WWE Raw Report CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/27: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Raw leading to Hell in a Cell PPV - Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho
Sep 27, 2010 - 10:15:46 PM
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO BOOKMARK US & VISIT US DAILY
WWE Raw Results
September 27, 2010 - Episode #904
Taped 9/20 from Indianapolis, Ind.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
Tonight's WWE Raw #904 - featuring WWE champion Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho for the advertised first-time-ever on Raw - opened with a video package from eight days ago at Night of Champions, then last Monday, focusing on The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan feud. Interesting way to start the show focusing on a hot mid-card feud.
Arena: Raw started with the usual pyro explosion as Michael Cole plugged "one of the year's most important PPVs" to come on Sunday with Hell in a Cell. Cole and Jerry Lawler then plugged the "history-making" match between Orton and Jericho tonight.
In-ring: The Miz's music hit to bring out Miz and Alex Riley. Miz cut a promo on the way to the ring talking about Daniel Bryan challenging them to a match tonight. He said Bryan is like the guy who wins $100 million in the Lottery, then keeps playing thinking he's going to win. Miz said it's Monday night, so that means it's "Daniel Bryan takes a beat down" night. Bryan's music interrupted Miz's promo and out came Bryan with the U.S. Title around his shoulder. Miz tried to do his catchphrase again, but John Morrison interrupted to provide back-up for Bryan. So, they start with a tag match despite Riley not having a kayfabe wrestling contract, only a "personal services" contract with Miz.
1 -- U.S. champion DANIEL BRYAN & JOHN MORRISON vs. THE MIZ & ALEX RILEY
Cole noted the "personal services contract" for Riley as Morrison started things off against Riley. Cole also teased a potential Money in the Bank contract cash-in at Hell in a Cell for Miz as the heels cornered Morrison and began working him over. The crowd then reminded Miz of the Night of Champions finish with a "you tapped out" chant to taunt Miz as he continued to work over Morrison. Bryan finally took a tag at 4:30 and cleaned house on the heels, including a snap German Suplex on Miz. Bryan followed with a flying dropkick in the corner for a two count. He teased the LeBell Lock, but Miz threw Bryan away to the apron and Bryan bumped heads with Morrison. Miz capitalized with the Skullcrushing Finale to score the pin for the win.
Post-match: Miz teased leaving the ring, but he walked back over to Bryan and measured him for a punt to the gut. Morrison then made the save and cleared former tag partner to the outside. Suddenly, Bryan came flying through the ropes with a suicide dive on both men. Bryan just snapped and attacked everyone, setting up a fight between Bryan and Morrison. Bryan chucked Morrison over the guardrail, then Miz tackled Bryan. Scrap! Morrison suddenly flew over the guardrail with a splash onto both men. And the GM buzzed to settle them down. Cole walked to the podium and read that Bryan will defend the U.S. Title against Morrison and Miz at the Hell in a Cell PPV. Cole said it will be defended in a match the GM just invented: a triple-threat, submissions count anywhere match. The wrestlers no-sold as they caught their breath following their scrap.
WINNERS: Miz & Riley at 5:12. Rushed set-up for a triple threat match suddenly involving John Morrison. It's a unique match stipulation for the PPV, but the Miz-Bryan feud is strong enough on its own not to require a superfluous stipulation. The match itself felt thrown-together with Bryan suddenly enlisting Morrison's services for a tag match. It was like WWE wanted to arrive at a destination, but had no idea how to get there. (*)
Backstage: They showed a group of Divas walking backstage. Up next is a Divas Battle Royal to determine the #1 contender to the Unified Divas Title.
[Q2]
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Back from break, the #1 contending Divas were in the ring. Before the match, though, Lay-Cool came to the ring for a closer look at who could be next in line to challenge for the new women's division title. They focused on Melina not pleased with their presence ringside after Night of Champions.
2 -- DIVAS BATTLE ROYAL -- #1 contender match to the Unified Divas Title
The involved participants were Melina, Natalya, Maryse, Gail Kim, Eve, Tamina, Alicia Fox, Jillian Hall, and the Bellas. No wagering, please. Melina was out first, ending her title chase after an unsuccessful double TV taping. After some rapid-fire eliminations, it came down to Natalya, Alicia, and Jillian. After a typical battle royal tease for Jillian possibly winning, Alicia eliminated her. Natalya then knocked out Alicia and there's a new #1 contender. On commentary, Layla and Michelle McCool seemed nonplussed by Natalya's victory. Natalya then celebrated in the ring while staring down at them.
WINNER: Natalya at 4:23 to become #1 contender. On the surface, it just looks like something for Natalya to do for now. It will be interesting to see if WWE actually gets behind her, though, with a women's division run. (n/a)
"Legendary" recap: They aired a video package recapping John Cena's media tour promoting "Legendary," including his appearances on ESPN. SportsCenter host Brian Kenny made his way onto Raw. They showed Cena interacting with Jimmy Fallon, who had a dry soundbyte in a brief sit-down interview.
Tonight: Edge with the Cutting Edge, complete with the Raw GM as his guest host.
[Commercial Break]
[Q3]
Recap from last week: The mysterious message on the Titantron aimed at Ted DiBiase and/or Maryse.
Backstage: Maryse was upset, claiming Eve cost her the battle royal. DiBiase told Maryse she cost them the tag match last week. Boy, they're in the crazy cycle. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and something was slipped underneath the ring. No one was on the other side of the door. DiBiase and Maryse opened up the ladder. She read it in French. In English, "Next week, you will be mine." Maryse shoved it in DiBiase's stomach and walked off.
In-ring: Former WWE champion Sheamus randomly came to the ring for a match as Cole plugged Hell in a Cell with Orton vs. Sheamus in a HIAC match for the WWE Title. Once in the ring, Sheamus waited out boos before addressing the audience. Sheamus told the audience an ol' Irish tale. Two princes. One heir to the throne. A race. A ripped off hand. Sheamus said he's willing to cut off his own hand to win back the WWE Title. He told Orton to go talk to Triple H about him ending Hunter's career. Sheamus vowed to have the time of his life with Orton in the Cell. He called out any WWE star "with a set of tires" to come face him right now.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: Back on Raw, Sheamus was still waiting for someone to accept his challenge. He said there is no one in the back man enough to take him on. Cue up Great Khali's theme music to bring out Khali with Runjin Singh, who was over-the-top dancing. Cole suddenly gave a shout-out to Mick Foley and actually named his forthcoming book, "Countdown to Lockdown." No, the letters T-N-A did not make the air. Cole noted Foley will share untold stories, including from his time as WWE announcer.
3 -- SHEAMUS vs. GREAT KHALI (w/Runjin Singh)
The match spilled to the outside early on with Sheamus getting himself DQ'ed attacking Sheamus with various weapons ringside. Khali had a giant red hand planted on his chest from a Khali chop, which Sheamus used as motivation to destroy Khali ringside. Cole had plenty of adjectives to describe Sheamus's destruction ahead of Hell in a Cell vs. Orton.
WINNER: Khali via DQ at 1:06. It's obvious what they were trying to do making Sheamus seem like a monster and a threat to Orton ahead of the PPV by taking out the giant Khali, but this came across rushed and abrupt. Raw's taped shows typically lack the same pacing to get the stories over, especially trying to hype pay matches. (n/a)
[Commercial Break]
[Q4]
In-ring: Edge came to the ring for the Cutting Edge segment to interview the Raw GM. Already in the ring was, indeed, the podium with the Raw GM laptop. What happens if the GM emails during the segment? Does Cole have to enter the ring to read it or can Edge read it? Once in the ring, Edge stroked his chin and noted they have a first tonight, the anonymous Raw GM as his guest. The crowd was indifferent for the introduction. Edge said he does appreciate the GM agreeing to appear on his segment. Edge paced around the podium, which was spotlighted before getting to the issue at hand.
Edge asked the GM why the person is a spineless coward. The GM, through a modulated voice, said he/she keeps the identity protected because "it would change everything." Edge name-dropped Austin, Rock, Michaels, or Bob Barker as potential choices he had in mind. He called the GM a "big, fat liar." The GM asked, "Why do you have to hate, yo?" "Why do you despise me so?" Edge suddenly stopped to note he was arguing with a computer. He said they have gone from Austin giving McMahon a Stunner to Edge arguing with a computer. Edge vowed to find out from Jericho who the GM is. The GM said Jericho is bluffing. "He knows nothing," the GM said. Edge said he's tired of talking to a "speak and spell." Edge stormed off, then the GM modulated an announcement that he has a match tonight against this man...
Cue up John Cena's theme music to back up Edge from the ring entrance to the ringside area. Cena walked out on stage and rubbed his hands together while Edge pulled his hair back in shock. Cena made his way to the ring for the top-of-the-second hour main event to come. Segment Thoughts: Edge made a potentially horrendous segment bearable to continue dropping clues along the way on the GM's identity. The old line about a certain wrestler can work a match with a broomstick now applies in 2010 to whether a certain wrestler can deliver a promo with a silly prop.
[Commercial Break]
4 -- JOHN CENA vs. EDGE
Back from break, the bell sounded as they cut to a shot of Nexus watching intently on a backstage monitor. The announcers recapped Cena having to join Nexus if he loses to Wade Barrett, or Nexus disbands "forever" if Cena wins. Edge quickly took the advantage and flung Cena to the outside when Cena teased an STF out of nowhere. On the outside, Edge rammed Cena into the ring steps as Cole plugged the potential landscape-changing event at Hell in a Cell if Cena loses to Barrett. Back in the ring, Cena teased the Attitude Adjustment, but Edge escaped and dropped Cena for a nearfall. Cole read some "anonymous quotes" from wrestlers in the locker room knocking Nexus and hoping Cena wins at the PPV. He posed a follow-up question on who would step up to challenge Nexus if Cena is forced to join the group.
Cena teased a comeback with the usual routine, but Edge ducked a shoulder block and Edge went back on the offensive. Cole hit the pause button to note tonight's Raw could be Nexus's final Raw. Lawler noted it could be Cena's final night of freedom before wearing a Nexus t-shirt. Edge was selling a left knee injury as he methodically worked over Cena. He attempted a suplex, but Cena countered and both men rested on the mat. Edge regained control again, but couldn't put away Cena. Cole added another stipulation for Hell in a Cell that if Nexus interferes, Cena automatically wins. He said HIAC is a "pivotal PPV to set the stage for the rest of the year in WWE." Hard sell time.
Cena came back to his feet at 6:00 and flew over Edge with a bulldog. Cena then took Edge up top and teased a top rope Attitude Adjustment, but Edge elbowed out and knocked Cena off the turnbuckles. Edge suddenly nailed the spear out of nowhere. Edge made a cover, but Cena had his foot under the rope. The ref counted a three anyways, giving Edge the appearance of a big win.
[Q5 -- second hour] As Edge celebrated the victory, the Raw GM suddenly buzzed. The modulated GM said Cena's foot was under the bottom rope. They cut to an Instant Replay showing Cena's foot under the rope. Therefore, the match will continue. Edge teased ripping his hair out before going after Cena with right hand blows. Cole noted the inconsistency of the Raw GM suddenly making decisions on matches. The ref then got Cena to his feet. A bell never sounded for the re-start, but, anyways, Cena countered a second spear attempt and slapped on the STF. Edge teased escaping, but Cena yanked him back to center ring. Edge submitted this time, giving Cena the tit-for-tat win.
Post-match: Edge slowly got to his feet and stared at the Raw GM laptop, which had been changed to the desktop screen with no emails up. It doesn't even look like a Mac. It looked like my 1997 Toshiba that I would have donated to be smashed. Edge slowly walked over to the podium as the GM modulated that Edge lost fair and square. Edge teased walking away, per the GM's encouragement. Edge then got that crazy look in his eyes and turned back around to face the podium. The GM noted the crazy eyes before Edge suddenly knocked over the laptop. Edge broke it over his knee before smashing the bits and pieces of the laptop with a chair and an elbow drop. Yes, Ric Flair style on a coat jacket. Edge even bashed the laptop against his forehead, opening up a cut on his forehead. Edge slowly walked away as the camera made sure not to zoom in on the cut. Cole and Lawler said Edge has lost it.
WINNER: Cena via submission at 7:50 total (roughly). Another development for the TV storyline of Edge vs. Raw GM, with Edge scoring a surprise visual pin on Cena right before the PPV. The GM's "modulated voice" development has officially worn out its welcome after one week, but Edge snapping helped provide a hook for next week's show. Of course, that won't sell any PPVs. (**)
[Commercial Break]
Smackdown plug: Another Smackdown plug for Syfy this Friday. Announcers: Cole and Lawler plugged Smackdown's move before talking about the "smack down" they just saw with Edge snapping on the GM laptop. They aired footage of Edge smashing the laptop "moments ago."
In-ring: Nexus came to the ring as Cole said he needs a new computer. They already established the GM can communicate to Cole via text message. Cole and Lawler plugged Cena vs. Barrett again before Mark Henry's music hit to bring out Henry and Evan Bourne. Interesting that Henry had his music played. Cole plugged the "season premiere" of Smackdown this Friday live from Oklahoma City. Cole said it will be a "slobberknocker" and gave a quick shout-out to Jim Ross. Apparently it's "former Smackdown announcers shout-out night" on Raw. A plug for Taz to come to complete the trifecta?
5 -- NEXUS (HEATH SLATER & JUSTIN GABRIEL w/Nexus) vs. EVAN BOURNE & MARK HENRY
Lawler, via voice-over, plugged his appearance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday for Bret Hart Appreciation night where he was special referee for Nexus vs. the Harts. Nexus worked over Bourne early on before Henry tagged in and cleaned house. Henry press-slammed Gabriel, then positioned him in the corner of the ring. Henry pointed for Bourne to go up top and he tagged him in. Suddenly, Slater entered the ring and took out Henry. Gabriel recovered and chopped down Bourne, then went up top and tried the 450 Splash, but Bourne moved. Bourne suddenly came to life and sprung back up top. Bourne wanted Air Bourne and connected on Gabriel. He made the cover, but Slater quietly pushed Gabriel on top of Bourne for a roll-up victory.
WINNERS: Nexus at 3:15. A set up for the post-match... (*1/4)
[Q6] Post-match: Nexus took out Mark Henry ringside before focusing on Bourne for their attack. Otunga landed a green clothesline as Cole noted they can't do this at Hell in a Cell since they can't become involved in the match. Tarver landed a right hand blow that staggered Bourne before Slater hit a bulldog-like maneuver. Barrett then finished the job with the Wasteland overhead slam. Wait, Gabriel needed to get in his 450 Splash. Gabriel smiled as he climbed up top before landing the 450 with emphasis.
Barrett then took the mic and smirked toward the crowd. Gabriel did his usual post-450 selling as Nexus lined up in the ring to address the hard camera. Barrett repeated the catch phrase and said that after Hell in a Cell, Cena will no longer be against them. He said when he beats Cena, he will become property of Nexus. Barrett said they don't need Cena, but he is going to serve a purpose for the group. He said Cena is going to take them to the top and help them demoralize the entire WWE. Barrett said they're going to take a little trip to show Cena that being part of Nexus isn't that bad.
Otunga said they're invading Smackdown on Friday. He gave the wrestlers on Smackdown a fair warning. Tarver said the bad news is...they are the bad news. He said no one can stop them. Cue up Nexus's theme music and everyone posed in the ring. Cole said Nexus is going to invade Oklahoma City two days before Hell in a Cell.
Backstage: New WWE tag champs Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre were shown walking backstage. Rhodes suddenly stopped when he saw a conveniently-placed mirror on a production table. Rhodes admired himself as the announcers plugged their match against Hart Dynasty up next.
[Commercial Break]
Next week: Johnny Knoxville "guest stars" on Raw to promote Jackass 3D. Lawler told Cole he thought he saw him in Jackass I and II. Cole joked that Lawler's "stuff" never gets old.
In-ring: Hart Dynasty came to the ring and Cole went on his anti-Harts spiel about Natalya being the only winner in the group. Cue up Rhodes's music to bring out Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Mac coming out to Rhodes's music is just...weird. He looks out of rhythm. The graphic for the match notes the belts have been re-re-named the Unified WWE Tag Titles.
[Q7]
6 -- Unified WWE tag champions CODY RHODES & DREW MCINTYRE vs. HART DYNASTY (TYSON KIDD & D.H. SMITH w/Natalya) -- WWE Tag Title match
Cole said he was a bit hard on the Harts last week on Raw during their commentary stint. He apologized "for some of the things he said" before heeling on them that they were boring on commentary. Rhodes and Kidd started things off against each other as Cole confused Kidd and Smith's performances on commentary. Mac and Rhodes began tagging in and out working over Kidd as Lawler wanted to know who decided Rhodes should be called "dashing." Smith eventually tagged in as the announcers continued to focus on Rhodes's gimmick. Is anyone aware that titles are on the line here? Smith scored a nearfall as Lawler brought it back home that the tag titles are on the line. Suddenly, the Harts had a miscommunication on an attempted Hart Attack and Rhodes hit the Cross Rhodes on Kidd for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Kidd and Smith had an argument over the failed Hart Attack attempt. Natalya tried to calm down Smith, who pulled his hand away and stormed off. Kidd and Natalya acted stunned as Smith stomped off.
WINNERS: Rhodes & McIntyre at 3:11 to retain the WWE Tag Titles. It's so annoying, unproductive, and inefficient when a title match is occurring and the announcers fail to focus on the fact that titles are being competed for, especially when the match is reaching its climax and the announcers are still discussing grooming tips. It's like Cole slipped into calling a turn-your-brain-off Superstars match. This is one of many reasons why titles continue to be devalued in pro wrestling when it can easily be avoided. As for the Harts, does WWE really need to tease another tag team break-up storyline? (n/a; F- for production of this segment.)
Backstage: Orton and Jericho were shown walking backstage on a split-screen ahead of their featured TV match.
[Commercial Break]
Backstage: Cena was shown sitting down at his locker. R-Truth then walked in for a random exchange. Truth told Cena he always has his back, no matter what happens on Sunday. Cena said he can be counted on because he will not be part of Nexus. Truth told him just to be careful. Cena said he's always careful. Truth said he's one of the reckless people he knows. Cena rubbed his hands together confidently before suggesting he should "get crunk" on Smackdown Friday. Maybe they'll just run into each other and start Hell in a Cell early. Truth, concerned, asked Cena about being careful again. Cena said he'll be careful. They hugged it out and Cena sat down with a smile.
Announcers: Cole and Lawler broke down the PPV line-up thus far with four matches announced.
In-ring: Chris Jericho came to the ring first with mic in hand ahead of the main event. Cole plugged Jericho's "Breaking the Code" DVD due out on Tuesday. He called it "wonderful." In the ring, Jericho vowed to win this match, then go on to win the WWE Title. Jericho complemented Orton, but said he's not scared of him. He said Orton has changed from a babyface to a deranged lunatic, and he is still a viper. Jericho talked up the RKO, then said Orton used to call himself the Legend Killer. Jericho said he will be the Viper Killer by cutting off Orton at the head. Jericho then listed the legends he's defeated during his career: Michaels, Austin, Rock, Hunter, Eddie, Rey, JBL, Big Show, Edge, Taker (twice), MVP, C.M....and they abruptly cut to break with Jericho mid-list. Where's the long computer print-out with a list of 1,004 opponents? And where's Dean Malenko?
[Commercial Break]
[Q8]
Back from break, Jericho was still mid-list. Vader I and II, Villano I-V, Juventud Guerrera, Mendoza, Great Muta, Chono, Funaki, Fuyuki, Yoshi Tatsu, Saturn, Dean Malenko (there he is), Luger, Sting, Flair, Booker, Goldberg, Stevie Ray, Norton, Bagwell, Flash Flanagan, Flash Funk, Kevin Nash, Diesel, Oz, Scott Hall, Razor Ramon, American Starship Eagle... Suddenly, Randy Orton's music hit to interrupt. That was amazing. It was also a way to get his heat before the match with an inevitable finish. On a side note, the multiple TNA name-drops tonight will assuredly lead to conspiracy theories that Vince McMahon is "they."
7 -- WWE champion RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO -- non-title match -- Jericho with opportunity to become #1 contender
The bell sounded and Cole noted Jericho is trying to get his career back on track after being in a "downward spiral." Orton dominated early on before Jericho used the ref as a distraction to take control of the match. The match moved to the floor where Jericho continued to work over Orton before they cut to break.
[Commercial Break. "Legendary" is out on DVD tomorrow.]
Orton was in control back from break as #1 contender Sheamus walked out on stage to get a closer look at the action. Sheamus inched forward down the ramp, allowing Jericho to drop Orton with an enziguiri kick to regain control. Jericho then choked Orton across the bottom rope to wear down Orton. Orton then teased an RKO back on his feet, but Jericho countered into a backslide for a two count. Jericho settled back into a reverse chinlock before lowering his knee pad to drop a bare knee to the face. Meanwhile, another Mick Foley reference as Cole re-lived Hell in a Cell history with Taker throwing Foley off the top of the Cell to plug the PPV on Sunday.
Orton made a comeback at 10:00 and landed his trademark powerslam off the ropes. Orton started frothing at the mouth before whipping Jericho across the ring, only to have Jericho block and nail a bulldog. Jericho teased the Lionsault, Orton avoided, and hit his fallaway backbreaker. Orton suddenly tried the RKO, but Jericho shoved him off and hit the Lionsault (yes, he connected with the Lionsault) for a close nearfall.
[Q9 -- over-run] Orton suddenly caught Jericho on the apron and teased the spike DDT, but Jericho blocked and teased the Walls of Jericho. Orton was center ring with nowhere to go as he grunted in the middle of the hold. Orton tried to break free, then turned onto his back and kicked Jericho out of the hold to the outside. Jericho tried to run back into the ring, but Orton caught him and nailed the big spike DDT. Orton then entered IED mode as the crowd came to life. They shrieked as Sheamus entered the ring. Orton knocked him away (the match was thrown out), then he gave Sheamus the spike DDT off the second rope.
Post-match: Orton measured Sheamus for the big Punt, but Jericho suddenly snuck in with a codebreaker on Orton. Jericho sneered down at Orton, then he retrieved a chair from ringside. The crowd cried for Orton to come alive as Jericho measured the babyface for the KO chair shot. Orton saw Jericho on the Titantron, then ducked a chair shot and delivered an RKO on Jericho. Orton lost control, then suddenly gathered his thoughts and stared at Jericho. The crowd chanted, "Punt, Punt, Punt," as Orton backed up. Orton then measured Jericho and delivered a KO Punt to the head, complete with added sound effect to sell the move. The crowd popped initially before going quiet. Sheamus was shown staring into the ring selling disbelief at what Orton just did.
After the dust settled, Orton stared down at Sheamus before Orton's music hit. Cole said it was a direct message sent to Sheamus. Orton slowly nodded his head as if to say Sheamus is next at the PPV. They went to a few replays of the Punt to show Jericho getting his head rocked. Medics eventually entered the ring to check on Jericho and bring out the stretcher. Cole said Orton is not an honorable man and every bit as ruthless and barbaric and lethal and remorseful as Sheamus is, if not more. Cole gave a final plug for Orton vs. Sheamus in "Orton's playground" at HIAC as they closed with a shot of...referee Charles Robinson selling concern over the not-pictured Jericho to close the show.
WINNER: Orton via DQ (or another Raw TV main event No Contest) at 13:15. A lot of elements in play here. Orton is acting more like a heel, which may or may not bode well trying to sell the PPV, Jericho was written off TV temporarily, so that story was given focus, and Sheamus isn't exactly being positioned as a threat to Orton right now. It was a good TV ending to lead into next week, but I didn't think it was a money-making ending. (**1/2)
Smackdown plug: Lots of old-school Smackdown plugs to showcase the brand through the years. They showed Rock, Taker, Eddie, Rey, Cena as Dr. Thug, old-school Orton, and Edge. Now, a new crop of stars are part of Smackdown's next chapter. But, Nexus is coming to take over Smackdown. Plus, Cena is coming back to Smackdown. Smackdown on Syfy this Friday.
We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Raw Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.
THE TORCH REACHES MORE COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT FANS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
PWTorch editor Wade Keller has covered pro wrestling full time since 1987 starting with the Pro Wrestling Torch print newsletter. PWTorch.com launched in 1999 and the PWTorch Apps launched in 2008.
He has conducted "Torch Talk" insider interviews with Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Eric Bischoff, Jesse Ventura, Lou Thesz, Jerry Lawler, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, Paul Heyman, Bruno Sammartino, Goldberg, more.
He has interviewed big-name players in person incluiding Vince McMahon (at WWE Headquarters), Dana White (in Las Vegas), Eric Bischoff (at the first Nitro at Mall of America), Brock Lesnar (after his first UFC win).
He hosted the weekly Pro Wrestling Focus radio show on KFAN in the early 1990s and hosted the Ultimate Insiders DVD series distributed in retail stories internationally in the mid-2000s including interviews filmed in Los Angeles with Vince Russo & Ed Ferrara and Matt & Jeff Hardy. He currently hosts the most listened to pro wrestling audio show in the world, (the PWTorch Livecast, top ranked in iTunes)
REACHING 1 MILLION+ UNIQUE USERS PER MONTH
500 MILLION CLICKS & LISTENS PER YEAR
MILLIONS OF PWTORCH NEWSLETTERS SOLD
PWTorch offers a VIP membership for $10 a month (or less with an annual sub). It includes nearly 25 years worth of archives from our coverage of pro wrestling dating back to PWTorch Newsletters from the late-'80s filled with insider secrets from every era that are available to VIPers in digital PDF format and Keller's radio show from the early 1990s.
Also, new exclusive top-shelf content every day including a new VIP-exclusive weekly 16 page digital magazine-style (PC and iPad compatible) PDF newsletter packed with exclusive articles and news.
The following features come with a VIP membership which tens of thousands of fans worldwide have enjoyed for many years...
-New Digital PWTorch Newsletter every week
-3 New Digital PDF Back Issues from 5, 10, 20 years ago
-Over 60 new VIP Audio Shows each week
-Ad-free access to all PWTorch.com free articles
-VIP Forum access with daily interaction with PWTorch staff and well-informed fellow wrestling fans
-Tons of archived audio and text articles
-Decades of Torch Talk insider interviews in transcript and audio formats with big name stars. **SIGN UP FOR VIP ACCESS HERE**