PWTorch.com

TORCH MONTHLY AWARDS - POLLS OPEN

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:06:16 PST

FREE: Special free download of this week's new 30 page PWTorch Newsletter PDF! (limited time)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:52:12 PST

PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 7/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Punk & Jeff Hardy vs. Jericho & Edge

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:00:13 PST

Ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced C.M. Punk to the live crowd. He certainly wasn’t as chipper as usual, but still played to the crowd.

7/3 Radican Audio Showcase w/Burgan (pt. 2): Radican and Burgan discuss the excellent Cabana shoot interview, DGUSA PPV and DVD differences, ROH must-see matches just released, more (54 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:34:48 PST

7/3 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show, part one: Breaking down the 15 talent trades, new-look ECW (62 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:31:23 PST

WWE News: Preview for tonight's Smackdown - Mysterio vs. Kane and Edge & Jericho vs. Punk & Jeff Hardy

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:30 PST

After retaining his title at The Bash by questionable means, World Champion C.M. Punk will team with his Bash opponent, Jeff Hardy, to take on the new Unified Tag Champions, Chris Jericho and Edge.

7/3 Radican Audio Showcase w/Burgan (pt. 2): Radican and Burgan discuss the excellent Cabana shoot interview, DGUSA PPV and DVD differences, ROH must-see matches just released, more (54 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:57:15 PST

Sean Radican and co-host Derek Burgan are back for another explosive edition of the Radican Audio Showcase. The show kicks off with an in-depth discussion of AIWrestling.com's must-see shoot interview with Colt Cabana. Sean and Derek discuss Cabana's thoughts on his time in WWE developmental and challenges when it came to him impressing the writers and creative...

7/3 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show, part one: Breaking down the 15 talent trades, new-look ECW (62 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:32:03 PST

In this episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller, they discuss the 15 talent moves among the three brands. Keller works hard to keep Mitchell on topic as they march through the Raw changes, the ECW changes, and the Smackdown changes. Also, a discussion about the new-look ECW...

7/3 Radican Audio Showcase (pt. 1): Radican discusses PWG's Secret of Guerrilla Island with guest Mike Roe (Strong-Omega, Jackson-Richards) (28 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:36:53 PST

7/3 Radican Audio Showcase (pt. 1): Radican discusses PWG's Secret of Guerrilla Island with guest Mike Roe (Strong-Omega, Jackson-Richards) (28 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:36:22 PST

Torch Columnist Sean Radican is joined by Torch specialist Mike Roe for an in-depth discussion of PWG's Secret of Guerrilla Island that was filmed for DVD last weekend for pt. 1 of the Radican Audio Showcase. Radican and Roe run down the lineup, which was forced to be reshuffled due to Bryan Danielson's staph infection...

7/3 Wade Keller Hotline - The Impact Rant: Why last night's show was maddeningly terrible in terms of character and storyline development and logic (16 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:38:31 PST

7/3 Wade Keller Hotline - The Impact Rant: Why last night's show was maddeningly terrible in terms of character and storyline development and logic (16 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:35:01 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his rant about last night's Impact with a look at key aspects that were huge storyline development letdowns and head-scratching lack of follow up on major characters involved in big angles. Plus, who are fans supposed to admire and root for? Is anyone likable in TNA, and if they are, will they be next week or the week after? How Jeff Jarrett made himself look like Superman, how Samoa Joe has become the new Sal and Rocco a week after the PPV closing major bombshell angle. And on and on...

7/3 SMACKDOWN MICROSCOPE POLL: What related topic from tonight's Smackdown do you want to see analyzed Under the Microscope?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:30:57 PST

KELLER: How bookers, like Jeff Jarrett last night, show that they're the toughest SOBs in the world

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:22:30 PST

For instance, five members of the Main Event Mafia leaped out of the ring and fled the scene when Jarrett walked out with guitar in hand. Later in the show when Sting showed up with a baseball bat in hand, the Mafia didn't flee the ring. They stood there and went after Sting. Sting, of course, fended the off easily, like the Four Horsemen taking their turns setting up the bionic elbow. But the lesson there for fans is that Jarrett and his Magic Guitar is scarier than Sting and his Baseball Bat...

CHARACTER MATTERS: Why The Game Doesn't Play with Me - The Flaws of Triple H's On-Air Persona

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:17:28 PST

Wrestling fans come in all varieties; many watch for the athleticism, other for simplified morality plays, and some (gasp) watch for the competition. I watch the characters and I always have. While I have a great appreciation for workrate, my list of favorite performers over the years reveals that it's not the critical element in what I enjoy watching. Shawn Michaels, Macho Man Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Stone Cold, Hawk, Bret Hart, Scott Hall, The Rock, Mad Dog Vachon and Jerry Lawler have something in common and it's not workrate. It's character development. A commitment to a character is what matters to me. Acting, reacting, speaking and fighting in character is what makes or breaks a performer in my eyes...

TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Polls OPEN for best/worst in pro wrestling from the month of June (Part 2 of 2)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:14:12 PST

(7) Best PPV/TV episode/Event of the Month - The category includes the best PPV, best TV episode, or best outside-the-ring event during the month. ...

TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Polls OPEN for best/worst in pro wrestling from the month of June (Part 1 of 2)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:13:00 PST

(1) MVP of June - Who was the most valuable overall performer in pro wrestling? ... (2) Best Wrestler in June - Who performed the best in-ring during the month? ...

ABSURDITY OF IT ALL - 7/2 TNA Impact: Kurt Angle saw "The Hangover," Stacker2, A.J. Styles Eats a Lot of Cookies, Stacker2, Jeff Jarrett Has the Power of Flight

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:08:15 PST

Okay...you see, I've made a deal with Stacker 2 Energy Drinks to plug their product in the Absurdity Articles. Don't look at me like that. I need to get paid. You'll get used to it, just like you're already used to it while watching Impact. It's a win-win, I say. ...

7/3 VIP East Coast Audio - Impact: Jarrett's Power Play, Lauren & Abyss's tender moment, Improved show (65 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:45:17 PST

VIP-exclusive East Coast Audio review of 7/2 TNA Impact: Impact tonight was an improvement on the the last few weeks. Lauren and Abyss share a tender moment before she is borderline raped by Stevie Richards. Jeff Jarrett asserts his power by booking Kurt in a tag match with his title on the line. Sharmell is a go-for. MEM is poised to collect all the gold at Victory Road. ...

Other News: Torch Talk All-Star Lanny Poffo Video interview, great poem on taking out Hulk Hogan

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:36:25 PST

Former WWE manager Leapin' Lanny Poffo was recently interviewed on novanewsnow.com after returning to the Maritimes in Canada for an independent show. ...

WWE News: Chris Jericho discusses art form of staying heel, taking a dive for Mickey Rourke, wrestling Ricky Steamboat this weekend

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:28 PST

Chris Jericho says "it's more fun" playing a heel than a babyface because it's easier to get fans to hate a character than like a character. He acknowledges that it's difficult to remain a heel, though, if a wrestler plays the part too well. ...

HITS & MISSES - TNA IMPACT 7/2: Kevin Nash's sit-down, Kurt Angle Plays the Game, Matt Morgan a Hit?, Samoa Joe muted, Bad acting, Raven MIA

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:56:51 PST

Anyway, look, it wasn't a horrible show. We've come a long way from Eric Young being terrified of his own pyro. But I do want to see the storytelling strengthened again. TNA has been on a truly great roll and I don't want them to let it slip away. Now blog away! ...

TNA News: Sting talks Shockmaster with Jeff Jarrett, Jim Cornette (w/VIDEOS)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:32:51 PST

TNA star Sting will be talking about the infamous "Shockmaster incident" on an upcoming episode of the TNA Spin Cycle Internet show. Jeremy Borash posted a sneak peek at Sting's comments on the incident while talking to Jeff Jarrett and Jim Cornette. ...

7/3 VIP East Coast Audio - Impact: Jarrett's Power Play, Lauren & Abyss's tender moment, Improved show (65 min.)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:39:22 PST

WWE News: Jim Ross comments on brutal travel schedule and Roddy Piper DUI arrest

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:48:55 PST

WWE Smackdown announcer Jim Ross says he spoke to one veteran wrestler on the WWE roster who is not looking forward to the international travel schedule this weekend through next week. Ross says the younger wrestlers are looking forward to the trip, though. ...

Other News: Brian Blair denies hitting his children in Father's Day Fight; local news runs 911 call leading to arrest (w/VIDEO)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:42:52 PST

Former WWE tag team wrestler B. Brian Blair denies he struck his children during a Father's Day scuffle at 4:00 a.m. that led to his arrest. Blair made the comments on Thursday afternoon after charges of child abuse were dropped. ...

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - TNA Impact 7/2: Paging Dr. Wayne Cowan, look at all those tag team titles, cool stats for wresters in debut matches in WWE vs. TNA

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:22:27 PST

TNA is more inclined to debut a wrestler on a monthly PPV, as 18 current roster members made their debuts in that fashion. WWE has a much larger roster, but only six talents who have made a match debut on a PPV. WWE is more likely to showcase a debuting talent in a one-on-one match, however. Of their current roster members, 67.5 percent have debuted in that style of match. Only 43.1 percent have debut in a one-on-one match when looking at TNA's current roster. ...

7/2 WWE Superstars Hits & Misses: Santino, Reks, Edge vs. Punk

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:41:47 PST

Thank God for Santino Marella. This has been a tough week watching WWE so far. Raw was decent, but had some major problems. I really disliked ECW this week which is a shame as I have enjoyed it for the most part over the last few months. Things have been looking down, that is until Santino made his way to the ring to start Superstars. He instantly puts a smile on my face. I really like his current character and the fans are really responding in a positive way to him. I love how he talks during his match, like when he yelled at The Brian Kendrick "you make-a-me so mad!" His in ring antics are hilarious. I also loved when he tried to shake Kendrick's hand after the match, but Kendrick was just too angry. While I enjoyed this, there has to be a better use for Kendrick.

TNA IMPACT POLL: Who was the MVP of the 7/2 episode if you saw the show?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:28:49 PST

PARKS' TNA IMPACT REPORT 7/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Team 3D vs. Booker & Steiner

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:00:05 PST

The Main Event Mafia led off the show. During their entrance, Tenay talked about Team 3D vs. Booker and Steiner tonight, where the winner will face the tag champs at Victory Road.

KELLER'S TNA IMPACT TAKE 7/2: Thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:10:47 PST

After the Impact opening aired, the Main Event Mafia walked to the ring as Mike Tenay introduced the show. Don West said Mick Foley shouldn't have betrayed his agreement with the Mafia last week and stuck to his word. Angle sent a message to Sting that what he did last week wasn't personal, it was just business. Foley then walked out to the ring. When Foley began to talk, Angle interrupted and told him to save it. Angle said he committed the cardinal sin by betraying the boss last week. He reviewed their agreement and his augmentation of it. Angle said it's time to pay the band. Foley said all he was asking was for everyone to leave him alone and let him wrestle him at Victory Road. Angle said he lied to him. Angle ordered Scott Steiner to take out Foley's bodyguards. He hit them with his lead pipe. They put up no defense...

CALDWELL'S WWE SUPERSTARS TV REPORT 7/2: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Punk vs. Edge

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:00:39 PST

Post-match: Santino then did his big "trumpet and dancing" celebration. He said today was his day. He tried to shake Kendrick's hand to adhere to the Code of Honor, but Kendrick wanted to slap him. Santino moved away and simply said, "I try. But he too angry." Santino then worked out the leg work on the way to the back with a victory in his pocket. ...

TNA News: Preview for tonight's Impact - TNA World Title match, Mafia vs. Team 3D, Young vs. Rhino (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:45:13 PST

Tonight's episode of TNA Impact will feature the TNA World Hvt. Title on the line in a tag match. Current champ Kurt Angle will team with Samoa Joe to face Jeff Jarrett and A.J. Styles. The person who scores the pin is the champ. ...

WWE News: Preview for tonight's Superstars on WGN - Punk vs. Edge, Morrison vs. Haas

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:37:34 PST

Tonight's episode of WWE Superstars on WGN features World Hvt. champion C.M. Punk against Unified tag team champion Edge in a non-title match. The Smackdown brand will once again be represented in the TV main event with Jim Ross and Todd Grisham calling the match. ...

Other News: New clip of Rob Van Dam doing a stunt for his upcoming movie (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:31:50 PST

Former WWE wrestler Rob Van Dam has a new clip of him doing his own stunt for the "Wrong Side of Town" movie that comes out in 2010. ...

7/2 TORCH DAILY BLITZ: Burgan and John Dudeck look at "JAPW: Caged Fury" DVD - Teddy Hart/Jack Evans vs. Homicide/B-Boy (28 min.)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:47:35 PST

VIP-exclusive Torch Daily Blitz 7/2: In episode 42 of the Torch Daily Blitz, Burgan is joined by John Dudeck discuss Caged Fury 2005 from Jersey All Pro Wrestling. For most people, an undiscovered gem, Caged Fury was a loaded card that included matches with Homicide vs. Jay Lethal, Low Ki vs. Samoa Joe, and of course the legendary tag team cage match main event with Jack Evans & Teddy Hart vs. Homicide & B-Boy. ...

WWE News: Matt Hardy vows to reinvent himself on Smackdown; Play the "Matt Hardy decoder" game

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:05:29 PST

WWE wrestler Matt Hardy says he's ready to "clear a hurdle" to reinvent himself professionally and personally after being "traded" to the Smackdown brand. Hardy did not disclose what he's referring to in a typical cryptic message on MySpace. ...

TNA News: Homicide says he has more freedom to wrestle on independent shows compared to TNA, describes character differences

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:31:46 PST

TNA wrestler Homicide says he has more freedom to perform in the ring when he's on the independent scene. He says he has to tone done his in-ring persona for TNA to appeal to a wider audience. ...

7/2 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Torrie Upset, Vickie Treatment, Piper DUI, Wrestlers in Pain, Mexico Wrestler Deaths, Blair Charges Dropped (20 min.)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:22:31 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his "News Wrap" format with the headlines of the day and his analysis of those headlines including items on Torrie Wilson, Roddy Piper, Chris Jericho, JBL, Brian Blair, Mexico Wrestler Deaths, ECW Ratings, Vickie Guerrero, Tommy Dreamer, WWE's brutal schedule, Vince McMahon's screwed up priorites, and more...

Other News: Update on Roddy Piper after arrest in Los Angeles this morning

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:57:33 PST

WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper was released from a Los Angeles county jail this morning at 7:54 a.m. on $5,000 bail. ...

WWE News: Torrie Wilson very upset with WWE for WrestleMania 25 divas battle royal and lack of support for "I'm a Celebrity" show

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:20:59 PST

Former WWE diva Torrie Wilson says she's very upset with WWE for how she was used in the WrestleMania 25 divas battle royal. She also says her feelings were hurt when WWE "ignored" her requests to support her on the "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" reality show. ...

Ratings News: ECW TV rating for Tuesday night's show - near-20 percent increase in TV viewers

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:05:22 PST

Tuesday night's episode of ECW TV scored a 1.2 rating and was seen by an average viewing audience of 1.8 million viewers. The show was up nearly 20 percent across the board in viewership comparisons. ...

WWE News: JBL talks candidly about wrestling too long in WWE; on the cover of bodybuilding magazine

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:01 PST

Former WWE wrestler JBL says he wrestled too long and should have listened to his body, which was telling him to quit before he officially retired at WrestleMania 25 in April. ...

ROH News: Lance Storm's first match out of retirement announced, details on second match against Chris Hero

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:23 PST

Former WWE, WCW, and ECW wrestler Lance Storm's first match out of retirement will be in a tag team match on the July 24 Ring of Honor show in Toronto. ...

TNA News: Jeremy Borash plays a rib on Don West, a look inside TNA's corporate office (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:44:01 PST

TNA announcer Jeremy Borash posted a cell phone video of Don West's crotch as he's in TNA's corporate office looking at a commemorative seven-year plaque highlighting the original TNA wrestlers and staff. ...

Other News: Child abuse charges dropped against B. Brian Blair for Father's Day incident

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:21:12 PST

Charges of child abuse against former WWE tag team wrestler B. Brian Blair were dropped by prosecutors in Tampa, Fla. They concluded Blair was trying to discipline his two sons at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, June 21. ...

Other News: Mr. Kennedy continues to kill time before 90-day no-compete expires (w/VIDEO)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:37:43 PST

Former WWE wrestler Mr. Kennedy continues to give the appearance that he's killing time by doing nothing before his 90-day no-compete clause expires in his latest video blog. ...

WWE News: Tommy Dreamer says he's working hurt, talks about his training and diet to keep in shape

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:18:37 PST

ECW champion Tommy Dreamer says he's currently wrestling with a broken finger, but he's trying to shrug it off, especially with WWE in the middle of a brutal two-week tour of California and Asia. ...

TORCH MORNING POLL: If TNA decides to compete head-to-head with WWE, what should they do?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:50:44 PST

WWE News: Spoilers - Second detailed report on Superstars/ECW/Smackdown taping for next week including Rey vs. Jericho IV and Punk "shooting" on Hardy

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:45:19 PST

Are you happy Jeff? You come out earlier wearing an eye patch mocking me? I could have been seriously injured because of you! You see this right here? This is Dyhydroxy Sulfate -- I have to put it in my eye three times a day. It's the only foreign substance I'll allow in my body. Now Jeff, I know you know a lot about prescription medication but, see, to get this legally you have to get it from a doctor. ...

Other News: TMZ covers Piper arrest, adds additional detail to story

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:35:51 PST

WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper was given a field sobriety test when he was pulled over by LAPD early this morning under suspicion of drunk driving. ...

Other News: Roddy Piper arrested in Los Angeles early this morning

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:20:01 PST

WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper (legal name Roderick Toombs) was arrested at 1:00 a.m. early this morning in Hollywood, Calif. by the Los Angeles Police Department under suspicion of drunk driving. ...

WWE News: Spoilers - Superstars/ECW TV taping report for next week's Thursday night episodes

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:06:30 PST

The Smackdown non-taped matches did feature C.M. Punk in full heel mode, telling Jeff that he was legitimately injured but didn't need controlled substances like Hardy did; shades of his work with Raven in ROH. ...

Mexico News: Two wrestlers found dead in Mexico City hotel, poisoning suspected

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:27:11 PST

La Parkita and El Espectrito, Jr., two mini Lucha wrestlers, were found dead in a Mexico City hotel on Tuesday night, reportedly, after they appeared to be poisoned. ...

UFC News: Kimbo Slice, Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans plus rest of cast of TUF 10 to be revealed...

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:25 PST

UFC - ENNIS COLUMN: The Lay of the Lane - A look at MMA's top heavyweights from Brock to Mir to Carwin to Fedor to...

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:42:29 PST

6/30 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Raw, Impact, ECW ratings news and analysis, Dixie Carter interview, New-Look Bizarre ECW (24 min.)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:38:04 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his "News Wrap" format with the headlines of the day with a focus on TV ratings - Impact ratings, ECW vs. TNA ratings, Dixie Carter's statement about TNA's progress in ratings, USA Network's overall ratings and how Raw helped them to a big achievement, and more - plus a look at the new-look ECW episode from last night. Oh boy...

WWE/TNA News: Has TNA really surpassed ECW in TV ratings as Dixie Carter claims? Breaking down the first-half 2009 numbers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:30:49 PST

Half-way through 2009 with 26 weeks of pro wrestling TV in the record books, ECW TV owns a slim margin in TV ratings over TNA Impact, but TNA Impact owns a slim margin over ECW in TV viewership. ...

7/1 TORCH DAILY BLITZ: Burgan looks at Big Vision's "Best of CM Punk" DVD (8 min.)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:41:23 PST

VIP-exclusive Torch Daily Blitz 7/1: In episode 41 of the Torch Daily Blitz, Burgan looks at the "Best of CM Punk" DVD available through www.BigVisionEntertainment.com. Derek discusses Punk's FIP matches included in the main feature, but also the fantastic two bonus matches from Ring of Honor and the MUST SEE forty plus minute "Best of CM Punk in IWA Mid South" documentary that is thrown in as a bonus. ...

WWE News: C.M. Punk appearing at Florida Championship Wrestling show with Tyson Kidd, Ricky Ortiz, Divas

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 PST

WWE World Hvt. champion C.M. Punk will be appearing at an upcoming Florida Championship Wrestling show on July 15 after WWE completes a grueling international tour. ...

ROH News: Notes on Toronto Gauntlet match, Nigel McGuinness below-average performances into storyline, ROH selling PWG DVDs

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:29:01 PST

The next #1 contender to the Ring of Honor World Title, currently held by Austin Aries, will be decided in a "Toronto Gauntlet" match on Saturday, July 25. ROH does not run another show until Friday, July 24 in Toronto. ...

DEROSENROLL's ROH HISTORY: Classic Feuds v.6 - C.M. Punk vs. ROH

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:15:50 PST

Optional Shows: Fate of Angel (the Punk-Gibson match is excellent, and overall this is a great show, but it is skippable from a storyline perspective), The Homecoming (only get this if you are a completist or a huge Christopher Daniels fan), Punk: The Final Chapter (if you love C.M. Punk, get this for his emotional farewell to ROH). ...

TORCH MONTHLY AWARD VOTING: Nominate best and worst in pro wrestling from the month of June

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:53:52 PST

We're continuing our monthly feature to track the best and worst from each month in our Torch Month-End polling. The floor is open for nominations through Friday morning, then we'll open the polls for voting from Friday night - Monday morning and announce the results on Monday. During the nomination process, feel free to nominate multiple people, events, storylines, etc. for each category. You don't have to limit your nominations to just one item. Send in your nominations to pwtorch@gmail.com or add your nominations in the "Comment" section below. ...

TNA News: Mick Foley says he's dreading TNA World Title match against Kurt Angle, praises TV build-up

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:50:32 PST

Former TNA World champion Mick Foley says he's dreading his one-on-one match against Kurt Angle for the World Hvt. Title at the Victory Road PPV later this month. Foley says he needs to get in better shape to keep up with Angle. ...

WWE News: Spoilers - Smackdown TV taping report for this Friday's show with Edge & Jericho vs. Hardy & Punk

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:37:27 PST

Dark match: IC champion Rey Mysterio & Jeff Hardy beat Unified tag champions Edge & Chris Jericho. After the show ended, there was a steel cage tag team match. It was a quick match with Mysterio and Hardy getting the pin with the 619 and Swanton bomb to end the night. Overall, a good show. ...

6/30 ECW Hits & Misses: A Look at the Total Re-Launch of ECW

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:26:34 PST

This was bad. Perhaps on another night on a better show, I would be more likely to give the main event tag match a Hit. But, not in the mood I'm in after watching this show. Besides, there were too many sloppy spots and too much Vladimir Kozlov for me to really consider giving that match a Hit. The one thing that came closest to getting a Hit was William Regal's subtle acting after the match. He smiled and clapped it up for Kozlov after their win, but seemed to be glaring at him behind his back. But, I'm afraid that was way too little, way too late to save this show. This was a case where the bad show exposed the weakness of the announcing duo. I like Matt Striker, but I miss his chemistry with Todd Grisham. I know that others here at PWTorch (I think James Caldwell in particular) have pointed out how much silence there is during ECW matches. It hasn't really bothered me until this week.

Ratings News: Raw TV ratings break down - comparisons to long-term averages with Raw showing upward trend

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:18:05 PST

WWE Raw from Monday night dropped an expected 14.1 percent in TV viewership compared to the commercial-free episode last week, but the show continued to show an upward trend compared to long-term averages. ...

Ratings News: WWE Raw TV ratings report - down from commercial-free show; numbers still strong in comparisons

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:14 PST

WWE Raw from Monday night was naturally down 16.3 percent from last week's (6/22) monstrous commercial-free ratings, but the show was up in TV viewers compared to the June 15 episode. ...

RADICAN'S ROH DVD REVIEW SERIES: 2/7 "Proving Ground: Night 2" (Danielson-Generico, Steen-Richards)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:04:09 PST

The main event was good, but McGuinness has set the bar so high for what you expect from ROH World Title matches that it was a letdown of sorts because Brown just isn't suited to wrestle long matches that are really good with a world class worker like McGuinness...

WWE News: Jim Ross asks for patience with new ECW brand, talks about challenges after 15-person trade

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:18:18 PST

WWE Smackdown announcer Jim Ross says patience will be needed with the new look to the ECW brand after top stars were moved to Raw and developmental wrestlers debuted last night. Ross says the WWE crew faced many challenges at last night's TV tapings for Smackdown and ECW. ...

WWE RAW ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/29: Caldwell, Mayer, Parks, Stevens rate and review

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:12:37 PST

Since I missed the first hour of the show thanks to a Texas-sized storm, I'll analyze the booking of the first hour and give thoughts on what I saw the second hour.

WWE News: A look at what Abraham Washington was doing in FCW before his rough debut on ECW TV (w/VIDEO)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:21 PST

Prior to debuting on ECW TV last night as a "talk show host," Abraham Washington was involved in a "presidential contest" in WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, against FCW president Steve Keirn. ...

KELLER'S ECW ON SCI-FI REPORT 6/30: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, and quotebook

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:40:56 PST

Not an electrifying new beginning for ECW. Regal was used fine and got to show off his range in terms of talking, facial expressions, and some good ring work. Shelton's debut was puzzling and not encouraging as the made him out to be an idiot in more ways than one. All of the new faces made this interesting as ECW definitely got a facelift, but it was a mix of lousy and forgettable for the most part...

WWE News: Taz's insight into announcer move from ECW to SD, who made the decision, why ECW brand is the "red-headed step child"

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:18:40 PST

Former WWE announcer Taz says he was tired of being on the ECW brand calling one PPV match and being "stuck in quicksand" with Mike Adamle in 2008. He says he told WWE chairman Vince McMahon and WWE TV executive Kevin Dunn that he wanted to be back in an important role. ...

OTHER NEWS: DGUSA VP Sapolsky discusses his new role in FWA promotion, backstage stories from ROH in England

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:14:32 PST

I will serve on the FWA booking committee and be as heavily involved as I can from the United States," said Sapolsky regarding his role in FWA. "The plan is to make a few trips to England per year, but in the meantime I'll watch the DVDs closely and participate in the booking via email and conference calls...

ABSURDITY OF IT ALL - 6/30 ECW TV: You See, Stereotyping People Put Smiles On Faces

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:45:16 PST

There's got to be more than this. In the span of three days it can be argued that WWE has pushed the wrong people while burying the right ones. Time will tell if they were right all along, but from a booking and execution standpoint, this is junk WWE is serving up. ...

WWE News: Re-match date for Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho IV

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:02:30 PST

Intercontinental champion Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho will wrestle once again on the July 10 episode of WWE Smackdown. The match will be taped tonight in Bakersfield, Calif. at the second Smackdown TV taping this week. ...

7/1 VIP East Coast Audio - ECW: Shelton the Raging Bigot, Kozlov softens, Mr. Washington worst or best ever? (40 min.)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:49:26 PST

VIP-exclusive East Coast Audio review of 6/30 ECW TV: ECW this week started a new beginning. GM Tiffany acknowledged the departed stars, but hype the incoming ones as well. Shelton Benjamin is a raging bigot. Yoshi Tatsu did himself no favors my selling Shelton's actions. Abraham Washington may be the worst character in wrestling today, but don't tell that to Dre. Sheamus debuts, dropping the O'Shaunessey. Tyler Reks has a good look to him. Kozlov softens even more. ...

ECW TV Reax #2: "Yoshi is already on the road to being the next Funaki at this point"

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:11:49 PST

Regal's missing the top title among his accolades. And with one wrestler to come in, the trade gives Dreamer some new opponents for the title. Bourne's, Swagger's, and Henry's departures seem like a curse to ECW, but already ECW has found some silver lining to the clouds. ...

WWE News: THQ files lawsuit to prevent Jakks from renewing deal with WWE, Analysis of Very Big Mess

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:04:30 PST

Jakks Pacific issued a press release today to announce they are filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles, California claiming they are "not ready to make a decision" on whether to renew WWE's video game license with THQ based on the "joint venture" agreement between Jakks and THQ. It's not clear based on their press release who they are filing a lawsuit against. ...

WWE News: Spoiler - World Title match announced for Night of Champions at Smackdown taping last night

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:39:37 PST

This Friday night on Smackdown, WWE will announce a re-match for the World Hvt. Title between C.M. Punk and Jeff Hardy for the Night of Champions PPV on July 26. ...

ECW TV Reax #1: "I think Abraham Washington has some charisma, but dear Lord, that was the most pointless segment in pro wrestling history"

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:18:35 PST

The Raw Rebound was actually refreshing (I know), and the tag match was my favorite match by default, even though Kozlov spent most of the time just lumbering around like an idiot in his high school wrestling tights. Wait! He smiled! Well, that made my night! Best part of the show. Well, Raw, mission accomplished. I'm not sure if you've gotten any better, but with an ECW (or shall I say FECW), you've moved up to be the third best show of the week by default (Superstars is still beating you). ...

ECW ON SCI-FI ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/30: Caldwell, Mayer, Parks rate and review

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:17:46 PST

Overall a pretty strong show tonight. Regal and Kozlov looked really good in the main event, and I'm interested to see where the title picture goes moving forward.

FCW TV REPORT 6/28: Tyler Reks wins the FCW Title, Abraham Washington name new FCW GM

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:12:47 PST

McIntyre accidentally hits the ref with a big boot. Reks has a visual pinfall, but nobody is there to count. Reks checks on the referee allowing McIntyre to recover and give Reks the Scot Drop. Reks kicks out at two. Reks with a small package, but McIntyre slips out. Moments later, Reks executes the Burning Hammer for the win. The fans go berserk. ...

FCW TV REPORT 6/21: Tyler Reks becomes #1 contender, Dusty Rhodes criticizes Josh Mathews, Abraham Washington involved in decent segment

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:09 PST

The ref counts as both men struggle to their feet. Riley uses the ref to hoist himself up. With the referee distracted, Lance Hoyt runs out and trips Prime so he falls back to the mat. The ref reaches the count of ten and declares Riley the winner. ...

ABSURDITY OF IT ALL: Mark Henry Returns From His Time Machine, Monday Night Raw Wants To Be Like Saturday Night Live, Why "Proven Commodity" Reigns Supreme

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:47:57 PST

I'm hoping that WWE stays away from celebrity hosts, as I do not have faith in how much pull they have in that regard. Right now, WWE would be lucky to get Tom Arnold. Raw could turn out to be the Saturday Night Live with celebrity guest hosts. They could come in, plug their movie or music project, butcher some lines, and be off for the night. ...

WWE News: List of FCW Developmental wrestlers who debuted on ECW TV tonight

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:33:48 PST

Tonight's episode of ECW TV featured four debuts from WWE's Florida Developmental Territory after the ECW brand's talent roster was raided as part of the 15-man "trade" announced on WWE Raw last night. ...

6/30 ECW on Sci-Fi Report: MAYER'S alt. perspective review of multiple FCW debuts, Shelton's offensive ECW debut

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:20:27 PST

Neckbreaker by Dreamer for a very close two. Kozlov picks Dreamer up, but Dreamer escapes and clotheslines him outside. Regal tagged in and gets schoolboyed for a near fall. Regal gets a release belly to belly suplex that takes Dreamer out, but then Kozlov tags himself in. Kozlov with the uranage for the pin and the win. ...

ECW TV POLL: Who was the MVP of the 6/30 ECW episode if you saw the show?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:12:37 PST

CALDWELL'S ECW TV REPORT 6/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Dreamer & Christian vs. Kozlov & Regal

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:05:48 PST

Last week, Dreamer & Christian faced Swagger & Henry in the TV main event. This week, they face Regal & Kozlov. ECW's roster might have been reshuffled but some things remain the same. ...

MITCHELL SHORT: WWE Proving Once Again That Life is Easy...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:15:52 PST

6/30 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Analysis of 15 Talent Trades and reply to Hardy's Seven Torch Tweets (20 min.)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:37:47 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his "News Wrap" format with the headlines of the day with a focus on the 15 talent trades announced yesterday LONG BEFORE MATT HARDY SAID WORD-ONE! Keller breaks down the pros and cons for each of the talents that were moved. He also replies with about seven minutes of a response to Hardy's seven Tweets critical of a Torch story last night - one minute per Tweet just to be fair and balanced (and not to spoil things, but he was TOTALLY RIGHT, although he may have overreacted a bit?)...

WWE News: Tag team main event announced for tonight's ECW TV after ECW brand cleaned out

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:08:05 PST

ECW champion Tommy Dreamer will team with Christian to face William Regal and Vladimir Kozlov in the ECW TV main event tonight. ...

6/30 TORCH DAILY BLITZ: Burgan looks at Strong Style Production's "Quick Shootin' with Allison Danger" DVD (6 min.)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:55:57 PST

VIP-exclusive Torch Daily Blitz 6/30: In episode 40 of the Torch Daily Blitz, Burgan flies solo as he talks about "Quick Shootin' with Allison Danger available from www.StrongStyleProductions.com. A two disc shoot interview, running nearly four hours in length, this is one of the only shoots in which the world of wrestling is looked at from a woman's perspective. ...

WWE News: USA Network posts best 2nd Quarter TV ratings ever on cable, narrowly beats TNT's NBA Playoffs coverage

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:22:18 PST

USA Network scored the best Second Quarter cable TV ratings ever, according to a press release the company issued. USA averaged 3.17 million viewers in prime time TV during the quarter (April - June) and 1.47 million viewers aged 25-54. ...

WWE Raw Reax #4: "I'm not sure how WWE could have made it any clearer that MVP isn't in Triple H's league"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:33:09 PST

Mondays on Raw we'll see guys like Kofi, Swagger, and the Miz make names for themselves. Then we'll create a Wednesday show where Hunter beats the snot out of Randy for two hours, until Legacy comes out and Orton scores the win. In speaking of shows, did Vince forget about ECW, or did he purposely gut the show, leaving us only with Ryder, Shelton, Dreamer, and Christian, who will probably be drafted to Smackdown next year. Oh, well. I'm sure ECW will still be better than Raw, but we'll have to wait and see.

WWE News: Commercial-free Raw draws highest ratings since 2002, but doesn't win cable TV ratings; USA Network in close race for weekly ratings

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:19:33 PST

Last week's commercial-free episode of Raw averaged the highest TV ratings since the WWE Brand Split was started in March 2002, but it wasn't good enough for a top finish among cable TV shows for the week. ...

6/29 WWE Raw Hits & Misses: McMahon's Announcement, Miz vs. Cena, MVP vs. Triple H, Gauntlet

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:04:59 PST

After a poor first few segments of Raw, the quality picked up with the good Tag Team Title match between Chris Jericho & Edge vs. Primo & Carlito. The Unified Tag Champs have been set up as being able to jump between brands to defend their Titles, so I am fine with this. However, I don't want to see too much of Edge and Jericho on Raw. Special occasional appearances like this are fine. They did some strong mic work before the match, and then were entertaining in the match itself. I continue to like Primo's development in the ring. It will be interesting to watch the chemistry between Edge and Jericho as a team. I hope they don't rush to split Primo & Carlito up though.

TNA News: The Dixie Carter "State of TNA" interview - Acknowledges booking has insulted the audience, says TNA will compete head-to-head with WWE

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:59:10 PST

TNA president Dixie Carter gave an optimistic and safe "State of TNA" interview discussing the company's position entering year seven. Carter said she doesn't want TNA to take away from WWE's business, but they want to surpass Smackdown's TV ratings on the way to challenging Raw. ...

JUNE 1989 BACK ISSUE SET (20 Years Ago): Three back issues with news, results, columns, more - just posted as PDFs

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:58:56 PST

The latest three Torch Newsletter "20 Years Ago" back issues from June 1989 have just been converted to PDF format and is now available to Torch VIP Members in the "Access Torch Archives" section. VIP members can access the complete Torch Back issues by clicking here, or just click on the VIP Feature Jump Menu and select 1989 Torch Back Issues. The following are the summaries of the three issues just published...

MAYER'S BLOG: Analyzing the "Re-Draft" - ECW is only supposed to be pillaged once per year, Looking at where Swagger, Hardy, Benjamin fit in

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:12:58 PST

As everyone and their brother has been talking about the announcement of the brand changes, I thought I'd chime in from the point of view of someone younger who's only gotten to see the best that WWE has ever been, followed by the decline, followed by the kind-of return, and then whatever it is that we have now. Still not sure if we're in a good period or a bad one yet. ...

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 6/29 WWE Raw: Raw Trade Players to be Named Later, Spellchecking Signs, A closer look at Lilian Garcia, Can Big Show really bench press a VW?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:47:47 PST

Thank you to everyone who voted in The Microscope Poll this week. Lillian Garcia narrowly defeated a closer look at Night of Champions, although I wonder if some readers took the idea of "taking a closer look at Lillian" too literally. ...

TORCH AFTERNOON POLL: Which WWE wrestler "traded" will benefit the most?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:36:42 PST

MICK FOLEY INTERVIEW - Vintage Audio Torch Talk from May 31, 1991, part two of two (90 min.)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:21:55 PST

The new June Vintage Audio Torch Talk selection is Torch editor Wade Keller's interview with Mick Foley. It was conducted on May 31, 1991 and began running in several installments in Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter #127. In the second part of this interview, Foley talks about his dreams of one day headlining in front of huge sellout crowds. He does name association with colleagues and bosses such as Ric Flair and Ole Anderson. He talks about jumping off the roof of his garage for the first time publicly. He even explains why he likes The Munsters more than the Adam's Familiy. It's a wide-ranging interview, a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the great performers of the 1990s on the mic and in the ring, and one of the most influential wrestlers, talkers, and wrestling authors ever. This was his second "Torch Talk" and among his most early interviews, long before he knew he'd become one of the top stars of the 1990s, a best selling author, a multi-millionaire, and Hall of Famer. This interview has never been heard until now (it was only transcribed previously)...

WWE Raw Reax #3: "I like the ECW influx, but I fear for what may happen to Bourne and Swagger"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:14:31 PST

Orton will probably be pushed back to mid-card, and WrestleMania next year will be Cena vs. Taker and Hunter vs. HBK as the two main events. I can already see it coming because there aren't any creative people working for WWE and that will be the two "best" ideas that they have. I wish I could find something else to watch on Mondays. Can't wait for the NFL season to begin! ...

JUNE 2004 BACK ISSUE SERIES: Samoa Joe Torch Talk, feature columns by Mitchell, Keller, Powell, McNeill, ROH Drama, PPV Reports, Tons of Insider Exclusive News

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:46:48 PST

An in-depth expanded Cover Story featuring a walk through the the bitter battle over Ring of Honor, what really happened over the past two months, who really knew what, who got money from what, how each side attempted to gain an advantage over the other and who won what battles, cleariing up misconceptions about the situation, and where both sides go from here... Wade Keller's feature column puts quotes made by various people in the ROH-RF controversy through the "Truth Test" wringer... The Top Five Stories of the Week including a concise look at the key figures in the latest WWE 2004 Fiscal Year Financial Statement, plus news on Bradshaw, Rock, Tough Enough, and more... WWE Newswire with the latest inside word on Vengeance, Summerslam, Shawn Michaels's plans, Hunter's plans, RIc Flair's book, details on the new addition to the creative staff Vince McMahon is considering, the future of Paul Bearer, backstage news on the Chavo Classic situation, wrestlers emotins behind the scenes, Bradshaw's reaction in the locker room to being fired from CNBC, updates on a variety of wrestler injuries and other missing wrestlers, Steve Austin and Goldberg news, ratings details, and more...

WWE News: Chris Jericho writes about tough morning after wrestling twice last night; Complete Listing of WWE's rough two-week travel schedule

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:04:02 PST

WWE star Chris Jericho said this morning it's tough to wake up the day after wrestling twice the night before. Jericho wrestled in four matches the previous two nights, including one epic match against Rey Mysterio at The Bash PPV. ...

DGUSA News: Recently released WWE wrestler signed to face 2 Cold Scorpio at debut show

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:36:47 PST

Dragon Gate USA announced today they have signed recently released WWE wrestler Kenny Dykstra (Ken Doane) to face 2 Cold Scorpio at DGUSA's debut show on July 25 in Philadelphia. ...

WWE Raw Reax #2: "Henry's move to Raw was a bit of a surprise; his apparent face turn was a bigger surprise"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:28:40 PST

Bourne and Swagger being traded to Raw was sweet. Both lost to Randy in ways that fit their characters. Bourne's loss doesn't seem as much a burial yet because his most signature moves were left out of the match. Henry's move to Raw was a bit of a surprise; his apparent face turn was a bigger surprise. ...

PWTorch Newsletter #1094: 15 Wrestlers Traded, Mitchell's Greatest Concept Ever, McNeill's Top TNA Matches Ever, Powell's Page 2 Scoops, Warzecha Wire Service, Parks Has Questions About Joe's Turn, Bash PPV Coverage (20 pages)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:22:19 PST

This issue opens with Wade Keller's cover story on the trades of 15 wrestlers from all three brands... Jason Powell's Page 2 Buzz features an interview with Konnan and more scoops... The WWE Newswire, TNA Newswire, and ROH Newswire come next, followed by Keller's reports on Raw, Smackdown, and Impact... Then in-depth WWE Bash PPV coverage including Keller's PPV report and the newsletter-exclusive Roundtable Reviews from the staff... Mitchell's Memo presents his greatest concept to revolutionize wrestling... Brian Hoops reviews one of the last Verne Gagne-promoted AWA live events... Greg Parks asks some hard questions about the Samoa Joe turn... Marc Warzecha presents his top secret WWE Infomercial and an interview with Triple H's ambulance driver in his Warzecha Wire Service satire...

RADICAN: Torch readers sounds off on Mark Henry's shining moment on Raw (w/Radican Reax)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:08:59 PST

Remember when Brock Lesnar debuted in the WWE? I don't ever recall him backing down to anyone and I think that's the way Swagger should be booked. His promos leave a lot to be desired, but he's a physical freak and if WWE paired him with a good manager, they'd have a huge money-making act on their hands...

CALDWELL: Analysis of WWE's roster shuffle from the 15-person trade - who benefited, which brand needs help

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:24:09 PST

WWE put together a second supplemental draft disguised as a "mid-season trade" that essentially robbed the ECW brand of three top stars, but opened up an opportunity for Shelton Benjamin to start being involved in PPV title matches. ...

WWE News: Evan Bourne comments on move to Raw brand

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:27:57 PST

Former ECW brand wrestler Evan Bourne says he's looking forward to moving to the Raw brand after he was "traded" on Monday night's episode of WWE Raw TV. ...

WWE News: SPOILER News & Notes for next week's Raw after double TV taping on Monday night

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:25:55 PST

WWE taped the July 6 episode of WWE Raw on Monday night in San Jose, Calif. before WWE's Raw and Smackdown crews travel to Australia and Japan next week. Following are some spoiler news and notes from the taping that will affect the Night of Champions PPV on July 26. ...

WWE Raw Reax #1: "I find it ironic the flagship had to be bailed out by Smackdown and ECW"

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:55:26 PST

I don't think Cole and Lawler played up Beth Phoenix attacking her "protege" Rosa enough, even though the matches are every person for themselves. Will there be any follow-up to Maryse's admiration of Kelly Kelly? Where do Big Show and Kofi Kingston go from here? And where was Santino? After watching tonight's Raw, maybe the writers have mucked up Raw so viewers will watch the other three shows. ...

WWE News: Complete list of 15 names that have been traded (w/Keller's Analysis)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:47:27 PST

I like the trade for ECW. Since ECW has such a small roster, moving three top stars out but replacing them with three intriguing additions means ECW is fresh again. I'm especially interested to see how Shelton Benjamin does as a centerpiece singles wrestler on ECW. I have a feeling this will be a big test for him and will make or break his chance to move into a top tier spot in six months or a year on Raw or Smackdown. Goldust deserves better than being purely a comedy sideshow Oddity, as Dustin Rhodes when he's in shape and motivated can be a second tier player...

MOJO MITCHELL'S 6/29 Raw Stream Of Randy Orton Faces ECW and Loses and That's The Main Event

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:12:56 PST

We start with Mr. McMahon. He looks happy, and he's wearing a really stylin' blue summer sports coat. He points out all the stuff Donald Trump would give away and says he has to have commercials to make money. As far as giving your ticket money way, he could do that – but he won't. Apparently Trump ran his own draft or trade or something after he sold Raw, and fifteen wrestlers were trading between ECW, Smackdown, and Raw. I was going to write you know McMahon grinds his teeth when he sleeps, but then you know he never sleeps so he just grinds his teeth...

WWE News: One wrestler spills the beans on his move from Raw to Smackdown

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:59:58 PST

Matt Hardy revealed on his Twitter page tonight that he is headed to Smackdown. I assume Hardy had permission to spill the beans on that move. It's probably best as whatever idea there was at one time for him to be a top heel on Raw seemed to cool off in the last month. I'm not sure where he fits in on Smackdown, as his feud with his brother (assuming he's even around for long) ran its course, and I don't see him against Edge, Chris Jericho, or C.M. Punk on the horizon since those don't feel like money matches for those top heels...

6/29 Wade Keller Hotline - Raw: A walk through a newsworthy edition of Raw with some intriguing twists and turns (18 min.)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:54:00 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his analysis of tonight's Raw including a walk through each segment of the show with a look at the pros and cons of some intriguing booking decisions and match outcomes...

RADICAN: Mark Henry's shining moment on Raw leaves a bad smell in the room

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:51:00 PST

Heck, I'd be excited to see Miz, MVP, Swagger, and Bourne just make a niche for themselves somehow on Raw, but instead what we got in the main event was a clear signal from Vince McMahon and his footstools in creative. We're stuck in the past and don't trust anyone to help us go forward in the presence. I'm almost hoping Swagger or Bourne bust out a rare talent in front of Stephanie. Maybe one of them can do magic tricks and impress like Cena's rapping did all those years ago...

CALDWELL: Instant Reaction to key storylines on Raw and post-PPV developments

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:35:20 PST

WWE booking the "15-man trade" and putting the tag titles on Edge & Jericho were two obvious cop-outs to bring more star power to the Raw brand. The Draft led to the "same old, same old" feuds involving Randy Orton and Triple H while Smackdown became a hot show with Punk, Hardy, Jericho, Edge, Morrison, Dolph, etc. WWE needed a shake-up and the Donald Trump storyline became a fine enough excuse to reach a necessary destination. ...

KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 6/29: Results, star ratings, thoughts, observations, nitpicks, quotes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:19:36 PST

Vince McMahon walked out onto the stage. He said if Donald Trump were here, he would surely go commercial-free and refund everyone's tickets. He said he can't go commercial free, but he can refund their ticket money. The crowd cheered. He then said, "Yes, that I can do, but I won't do." The crowd booed. He said Trump instituted a 15 Superstar trade between Raw, Smackdown, and ECW that he has to live with. Without giving any more details, he said Trump also negotiated that there will be a weekly guest host with the same power as a G.M. He said he gets to choose the guest host, and "I'm going to shake things up V.K.M. style." He announced the guest host is Batista. The crowd liked that and almost forgave McMahon for teasing them with their ticket money being refunded...

WWE RAW POLL: Who was the MVP of the 6/29 Raw if you saw the show?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:16:29 PST

WWE News: Three big-name ECW brand wrestlers "traded" to Raw brand

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:10:54 PST

Former ECW wrestlers Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, and Mark Henry were "traded" to the Raw brand during the main event of tonight's WWE Raw broadcast. ...

CALDWELL'S WWE RAW TV REPORT 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Edge & Jericho vs. Colons

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:10:01 PST

In-ring: Lilian Garcia announced a First Round Night of Champions tournament match, leading to John Cena coming out first to face The Miz. Winner gets Triple H, who beat MVP earlier tonight, in the semi-finals. Winner of the tournament gets Randy Orton for the WWE Title at Night of Champions. Also on the show, Chris Jericho & Edge retained the Unified tag titles over the Colons. ...

WWE News: Number one contender match to WWE Title booked for next week's Raw

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:18:16 PST

Triple H vs. John Cena has been booked for next week's Raw in the finals of a four-man mini-tournament. The winner faces WWE champion Randy Orton for the WWE Title at the Night of Champions PPV on July 26. ...

MMA: Plan a week of UFC and other MMA viewing with the Torch's viewer's guide including Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:47:52 PST

WWE News: Special guest host and Night of Champions tournament announced

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:23:48 PST

The "special guest host" that WWE teased before the start of Raw tonight is Batista, who booked WWE champion Randy Orton in a three-on-one match tonight against three of the Smackdown wrestlers coming over to the Raw brand. ...

WWE News: WWE announces 15-man trade to start Raw show

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:17:04 PST

At the beginning of tonight's WWE Raw broadcast, Vince McMahon announced a 15-man trade involving the Raw, Smackdown, and ECW brands. ...

WWE News: Update on Shawn Michaels, potential return date this summer

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:05:37 PST

WWE star Shawn Michaels could be ready to return to WWE around the time of Summerslam at the end of August. Michaels has been recovering from an accumulation of bumps and bruises for nearly three months. ...

OTHER NEWS: ISPW presents "Summer Rumble" (Roxxi vs. Carter, Fuller vs. Crowbar, Summer Rumble w/ Mahoney, Fuller)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:57:23 PST

On Saturday, July 11th at the ISPW Arena in Freehold, NJ, Independent Superstars of Wrestling will crown a new World Heavyweight Champion. Following the shocking events which saw Danny Inferno win the ISPW strap in a match he already announced would be his last for the company...

WWE RAW POLL: Which related topic from tonight's Raw would you like to see given a closer look "Under The Microscope?"

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:27:02 PST

6/29 TORCH DAILY BLITZ: Burgan and Matt Johnson discuss Kayfabe Commentaries "Guest Booker with Bushwhacker Luke" DVD (35 min.)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:15:53 PST

VIP-exclusive Torch Daily Blitz 6/29: In episode 39 of the Torch Daily Blitz, Burgan is joined by SLAM! Sports' own Matt Johnson to discuss "Guest Booker with Bushwhacker Luke" DVD available from www.KayfabeCommentaries.com. The two men discuss what they liked, and disliked, from the latest release in the Guest Booker series. ...

WWE RAW 6/29: Place Your Bets on tonight's Raw - McMahon opening the show, tag title match

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:46:09 PST

Time for this week's "Place Your Bets" with three general questions on tonight's edition of WWE Raw following last night's WWE PPV. Torch readers can submit their answers in the "Comments" section below or email to pwtorch@gmail.com. We'll keep a running tally of correct responses. ...

WWE News: Vince McMahon opening Raw tonight with special announcement, tag title match booked

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:20:31 PST

WWE chairman Vince McMahon will open tonight's Raw to announce a special "guest host" for the show. ...

TNA News: TNA Impact ratings drop 8 percent for Impact following Slammiversary PPV, Interesting quarter hour rating notes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:16:42 PST

The June 25 edition of TNA Impact following the Slammiversary PPV averaged a 1.09 rating, which was down 8.7 percent from the previous week's 1.19 rating. ...

6/27 ROH in Chicago: Austin Aries vs. Nigel McGuinness, KENTA vs. Black, Petey Williams looks odd, Crowd eats up Flair's generic promo

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:49:50 PST

He hit a Tower of London from the apron to the floor. He also is magically able to hit the headstand dropkick again now that he is a semi-face. Aries hit the snap kick to the face and the brainbuster for the win. Good entertaining match, but not on the level of their matches from 2007 and 2008 when Aries was the challenger. ...

DGUSA News: Date announced for first Dragon Gate USA PPV

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:31:50 PST

Dragon Gate USA's first PPV will debut on September 4, which is two days before their second live show/PPV taping on Sept. 6 in Chicago. ...

Other News: Brian Christopher, son of Jerry Lawler, appears in court today for a slap on the wrist

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:05:36 PST

Former WWE wrestler Brian Christopher, the son of WWE announcer Jerry Lawler, pled guilty to charges of public intoxication over the weekend and was given a slap on the wrist penalty. ...

WWE SMACKDOWN ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS 6/26: Hoops, Mezzera, Parks rate and review

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:18:08 PST

Smackdown was another awesome TV show, except for the segments with Vince McMahon. Please, please Mr. McMahon, stay on Raw and leave ECW and Smackdown alone.

Other News: Health update on "Superstar" Billy Graham after hospitalization this weekend

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:15:52 PST

Former WWE star "Superstar" Billy Graham was hospitalized this weekend when he reportedly had numbness in his legs as a result of back problems. ...

THE BASH PPV COVERAGE: Listing of the Torch's WWE PPV coverage - Title changes, Jericho writes on Rey match, Miz on Cena match

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:05:54 PST

Following is a complete listing of the Torch's WWE "The Bash" PPV coverage last night. Get caught up on all the news, views, and results from the PPV leading to tonight's episode of Raw. ...

ABSURDITY OF IT ALL - Wrestling Burnout, Suge Knight Shares Foxhole with Vince McMahon, Feuds That Won't Go Away, Yoda Teaches Young Skywalker About "The Cena"

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:30:10 PST

Hey, all I know is that Brock Lesnar is "built like a black man." Oh, that's our Brock! He doesn't have any common sense when talking to the media! Awww! Such a wovable, violent dummy! Yes you are! So violent! ...

WWE News: WWE executive interviewed on TNA as competition, analysis of WWE's view of TNA

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:20:18 PST

WWE's president of international business, Andrew Whitaker, says the difference between WWE and TNA according to WWE's view is that WWE is "entertainment" and TNA is "pro wrestling." ...

WWE The Bash PPV Reax #2: "For all this Miz-Cena buildup, the match was simply an unmitigated squash"

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:05:13 PST

The stretcher-aided DDT was pretty sick, but one has to wonder how the sledgehammer conveniently made its way under the stage setup without someone seeing it being put there. And then there is the whole thing with Ted DiBiase. First a face turn is teased, then it seems retracted (though a tad bit delayed). ...

Other News: "Playboy" Gary Hart's autobiography now available

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:02:20 PST

The family of "Playboy" Gary Hart has released Hart's autobiography that he spent the last three years of his life working on. Hart, who died in March 2008, details his experiences in pro wrestling through the territory era with his perspective on famous stories and events, such as World Class Championship Wrestling's "Christmas Day 1982" angle that started the legendary Von Erichs vs. Freebirds feud. ...

WWE News: Muscle Flex exploring lawsuit options against WWE for the use of "Raw" branding

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:12:51 PST

Muscle Flex issued a press release today stating they are poised to file a lawsuit against WWE seeking damages over the use of the "Raw" brand name in Canada. ...

WWE News: Miz briefly addresses last night's loss to John Cena, WWE buries Miz on website

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:50:49 PST

The Miz acknowledged that people want answers about WWE booking him in a decisive loss to John Cena at last night's The Bash PPV. Miz stayed away from getting himself into trouble, though. ...

WWE News: PIC of MVP and Sherri Shepherd at BET Awards last night

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:31:26 PST

Jeff Hardy kept it pretty simple writing about the World Hvt. Title match against C.M. Punk at The Bash PPV last night. Hardy was booked to win the match by DQ, but Punk retained the World Title. ...

6/28 PWG in California: Joey Ryan vs. Necro Butcher, Davey Richards vs. Young Buck, Michael Jackson entrance themes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:15:52 PST

After the match, Necro complained about his pinfall and looked at the ref, hitting an unprotected shot to the top of Knox's head with a steel chair. With all we've been hearing in recent years about unprotected chairshots to the top of the head, this seemed really stupid. Not sure if this is an official heel turn or not, since it's not that far out of the norm for Necro's character. ...

6/28 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Bash Poll Analysis, Lashley's Future, Lilian Gives Notice, Brisco Update, MMATorch (15 min.)

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:59:00 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his "News Wrap" format with the headlines of the day and his analysis of those headlines including more on Bobby Lashley's future, WWE Bash PPV poll thoughts, updates on Lilian Garcia and Gerald Brisco, and a plug for a new project related to UFC 100 and MMATorch...

WWE Bash PPV VIP Audio Roundtable (65 min.): Keller, Mitchell, and McNeill breakdown entire card and big angles and controversial finishes

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:25:45 PST

PWTorch editor Wade Keller, PWTorch columnists Bruce Mitchell and Pat McNeill discuss the WWE Bash PPV, marching through the event segment by segment and match by match. Was the finish of Hardy-Punk the right way to go business-wise? Where will Hunter-Orton go from here? What was up with Cena wiping his boots on Miz's fallen body when his motto is "Hustle - Loyalty - Respect"?...

PARKS BLOG: The Bash Hangout Report - Quick Reaction to Rey vs. Jericho, Hunter vs. Orton stretcher job, Miz's clean loss, McCool & Taker

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:05:56 PST

My put-over-the-young-guys friend gave it a 3 out of 10 (he's always hypercritical though), but I thought it was a thumbs-up show, despite some of the questionable booking decisions. In-ring work was pretty solid for the most part, making up for it. ...

WWE The Bash PPV Reax #1: "I'll quite happily pay for another match between Rey and Jericho"

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:38:43 PST

The Bash was a Pay-Per-View with much promise and potential, but none of that really panned out and the final three matches left me feeling so frustrated, bored, and disenfranchised with the WWE product I can't even muster up the energy to be especially annoyed. ...

THE BASH PPV POLL: What was the Second Best Match of the PPV behind Rey vs. Jericho?

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:07:59 PST

THE BASH PPV POLL: Rate the WWE PPV on a scale of 0-10 if you saw the event

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:05:52 PST

WWE News: Result from the WWE Title match between Randy Orton and Triple H with three falls required

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:03:32 PST

WWE champion Randy Orton retained the WWE Title over Triple H in the third fall of the "Three Stages of Hell" match in the main event of tonight's WWE The Bash PPV. ...

KELLER'S WWE BASH PPV REPORT 6/28: Ongoing coverage including results, star ratings, analysis, quotebook

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:00:20 PST

Tommy Dreamer defeated Christian and Jack Swagger and Mark Henry and Finlay in a five-person Scramble Match to retain the ECW Hvt. Title in 17:00. It opened with Christian vs. Swagger, followed by Finlay several minutes into the match, then Dreamer, then Henry. Finlay pinned Swagger to become ECW Champion. Later, Henry pinned Dreamer to become ECW Champion. Swagger pinned Henry a few minutes later to become ECW Champion. Finally, Dreamer pinned Christian...

RADICAN'S WWE THE BASH PPV BLOG 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Hunter PPV

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:50:51 PST

Good action early on. Swagger is impressive. ... A nice tower of doom spot with Henry taking out everyone pops the crowd. ... I like the scramble concept and if we don't see this for a while I'm fine with it as an occasional gimmick match. Mark Henry is the champ. ...

CALDWELL'S WWE THE BASH PPV REPORT 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Orton vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Hardy

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:50:20 PST

The WWE PPV opened with a video package focusing on everything happening tonight including the Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Title between Randy Orton and Triple H. ...

MMA News: Tito Ortiz close to signing new four fight deal, next fight could be in October

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:27:42 PST

MMA News: Video of Lashley's MMA victory over Bob Sapp last night on PPV

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:27:15 PST

WWE News: Chris Jericho writes about his match against Rey Mysterio at tonight's PPV

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:23:57 PST

Former Intercontinental champion Chris Jericho says it was a pleasure working with Rey Mysterio tonight during their IC Title match at The Bash PPV tonight. ...

MMA News: What's next for former WWE star Bobby Lashley after his victory over Bob Sapp on Saturday

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:22:51 PST

WWE News: Second Hour Bash PPV News - Two title changes and one near-title change

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:16:55 PST

In the second hour of tonight's WWE The Bash PPV, Michelle McCool captured the Women's Title from Melina and Edge & Chris Jericho captured the Unified tag titles. ...

WWE News: New Unified tag team champions and it's not DiBiase & Rhodes

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:25:49 PST

Chris Jericho & Edge captured the Unified tag team titles from Carlito & Primo Colon in a three-way tag title match also involving Ted DiBiase, Jr. & Cody Rhodes in the fourth match of tonight's WWE The Bash PPV. ...

WWE News: First Hour Bash PPV News - One title change, Kane returns

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:05:48 PST

In the first hour of tonight's WWE The Bash PPV, Rey Mysterio re-captured the Intercontinental Title from Chris Jericho in an epic IC Title match. ...

NEWTH'S STORYLINE ANALYSIS - As The Bash airs, get analysis on how WWE handled the Punk-Hardy rivalry leading into the PPV

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:19 PST

Those comments at the end of Smackdown this week are exactly why CM Punk is the brand's bona fide star. It's as though he's picking up where Edge left off so that the Rated-R Superstar can take a hiatus from the spotlight and return with greater fervor once Punk firmly establishes his role on the show. Until then, WWE is playing it smart by temporarily stashing Edge to the side so that Punk can shine even more brightly without fear of being eclipsed by a guy who's already proven he's a main event star.

NEW: MMATORCH UFC 100 MEGA-COVERAGE VIP MEMBERSHIP NOW OFFERED - CLICK FOR DETAILS

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:15:44 PST

We are excited to announce and proud to offer a paid online membership option for MMATorch. For $5 a month, we invite you to become a VIP member. Our VIP membership is built around providing the best independent coverage of UFC PPVs you'll find anywhere. We call it "MMATorch UFC 100 Mega-Coverage" and it includes...

CALDWELL: WWE Smackdown/The Bash PPV analysis - Don't Mess with C.M. Punk's dynamic character

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:30:56 PST

Punk's character is very dynamic right now, fans are very interested in his current program, and his in-ring work is superb. Punk is clicking and it's not the time to change course. Punk retaining the World Title tonight over Hardy with a little twist like an "accidental" grab of the tights would be ideal to continue Punk's program and continue building interest in the top program on WWE's best, most-consistent show of the week. ...

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - 6/26 WWE Smackdown: No good reason why McMahon was on SD, Name Game History of The Bash, English please, The Crusher

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:45:35 PST

Thank you for taking the time to vote in the Smackdown "Microscope" poll this week. The overwhelming winner this week was a closer look at what once was known as the Great American Bash. The GAB was so popular, it survived time with Jim Crockett's NWA, WCW, and WWE. Until the name change this year, it was the last pay-per-view title held over from WCW. ...

KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/26: Results, thoughts, star ratings, analysis, nitpicks, and quotebook

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:38:30 PST

Vince McMahon then walked to the ring to his intro music. Todd Grisham said he's "the new owner of Monday Night Raw." Ross said McMahon must be euphoric to have his creation fall back in his back pocket since he rarely shows up on Friday nights. McMahon said it's great to be on Smackdown and he imagines a number of fans are actually happy to see him. After calling the fans cheeseheads, he said something smells. He said he smelled fear because the fans fear him. A chant of "You suck" broke out. He then said he figured it out - the fans are afraid of losing their jobs. He said most of them deserve to be fired. He threw to an example of how to fire someone - him firing Trump last week. He invited G.M. Teddy Long to the ring...

WWE VINTAGE COLLECTION TV REPORT 6/28: Old-school Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels, Bossman vs. Hercules, Taker & Roberts vs. Savage & Duggan

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:27:28 PST

Undertaker beats down Savage and chokes him. Roberts sneaks in a cheapshot anytime he can. Undertaker misses an elbowdrop allowing Savage to tag in Duggan. Undertaker quickly takes control of Duggan before tagging in Roberts. Roberts with a short arm clothesline. Roberts sets up for the DDT, but Savage breaks it up. Savage grabs a chair and hits Undertaker and Roberts with it to prompt a DQ. ...

WWE News: WWE announcer leaving the company at the end of the year

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:21:30 PST

WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia says she will be leaving WWE at the end of the year when her current contract expires. Lilian has been with the company since 1999. ...

Other News: Probable date for Bobby Lashley's next MMA fight

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:49:07 PST

Former WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley will probably have his next MMA fight in September fighting for the same promoters as last night's fight card. ...

GARDNER'S KEY MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Randy Orton vs. Triple H given away on commercial-free TV

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:34:36 PST

I was always under the impression that the success of a wrestling promoter was judged by the amount of money the promotion makes. That wrestling, and indeed running a public company, was all about the bottom line. This is not the philosophy in 2009 WWE. ...

6/27 Awesome Independent Wrestling Show: Featuring PN News, Mastino, Matt Morgan, Alex Shelley, and Homicide

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:05:18 PST

I wanted to post a quick recap of a fantastic night of independent wrestling that I attended on Saturday night. I will have a full report later in the week in my blog and in the nostalgia podcast.

Paul Neu, who wrestled as PN News for WCW in 1991 and in ECW as a member of the Baldies, promoted two wrestling events this weekend. Friday night, his show drew approximately 500 people in Omaha, Nebraska, which actually outdrew TNA which drew 400 people to neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa last week. On Saturday night, an estimated 600 people attended a show in tiny Hartington, Nebraska. Hartington is only a town of 1,600 people, but it is also the hometown of Neu.

WWE News: Latest update on Jerry Brisco's health

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:05:05 PST

The latest news on WWE agent/producer Jerry Brisco's health condition is that the source of his heart troubles that led to three strokes two weekends ago was a heart defect that he was born with. ...

PWG News: Preview for tonight's "Secret of Guerrilla Island show" - Bryan Danielson pulled, Necro vs. Joey Ryan (w/VIDEO)

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:43:51 PST

California-based Pro Wrestling Guerrilla presents the "Secret of Guerrilla Island" show tonight in Reseda, Calif. with a main event of Necro Butcher vs. Joey Ryan in a No DQ match. ROH star Bryan Danielson was pulled from the card due to a staph infection, which caused the line-up to be re-arranged. ...

MMA News: WWE wrestlers comment on Bobby Lashley's victory on Saturday night

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:48:34 PST

Several current and former WWE wrestlers commented on Bobby Lashley's victory over Bob Sapp last night on Twitter. Lashley even commented on his victory on Twitter. ...

MMA News: Post-fight quotes from Bobby Lashley and Bob Sapp after Lashley's victory tonight

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:58:23 PST

Former WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley defeated Bob Sapp in less than two minutes during their MMA fight tonight in Mississippi. Lashley had Sapp on the ground from the opening bell before pounding on him until Sapp finally tapped out. ...

6/26 Wade Keller Hotline - The News: Tonight's Lashley MMA fight, WWE PPV Changes, TNA Contract Renewal, Batista's Movie Role, Matt Hardy Changes, more (13 min.)

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:39:15 PST

This installment of the Wade Keller Hotline features his "News Wrap" format with the headlines of the day and his analysis of those headlines including items on Bobby Lashley, Batista, Dixie Carter, WWE PPV changes, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Matt Hardy, and more...

ROH News: Result from tonight's ROH Title match, Bret Hart announced for next Chicago show, Ric Flair promo

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:34:35 PST

Ring of Honor champion Austin Aries retained the ROH Title over Nigel McGuinness in the main event of tonight's ROH show in Chicago. ...

6/26 WWE Smackdown Hits & Misses: McMahon - Long, Truth vs. Benjamin, Morrison vs. Punk, Rage in the Cage

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:03:05 PST

This is a Marginal Hit as I wasn't thrilled with everything involving Vince McMahon and Teddy Long, but the good did outweigh the bad. I liked the mere fact that McMahon made a rare appearance on Smackdown. I don't want to see McMahon on any show too often (and I really hope he appoints a non-McMahon GM for Raw soon). But, having him on Smackdown every once in awhile is good to show that the brand is important. However, it has been very good lately and I don't want to see him on every week dominating the show. I didn't like the opening very much. It was ok, but not particularly good. What was better were the scenes in the back throughout the show as the two sort of inspected the troops, paying visits to Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, and Jeff Hardy. The whole probation thing is kind of strange, but this played into the fact that McMahon is clearly back as a heel. The idea of Long having to prove himself has some potential.

MMA News: Bobby Lashley defeats Japan MMA legend and former NFL player Bob Sapp

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:33:44 PST

Bobby Lashley defeated Bob Sapp in tonight's "Ultimate Chaos" PPV event in Biloxi, Ms. Lashley charged Sapp and took him down easily less than five seconds into the fight and then controlled him for a couple minutes and drew a Sapp tapout after pummeling him with a series of punches from a mount position...

PENICK'S "ULTIMATE CHAOS" BLOG: Live on-going thoughts on Lashley-Sapp pay-per-view from Mississippi

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:25:33 PST

6/27 Bruce Mitchell Audio Show, part two: The Donald Trump Week, Ratings Surge, Where From Here? Plus Michael Jackson's death (64 min.)

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:56:08 PST

In this episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller, they discuss the Donald Trump Raw Ownership Era, short as it was, with the politics and strategy behind its intent and its sudden end, plus a breakdown of the pros and cons of a highly rated Raw overall. Plus, at the end, a discussion of the death of Michael Jackson...

The Names Have Been Changed To Protect The Buyrates: McNEILL Previews WWE Bash 2009!

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:49:43 PST

The Great American Bash is now The Bash. Unforgiven, No Mercy and Cyber Sunday are also receiving new titles. You see, WWE management looked over the records and decided the recent buyrate troubles aren't due to the poor economy, the ongoing problem of piracy and live online streaming, or the fact that we're about to see Triple H and Randy Orton on opposite sides of a pay-per-view match for the SIXTEENTH time in the past five years. No, sir. It's the show names.

RADICAN: A follow up on the Death Before Dishonor audio with Feinstein with notes on Special K angle, Punk-Raven feud, where's Misawa now?

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:05:09 PST

In regards to the Special K angle that was run at the beginning of the show that culminated with Low Ki destroying Deranged, Doug Gentry came up with the gimmick, but Sapolsky was the one who came up with the angle at the beginning of the show that Derek and I asked Feinstein about...

ROH News: Preview for tonight's ROH on HDNet show (w/VIDEO) and ROH Title match tonight in Chicago

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:47:10 PST

Ring of Honor champion Austin Aries defends the ROH Title against Nigel McGuinness tonight in Chicago. Last night in Detroit, Aries won a six-way match and Nigel went to a double count-out against Claudio Castagnoli. ...

MMA News: Preview for tonight's Lashley vs. Sapp fight, Jim Ross picks his winner

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:30:03 PST

Bob Sapp has been talking trash about Bobby Lashley's fight game for several weeks to build anticipation for tonight's MMA fight between the "fight entertainer" Sapp and the "former WWE wrestler" Lashley. ...

TNA News: TNA teasing "State of TNA" interview with president Dixie Carter next week

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:07:07 PST

TNA announced they will be presenting a "State of TNA" interview with president Dixie Carter on Monday where she is expected to talk candidly about the future of the company. ...

ECW News: Preview for tonight's big ECW Arena Reunion show, Justin Credible interviewed on the show's significance

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:45:28 PST

Former ECW valet Francine is running a fundraiser/ECW Reunion show tonight at the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia featuring 30 stars from the original ECW. ...

ROH News: News and Notes from last night's show in Detroit - wild ending, Michael Jackson tribute, "Epic" tag match

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:30:03 PST

Last night's Ring of Honor show in Detroit featured a wild ending after Tyler Black defeated Jimmy Jacobs in a steel cage match. Jacobs re-invigorated his "Age of the Fall movement" when 30-40 people dressed in AOTF garb stormed the ring to attack Black. Jacobs then declared the movement has just begun. ...

WWE News: Batista starring in movie with boxing champion Manny Pacquiao

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:05:29 PST

WWE star Batista will be starring in a movie with boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, reports GMA News in the Philippines. Filming for the movie titled "Wapakman" begins this July. ...

HITS & MISSES - TNA IMPACT 6/25: Kurt Angle and Eric Young money promos, Beer Money vs. Steiner & Booker, Gimmick match overload

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:45:59 PST

Samoa Joe Sells Out: Okay, let me do a little memory check here. Samoa Joe was one of the original founding members of The Frontline (remember them?) to try and take out the Main Event Mafia. He gets his behind handed to him in a backstage attack that puts him out for weeks. And then, because he got offered a snot-load of money, he decides to join the Mafia? ...

FCW TV REPORT 6/14: Lance Hoyt in WWE developmental, Ezekiel Jackson squash, Ricky Ortiz challenges for FCW Title...and has a good match

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:25:33 PST

Ortiz gives McIntyre a Samoan drop for another nearfall. Ortiz attempts to pin McIntyre with a backslide and then a small package. McIntyre hits a float over DDT out of nowhere for a nearfall. McIntyre places Ortiz up on the top rope and Ortiz shoves him off. McIntyre quickly runs back up the ropes and gives Ortiz the Scot Drop off the second rope for the win. ...

TNA News: Bobby Lashley updates status in TNA with contract "on the table"

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:20:52 PST

Former WWE wrestler Bobby Lashley says TNA has an offer for him to sign, but he has not decided whether to agree to a contract with TNA to wrestle for the promotion. ...

TNA News: TNA signs former X Division champion to new contract

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:01:58 PST

Former TNA X Division champion Sheik Abdul Bashir has reportedly signed a multi-year contract with TNA, according to Jeremy Borash. ...

7/3 SMACKDOWN MICROSCOPE POLL: What related topic from tonight's Smackdown do you want to see analyzed Under the Microscope?
	Patriotic wrestlers
	Fireworks
	Maria's love life
	The Microscope Under The Microscope

TORCH MORNING POLL: If TNA decides to compete head-to-head with WWE, what should they do?
	Shift Impact to Monday nights against Raw
	Shift Impact to Tuesday nights against ECW
	Move Impact up an hour on Thursday against Superstars
	Shift Impact to Friday nights against Smackdown
	Create second show (e.g. Spin Cycle) against WWE TV during the week

TORCH AFTERNOON POLL: Which WWE wrestler "traded" will benefit the most?
	Jack Swagger to Raw
	Evan Bourne to Raw
	Mark Henry to Raw
	Gail Kim to Raw
	Alicia Fox to Raw
	Matt Hardy to Smackdown
	Finlay to Smackdown
	Hart Dynasty (Kidd & Smith & Natalya) to SD
	Shelton Benjamin to ECW
	Goldust to ECW
	William Regal to ECW
	Bella Twins to ECW

WWE RAW POLL: Which related topic from tonight's Raw would you like to see given a closer look "Under The Microscope?"
	Other bashes
	Night of Champions
	Lillian Garcia
	Celebrity Guest Hosts
	The Microscope under The Microscope

THE BASH PPV POLL: What was the Second Best Match of the PPV behind Rey vs. Jericho?
	ECW Title Scramble match
	Dolph Ziggler vs. Great Khali
	Colons vs. Legacy vs. Edge & Jericho
	Melina vs. McCool
	C.M. Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
	John Cena vs. The Miz
	Randy Orton vs. Triple H

TNA IMPACT POLL: Who was the MVP of the 7/2 episode if you saw the show?
	Kurt Angle
	Scott Steiner & Booker T
	Kevin Nash
	Samoa Joe
	A.J. Styles
	Mick Foley
	Jeff Jarrett
	Team 3D
	Abyss
	Sting
	Amazing Red
	Cody Deaner
	Sharmell
	Tara & Awesome Kong
	Beautiful People
	Eric Young
	Rhino
	Dr. Stevie
	Matt Morgan
	Don West

ECW TV POLL: Who was the MVP of the 6/30 ECW episode if you saw the show?
	Tommy Dreamer
	Christian
	Kozlov
	William Regal
	Shelton Benjamin
	Yoshi Tatsu
	Abraham Washington
	Bella Twins
	Sheamus
	Oliver John
	Zack Ryder
	Taylor Reks
	Matt Striker
	Josh Mathews

WWE RAW POLL: Who was the MVP of the 6/29 Raw if you saw the show?
	Vince McMahon
	Batista
	Randy Orton
	Triple H
	MVP
	John Cena
	The Miz
	Jack Swagger
	Evan Bourne
	Mark Henry
	Chris Jericho
	Edge
	Carlito & Primo Colon
	Kelly Kelly
	Mickie James
	Maryse
	Big Show
	Kofi Kingston
	Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes

THE BASH PPV POLL: Rate the WWE PPV on a scale of 0-10 if you saw the event
	0
	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
	6
	7
	8
	9
	10