is a corporate favorite, and his shirt design is super cool and sleek (something I find appealing). Whereas Dean Ambrose's “Unstable” shirt is just dumb with a lackluster design (what self-respecting person would want to wear that outside?). Not that the company doesn't like Ambrose, but it's no secret they wanted Reigns to be the breakout star, thus making his merch more susceptible to more sales. Maybe it bothers me more as a graphic designer, but what do you guys think?

PWTorch audio host Travis Bryant answers: I have often wondered this myself. When you see Kofi Kingston's original line and logo, it was clearly a take-off the Jim Crow era Lil Sambo character. Who thought that was a good idea? Who thought people would want to wear that? The same can be said for dull, listless merch or DBry's awful cartoon goat shirts. If we are wrong and the design team legit thinks some of these designs are cool, they should be fired immediately.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers: I think Brock Lesnar might think games are played in terms of what merchandise is sold at arenas and pushed on WWE’s website, depending on whom WWE management wants to send extra merch rev share to. Merchandise is a huge factor in incomes, and it’s become something wrestlers use political power to get favorable treatment these days almost as much as spots on cards and probably more than title belt wins. That said, it’s tough to say there’s intentional sabotage with design. Some wrestlers who are consulted are more into t-shirt designs that others or have better eyes for what will sell. Steve Austin obsessed about his t-shirt designs during his peak years, often putting hours and hours in at home when off the road coming up with new designs. It paid off. Other wrestlers seem to be content to let some guy in the graphics department throw something lame together.

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