SHOW SUMMARY: In the latest Flashback episode of The Fix with Todd Martin & Wade Keller, we jump back seven years to part two of the August 16, 2017 episode of The Fix. CURRENT EVENTS

• G1 Finals and more stories from his trip including whether these are the best wrestling shows he’s ever seen and how crowds are different than WWE and UFC big event crowds
• Analysis of big segments on Raw and Smackdown including the Baron Corbin MITB cash-in
• Fatal Four-way hype
• Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose
• Shane McMahon
• And more

MAILBAG

• Bill Watts’s potential had he been given more time to run WCW
• Eric Bischoff’s chances at success with the WCW buyout with Fusient Media
• Paul Heyman’s chances of succeeding if Dixie Carter hired him to run TNA
• Whether Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton last year had unplanned aspects
• Baron Corbin’s MITB cash-in
• A potential WWE point system tournament like G1
• Stereotypes in wrestling and the responsibly of fans and reporters to speak out
• And more

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the August 3 and August 4, 2006 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers these topics:

• Vince McMahon’s surprising favorite match on ECW
• C.M. Punk’s backstage demeanor
• Why Cole was more into his job
• Steve Austin-Hulk Hogan talk
• Jeff Hardy’s return to WWE
• And more!

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the Apr. 6, 2006 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers these topics:

• A ton of insider news on the prospects of a Hulk Hogan vs. Steve Austin match – how close it came to happening at WM22, what stood in its way, what the prospects are of it happening in the future, why Austin said what he said about Hogan at the HOF during his Bret Hart intro, and any backstage interaction between the two.
• Lots of news on the ECW PPV including the possible main events with Rob Van Dam, whose idea it was for him to win the Money in the Bank match, who he’s most likely to face and why, who else he might face, plus other big names signed for the event and how it will be formatted and booked this year compared to last year.
• The inside story on Randy Orton’s suspension, how it is perceived by his colleagues, and why he has a ton of heat for other reasons.
• Backstage notes on Bret Hart at the Hall of Fame.
• Insider news on Joey Styles and some mistakes he made at WM on air and off air.
• Pro wrestlers live on ESPN next week.
• Survivor Series notes.
• Rosemont Horizon notes.
• And more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this week’s episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich dissect and analyze C.M. Punk’s nearly two hour interview this week with Ariel Helwani including what Punk seemed to confirm about his controversies, how he handled explaining his side, what he might’ve revealed when it came to his body language and intensity ratcheting up when he covered certain people and situations, how he talked about key figures such as Vince McMahon, Paul Levesque, Tony Khan, and others, and much more.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to part one of the Mar. 24 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show. Topics include:

• With the five year anniversary of the final WCW broadcast ever this coming Monday, Torch columnist Bruce Mitchell, with host Wade Keller, have a spirited discussion regarding the end of WCW, what or who are most to blame (Eric Bischoff? Hulk Hogan? Vince Russo? Kevin Nash? Guaranteed Contracts?).
• Then, the latest news stories were analyzed including that week’s Raw highlights, the Saturday Night’s Main Event ratings, and more…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Jan. 23, 2006 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a WWE Raw review and analysis including final Royal Rumble hype, Triple H promo on intent to win Rumble, Shawn Michaels vs. Shelton Benjamin, Jerry Lawler vs. Coachman, a mystery partner main event with Edge, and more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch contributor Kelly Wells returns to “Then and Now” to look back at the 1994 Royal Rumble event with Frank Peteani. They talk about the craziness of the angle run between Yokozuna and the Undertaker in their casket match for the WWF Championship, Owen Hart turning on his brother Bret, Bret and Lex Luger co-winning the Royal Rumble, and the implications of that moving forward. They throw in some discussion on current events including whether the WWE needs the Rock at this year’s WrestleMania.

Warning: Some language on this show may be NSFW.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the January 14, 2006 episode of The Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller. They cover these topics:

• The myth and truth of the transition of power from Vincent J. McMahon (Sr.) to Vincent K. McMahon (Jr.)
• The Sting press conference this week, who Sting seemed to forget to talk about, disappointment in the questions asked, what it says about the wrestling media, and why Sting appears to not have changed from his WCW days.
• Reaction to Edge winning the WWE Title.
• Thoughts on the “live sex” stunt on Monday’s Raw.
• And much more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part one of this week’s episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they discuss these topics:

• The Rock’s return and various scenarios for Roman Reigns match
• Reaction to Kevin Dunn’s departure
• The latest on Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Andrade
• Full Raw review
• Full NXT review
• Full review of AEW Dynamite including Worlds End follow-up

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the December 22, 2005 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller talks about the contrasting morale in WWE and TNA, the positives and negatives of each locker room, and what specifically sets the tone in each locker room. Also, notes on where Sting fits in with TNA, how Chris Benoit would be an ideal pick-up for TNA, and a good way for TNA to build up to a dream match on PPV using its own in-house talent. Plus, a theory on the Stephanie-Shane McMahon dynamic and their respective futures in coming years running WWE. Notes on Hulk Hogan saying he won’t wrestle Shawn Michaels again. Plus, a few other subjects.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to part two of the November 30, 2005 special Audio Talk installment that Wade Keller conducted with Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.

Waltman explains his views on steroids and why he thinks they’re misunderstood and a bit demonized, how steroid testing will affect life for WWE wrestlers, stories of prescription pill abuse including his own, and a difficult decision he made a few years ago to turn in a friend whom he believed was near death and how he feels about that decision in retrospect.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the November 17, 2005 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers these topics:

• The inside story on whether Christian spoke the truth when he detailed why he left WWE, the type of offer he was given to stay, and why he left. Plus analysis of whether he can be a top tier player for TNA, where Jeff Jarrett fits in, and whether it was smart to have Team Canada with Scott D’Amore get involved right away.
• Comparisons between Christian and Matt Hardy or Chris Benoit in terms of who’d be most valuable to TNA today…
• A lot more on Eddie Guerrero including notes on the WWE p.r. machine and in which instances they were on base and off base in their approach. Thoughts on the WWE lifestyle, the way Guerrero’s tribute show was handled, how Hunter and Stephanie handled it.
• Exclusive details on why Stephanie wasn’t at the Supershow on Sunday.
• And more…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 21, 2006 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show. They covered these topics:

• ECW’s late-night rating
• Undertaker headlining an ECW show
• TNA ratings compared to ECW
• The content of Saturday Night’s Main Event and it ratings
• A look back at what made SNMEs in the 1980s rating successes whereas today they’re not
• Whether it’s wise to feature top stars on TV so often and, if it’s not done, what an alternative is, how UFC fits into all of this, and more.
• The injury to Mark Henry
• A preview of Sunday’s Bash PPV, and a couple other current events
• Then they dedicate the majority of the update to looking at the headlines of the recent two pairs of “5 Years Ago” and “10 Years Ago” Torch Newsletter back issues focused on Hulk Hogan’s heel turn in July 1996 and the original WCW/ECW Invasion angle from July 2001.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: Longtime PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin returns to Then and Now to look back on Halloween Havoc 1998. Frank and Todd discuss the entire card, which featured the much maligned rematch between Hollywood Hogan and Warrior, Bret Hart (also a maligned character) defending the U.S. Championship against the Wolfpac version of Sting, Scott Hall (and his awful drinking gimmick) taking on Kevin Nash, Diamond Dallas Page challenging Goldberg for the WCW World Championship, and more.

Warning: Some language on this show may be NSFW.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the October 18, 2005 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller answers ten questions sent in this week on a variety of subjects including: The inside story on Steve Austin’s appearance on Raw last night, how long it was planned, what it says about the reality of the Jim Ross situation as of this week, what Stephanie McMahon’s real reaction was backstage to Austin’s one-liner about her, who is against Ross backstage and why, who Austin was seen hanging out with backstage, the most prominent rumors about the future of the WWE announcing slots, the reaction to Smackdown wrestlers being fined last week for being late, Impact ratings news for week three, Taboo Tuesday’s hype so far, and more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to our post-PPV coverage of the WWE Unforgiven PPV from September 18, 2005.

PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnists Bruce Mitchell and Pat McNeill discuss WWE Unforgiven in great detail starting with the John Cena vs. Kurt Angle match and working backwards through the entire show, including Ric Flair popping Viagra and partying with women in his limo after his match, Ric Flair vs. Carlito, Matt Hardy vs. Edge, Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters, and more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the August 26, 2005 episode of The Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller covering these topics:

• Smackdown shifting to Fridays in two weeks
• The speculation of Chris Jericho potentially heading to TNA and comparisons between the value to TNA of Jericho and seven other WWE wrestlers if they in theory were available to TNA (RVD, Chris Benoit, Jeff Hardy, Goldberg, Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, Shelton Benjamin).
• Shawn Michaels’s controversial comments about Hulk Hogan on Raw this Monday
• A detailed comparison of the careers of Michaels and Randy Savage and who deserves higher stature in history books
• Matt Hardy jobbing to Rob Conway on Monday
• The scheduling of Samoa Joe vs. Kenta Kobashi by ROH for Oct. 1 in New York
• Notes from attending the Mid-Atlantic Fan Convention the prior weekend including crossing paths with a variety of big names

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of a “Focus on AEW” edition of the Wade Keller Hotline, PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers the C.M. Punk-Jack Perry controversy with tons of backstage details and perspective from “both sides.” Also, a look at the thin All Out line-up which is not PPV level yet and a lack of obvious hot-shots that can get them there. Also, notes on Collision ratings last Saturday and an NFL-AEW controversy.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of a “Focus on AEW” edition of the Wade Keller Hotline, PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers these topics:

• Full details and reaction to the new rules for wrestlers in AEW including locker room reaction
• Minute-by-minute viewership for C.M. Punk vs. Samoa Joe and FTR vs. Juice Robinson & Jay White
• Rampage thoughts
• Dynamite ratings
• Attendance notes

This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the June 12, 2005 Wade Keller Hotline podcast featuring these topics:

• Tons of backstage insights from ECW One Night Stand including Vince McMahon’s role.
• Two major confrontations behind the scenes (one of which started in the ring), and both sides to both incidents (and there are two sides to both)…
• Plus, specific reactions from specific WWE wrestlers (named by name) about what they saw, including a wide variety of pros and cons about the show…
• What surprising name was backstage, who his connection was, and why he wasn’t allowed backstage later…
• ECW wrestlers’ reaction to the WWE wrestlers’ involvement including Steve Austin’s heavy involvement…
• What was Vince McMahon’s reaction to the show, and to some of the one-liners…
• What was planned ahead and what wasn’t, what was real and what wasn’t, who was upset and who wasn’t…
• The rumors about the future of the ECW brand circulating among wrestlers…
• Which WWE bigwigs were backstage and which ones weren’t, and whether ECW wrestlers felt they added to or took away from the show and the overall operations…
• A lot on RVD’s promo and the planning of it…
• Why some wrestlers were over with the crowd and others weren’t, and specific steps some took to avoid a backlash…
• Plus instant Raw reax with draft sending top talent to Raw and decimating Smackdown.
• And much more…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they respond to listener emails on these topics.

• Does AEW need to book Kenny Omega better?
• What was the plan at the 2005 Royal Rumble when John Cena and Batista were eliminated at the same time?
• Any knowledge of Paul Craig & Chris Bungard?
• Is C.M. Punk a hypocrite regarding situations with Colt Cabana, Corey Graves, and Kofi Kingston?
• A case that pro wrestling video games are a major gateway into people becoming viewers of pro wrestling shows.
• When does the “modern era” begin that WWE talks about?
• Is Seth Rollins actually a generation-defining wrestler?
• Who was the best Beatle?
• Is Peacock actually creating new WWE fans?
• Can WWE cost AEW buys for their PPVs by going head-to-head with NXT specials?
• Has Tony Khan introduced Jay White in the worst way possible?
• Thoughts on the legacy of Madusa.
• A sidebar discussion on the history of Pro Wrestling Illustrated “Rookie of the Year” winners and runners up over the decades
• When AEW viewership drops and WWE viewership goes up, are those the same viewers?
• Could AEW’s expanded TV hours cause AEW to cater even more to hardcore fans?
• Thoughts on AEW All Access and if anything was learned from the shows.
• Will AEW Collision lead to fans just stopping watching AEW because it’s too much to keep up on?
• Could Orange Cassidy be a major player on Collision as a floating AEW International Champion?
• How is Steve Maclin’s run as Impact World Champion going and can he use it to get to AEW or back to WWE?
• What would be the value of Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa as tag champs in the short term?

SHOW SUMMARY: In this week’s episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich cover these topics:

• The latest on C.M. Punk’s visit to WWE Raw last night and what the ramifications could be within AEW.
• Some sparse notes on the meeting over the weekend with Chris Jericho, FTR, and C.M. Punk and theories on how that played into Punk’s visit to Raw.
• Is WarnerMedia a new player for WWE content, which could move WWE PLEs to HBO’s rebranded Max streaming service and off of Peacock?
• Young Bucks backstage politics in AEW and where they might stand on the Punk stuff as of this week.
• Reaction to the new WWE World Title and whether it could end up on Smackdown with Roman Reigns heading to Raw.
• WWE Draft speculation including some wildcard ideas for who the inaugural new champion could be and rationalizations for others talent placement on Raw or Smackdown.
• Analysis of last week’s setback in the Four Pillars feud, a discussion of the swipes Jungle Boy and Darby took at each other, and where this all leads.
• Jay White’s botched presentation so far.
• Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom thoughts and the latest with Mercedes Monet.
• And more topics and sidebars sprinkled in throughout.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the April 22, 2005 episode of The Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, Bruce covers these topics:

• Why Ric Flair gets a pass for being on top for so many years while Hunter gets criticized for seemingly hogging the spotlight.
  
• Analysis of Flair’s tenure as WCW booker in the mid-90s…
• An in-depth discussion about the Top Five WrestleMania Matches Ever…
• Mitchell’s favorite era as a wrestling fan…
• Some of the most embarrassing moments in pro wrestling history and one of the most disgusting angles…
• Reaction to MNM and the Heart Throbs…
• Thoughts on the MSG fans chanting at Lita on Monday…
• The second Diva Contest…
• Why Batista’s title run may be handled differently politically by Triple H than those of Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho…
• And much, much more…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 9, 2006 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show. They covered these topics:

• The Sabu and RVD situation
• Happenings on TV throughout the week on the four major first-run national programs.
• Analysis of the new WWE Magazine format
• What question would Bruce ask Vince McMahon if McMahon had to give an honest answer?

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they discuss listener emails on these topics. This is part two of two…

• Heels ripping on fans but marketing merchandise to tem.
• Favorite kayfabe explanations for illogical or perplexing aspects of pro wrestling.
• Inconsistencies with babyfaces running out for saves.
• Is Keith Lee hurt by having grey hair along with reduced mobility?
• Could All In sell so few tickets they have to move it to a smaller venue?
• Exploring babyfaces winning with honor and heels cheating and whether that’s a dated approach or just embedded into pro wrestling inherently.
• Is it fair to say WWE’s product has cooled since WrestleMania and AEW has been on a roll?
• What are the pros and cons of booking C.M. Punk as a face versus a heel?
• Will fans be okay with keeping Punk separated from his locker room rivals if there’s a roster split?
• Who on the AEW roster is most like Disco Inferno and Horace Hogan?
• Would Eric Bischoff be a good candidate to be Tony Khan’s “bad cop”? If not him, whom?
• Why aren’t people talking more about Brock Lenar being in cahoots with The Bloodline?
• Todd is challenged to make a case for Madcap Moss being the no. 1 pick, as Emma says he will be.
• How do international markets end up with AEW on other networks like ESPN?
• What’s next for Logan Paul? Doesn’t he have to win his next feud?
• Talking points from the two hour Bloodline video on YouTube summarizing The Bloodline’s history
• If Punk returns to AEW, should that show be billed as Colt Cabana Appreciation Night?
• Does new information shed new light on the exchange between Punk and Jon Moxley leading into their title match last year?
• Which wrestlers’ on-air personas seem most like what they’re probably like in real life?
• Which wrestlers should be shifted from Dynamite to AEW’s proposed/rumored Saturday show? Is there a way AEW could differentiate the show from Wednesdays?
• Reaction to frustration with AEW’s Women’s Division, pairing Swerve Strickland with Prince Nana, and poor usage of the Luchadors on the AEW roster

SHOW SUMMARY: It’s a “Nick & Tom Mailbag” week, with a range of topics including rebooking for WrestleMania 39, some face and heel turns, and deep dives into Asuka and Solo Sikoa. (NOTE: There are some audio quality issues with this episode.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of Bonus Point, Tom Stoup covers February 2023 in WWE Developmental news and analysis including:

• Black History Month community outreach
• Next-In-Line signees at the Royal Rumble
• Reviews of episodes 2, 3, & 4 of “Trickin’ Ain’t Easy”
• Blake Howard joining Byron Saxton on Level Up commentary
• Upcoming Campus Rush dates
• Amari Miller injury announcement and update
• Ivy Nile wrestling for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling
• Chris Gerard (FKA Oney Lorcan) becoming a full time WWE Performance Center coach
• Coconut Loop house shows incl. Lola Vice title match, Ava Raine physicality, more
• Level Up progress reports on Oba Femi, Myles Borne, Scrypts, Tank Ledger, Lash Legend, Eddy Thorpe (FKA Karl Fredericks), and Lola Vice
• Further items on Guru Raaj, Brady Booker, Rickssen Opont, Skylor Clinton, Dragon Lee, Jason Cade, Boa, Secretary G, Adrain Jaoude, Karrion Kross, Chase U, Beau Morris, Hayden Pittman, Bryson Montana, Dante Chen, Javier Bernal, Axiom, Dani Palmer, and Kale Dixon

SHOW SUMMARY: In this week’s episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich discuss a variety of topics:

• Super Bowl commercials that had pro wrestling connections.
• If the Jacksonville Jaguars win a Super Bowl, will the MVP accept a WWE Title belt? Could AEW be sneaky and double-cross WWE?
• Is AEW showing signs of vulnerability in terms of even surviving as a major league competitors to WWE with recent ratings performances and anecdotal softening of passion in the fanbase?
• Is AEW prepared to replace the aging top tier crew with another generation of stars?
• Might C.M. Punk have a better chance to be brought back if ratings falter more and his locker room rivals fail to step up?
• Thoughts on last week’s Dynamite including The Gunns winning the AEW Tag Team Titles and MJF’s controversial promo?
• How many people are on AEW’s graphic poster for tomorrow night’s Dynamite?
• Where is Jay White more likely to end up – AEW or WWE or neither?

In this week’s episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich discuss a variety of topics:

• Reaction to Jerry Lawler’s stroke.
• Reflecting on Lanny Poffo.
• Detailed review of NXT Vengeance Day with extended talk about Roxanne Perez and Bron Breakker
• AEW Dynamite review from last week including Bryan Danielson’s journey, The Acclaims vs. The Gunn Boys, and more
• A preview of this week’s AEW Dynamite
• WWE Smackdown review including Sami Zayn’s angle with Roman Reigns
• WWE Raw review including Cody Rhodes-Paul Heyman segment, Brock Lesnar-Bobby Lashley, JBL-Baron Corbin, and more
• MJF defends Zackery Wentz on Twitter
• Stardom 12 Anniversary Supreme thoughts
• And more sprinkled in throughout.

This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to a VIP Audio Roundtable with PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnists Bruce Mitchell and Pat McNeill from Jan. 23, 2005. They discuss the prior Sunday’s TNA PPV and next month’s TNA PPV, Batista’s proclamation that Triple H is the greatest of all-time and where Hunter really stands, the merits and drawbacks of turning Eddie Guerrero heel, whether John Cena is showing signs of being a franchise player, the current direction of Smackdown, and thoughts on the death of Johnny Carson.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. The VIP podcasts from March, April, May, and most of June 2004 were lost due to hard drive failure, but we’re back now with the summer 2004 podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part two of this week’s episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

• A timely listener question about whether we have heard much about what Vince McMahon has been up to lately!
• The Dana White incident with his wife slapping each other in a bar.
• How would WCW feuds have played out if Bret Hart continued on with the WWF instead of jumping to WCW?
• How would UFC’s Middleweight Division have played out i8f Anderson Silva had defeated Chris Weidman at UFC 162?
• Can an apt comparison be made between Jade Cargill and Lex Luger?
• Deep dive into Ron Simmons’ WCW Title reign and if he was the first champion not positioned as a main eventer during his reign?
• Would Rick Rude instead of Vader have beat Simmons at Starrcade if he weren’t injured?
• 2023 Wade vs. Todd Predictions and results of the 2022 Wade vs. Todd Predictions including whether C.M. Punk will wrestle in 2023, will Sasha Banks/Mercedes Monet win an AEW Title, will Matt Cardona return at the Royal Rumble, and more.
• A case for why calling WWE a variety show is valid.
• Agree or disagree with: Jade Cargill shouldn’t lose until she’s turned babyface, Jeff Jarrett is proof that sometimes old school just works, and AEW botched Sasha Banks already if they have reached a deal to bring her in.
• Is Money in the Bank a gimmick that should be retired?
• Who is a better manager between J.J. Dillon and Paul Heyman?
• Matching Bloodline members to Four Horsemen members over the years.
• Should FTR leave AEW?
• Who speaks in circles or says more meaningless things, Bray or Malachi?
• Is using concussions in an angle in bad taste?
• Is the new AEW entrance stage a distraction for the live crowd?
• Why shouldn’t WWE introduced Smackdown viewers to Raw wrestler since they introduce NXT wrestlers to Raw viewers?

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Dec. 30, 2004 Wade Keller Hotline podcast featuring these topics:

• Reflecting on the year 2004.
• Samoa Joe’s ROH World Title loss to Austin Aries.
• Samoa Joe’s prospects of getting a WWE job.
• How possible is a Mick Foley-Samoa Joe match in ROH coming off of their angle on Sunday, who’s pitching for jobs in WWE for ROH wrestlers.
• Why ROH doesn’t have reason to be concerned about losing top wrestlers.
• What Foley’s relationship is with WWE at this time.
• The very latest on Brock Lesnar’s status with WWE and why he has less leverage now than he did when he first left.
• Why Monty Brown knows what the right thing to say is to impress WWE.
• The WWE creative team shake-up.
• More

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts which began in 2003. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part three of this week’s three-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

• Is it fair to review a show segment to segment since not everything is going to be a hit in a variety show format?
• Is the investment in Bray Wyatt a waste since it’s not designed to culminate in an actual good match?
• Review of the Peacock special documentary on Ric Flair and overall thoughts on Ric Flair the person and the pro wrestler.
• Is Kevin Patrick any good, and if not, can he become good? Is he keeping the seat warm for Jim Ross, Ian Riccaboni, or Mauro Ranallo?
• Evaluating how AEW has utilized Paul Wight, Mark Henry, and Christian Cage.
• Would a Stokely Hathaway faction feuding with C.M. Punk and FTR have worked?
• Is the “everyone hates C.M. Punk” story just fueled by Chris Jericho and The Elite?
• Evaluating nearly 30 AEW wrestlers on whether they’d be better off having stayed or still returning to WWE?
• Thoughts on Dax Harwood’s first podcast and whether a wrestler should be criticizing another wrestler for planning out and practicing his matches?
• Will Paul Levesque be more open to WWE acknowledging other promotions including perhaps AEW?
• Thoughts on The Elite’s current act and whether the Trios Title series is a good usage of them and is better than alternatives?
• Are the Elite vs. Death Triangle matches an example of putting athleticism and spectacle over storytelling?

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the November 26, 2004 episode of The Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller. The following topics are covered:

• Extensive time is spent breaking down the content of the ECW DVD including what was left out, who looked good, who looked bad, where the truth was shaded a little or a lot, and much more.
• Bob Holly’s attack of Rene Dupree at least Sunday’s house show and whether the punishment is fair and adequate.
• Bruce has watched every booking run of Dusty Rhodes and he explains his strengths and weaknesses, the last time he had a good run as booker, and what to expect from his TNA run.
• What Vince McMahon’s dividend raise might mean. And more…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Real Deal with Pat McNeill from June 22, 2006 including:

• Pat gives his thoughts on a loaded episode of WWE Raw, and gets you ready for Sunday’s big Vengeance show.
• Plus all the wrestling news that’s unfit for print, including the scoop on the next ECW-related book, what surprise could be waiting for fans at Saturday’s ECW house show in Philadelphia, where and when a former ECW champion is locking up with Ring of Honor Bryan Danielson, and which former TNA gladiator would really like to sell you a T-shirt.
• The Hot Five Stories of the week include the end of the Christian era in TNA, Dave Batista back on the road for Smackdown, and confusing moments from Raw.
• The Indy Show lineup of the Week features former ECW Tag Team Champions in the same building for one night only at the New Alhambra,
• Listener Mail on The Warlord, Jeff Jarrett and The Yeti
• Pat’s dramatic audio reinterpretation of the opening segment from Raw.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: Kelly Wells and Tom Stoup cover NXT from December 4, 2014 including go-home hype for NXT R-Evolution, a strong Sami Zayn-Adrian Neville talk segment, movies Tom wishes he’d directed, and more.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Nov. 9, 2004 Wade Keller Hotline podcast featuring these topics: Insight into what the reaction is within WWE to the Kurt Angle-Daniel Puder incident and how it affects Puder’s future in WWE… Why wrestlers who were cut were cut… Praise for the upside of Batista… What Debra was doing backstage at Raw last night… Details on the verbal exchange between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage at the TNA PPV Sunday night… The backstage demeanors of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Roddy Piper… Major news on Sean “X-Pac” Waltman and Joanie “Chyna” Laurer sex tape… A health update on Carlito Colon… A health update on Elix Skipper… More backstage notes from TNA’s PPV… Analysis of the approach WWE is taking with the Raw main event at Survivor Series including pros and cons of the added tension to the heel foursome…

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part two of this week’s early two-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

- Why was Mr. T welcomed by WWF fans in the mid-1980s while other celebrities such as Logan Paul aren’t? Could Logan learn from Mr. T?
- Did “Dr. D” David Schulz get fired because he threatened or slapped Mr. T, not just John Stossel?
- Revisiting the NXT draft between Wade and Todd.
- Did Brandon Cutler being back portend the return of the Young Bucks?
- Is there any chance Paul Levesque, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan make it easier to root for WWE’s success by exiting the Saudi Arabia partnership now that Vince McMahon is gone?
- How do contract tampering laws work?
- Is MJF following in the footsteps of Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair?
- Is WWE asking for trouble if they hire MJF?
- What is the influence going to be of Kenny Omega and the Bucks?
- Should Hangman Page join The Elite or should he be kept away from them?
- What does Todd think MJF’s contract status is?
- Wasn’t C.M. Punk mostly right about what he said at the All Out media Q&A?
- Has Tony Khan learning anything from the controversies he’s faced lately?
- Why do people keep talking about 26 year old MJF as if he’s super-young?
- Is it just a coincidence that the people Wade does impressions of end up doomed?
- Is it better to have no character like Mustafa Ali or a goober like Johnny Gargano?
- Who are the contenders and who is the best option to beat Roman Reigns?
- How does the lead-in help wrestling shows’ ratings?
- Should a Baron Corbin-type wrestler who has “go-away heat” be the top heel champion since he’d get genuine heat?
- Would MJF take the beating from The Firm to throw everyone off and still be a heel?
- Would it have made sense, or still make sense, for The Fiend to become Windham Rotunda to move away from the supernatural aspects of his act?

This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to a special VIP Roundtable podcast discussing current events. PWTorch columnists Pat McNeill and Bruce Mitchell join PWTorch editor Wade Keller to cover these topics: Kurt Angle overrates himself, Heidenreich turns to poetry, State of TNA Address, Smackdown anniversary celebration with Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin, Undertaker is Andre the Giant of his era, was the Raw Divas Search worth it, and more.

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. The VIP podcasts from March, April, May, and most of June 2004 were lost due to hard drive failure, but we’re back now with the summer 2004 podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part two of this week’s two-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

- Has Triple H been a wolf in sheep’s clothing with his early booking decisions versus what he’s presenting now?
- Why wouldn’t Sammy Guevara keep getting in fights considering he pay no apparent consequences? Is Sammy inducing channel-changing for fans?
- A listener wants to know why he enjoys Wade critiquing AEW so much. Is he a WWE loyalist indoctrinated to Vince McMahon’s propaganda machine?
- Who are Michael Cole’s best “husbands” (color commentators) over the years?
- Did wrestling territories have specific booking approaches that were unusual?
- What happened to updates on the Vince McMahon investigation?
- Why are so many released wrestlers now being brought back? Is Triple H overruling Nick Khan? Is McMahon’s salary covering these new wrestler salaries?
- Isn’t the biggest sign Triple H has taken over for Vince McMahon the fact that they had an out of shape referee in a big match at Extreme Rules?
- Are we supposed to feel like Daniel Garcia was planning to side with Chris Jericho all along?
- Does Jon Moxley have actual animosity toward C.M. Punk since he’s taken digs at him on TV?
- Where does Antonio Inoki rank compared to other pro wrestlers of his generation? (Also, a sidebar discussion on top workers of the 1970s and an Inoki-Jerry Lawler comparison.)
- Plucking new wrestler names for NXT from U.S. senators from the 46th Congress.
- Where is all the ROH content on AEW TV leading?

SHOW SUMMARY: In part two of this week’s two-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

- A follow-up on the lack of history of pro wrestling in the pre-1900s era.
- What is the history of big name boxers benefiting pro wrestling’s business?
- When are wrestlers typically told the finish of their matches?
- Is Steve Austin right when he says if you’re not in pro wrestling to be world champion, you shouldn’t be in the business?
- Aren’t a lot of AEW’s issues behind the scenes more typical pro wrestling locker room stuff than an actual indictment of Tony Khan’s promoting style?
- Thoughts on the pros and cons of MJF’s approach in his promo last week on Dynamite.
- Isn’t there a happy medium between defending the WWE Title every month and doing it as infrequently as Roman Reigns is?
- Has WWE explained what Damage CTRL means?
- What is Jungle Boy meant to be?
- Why did WWE show a close-up of a fan wearing a t-shirt with a reference to Chris Benoit?
- Shouldn’t Drew McIntyre be more hung up on how he was cheated out of a chance to win his match against Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle and actually demand a rematch rather than just talk about Solo Sikoa?
- Where are the best sources of AWA wrestling history?
- Point by point legal analysis of leverage C.M. Punk might have on AEW given the nature of what went down after his media Q&A with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
- Did Punk plan to trigger everything that happened after All Out or was it based on genuine emotions and it led to things he didn’t anticipate?
- Is AEW at risk of turning away fans now that the most interesting story is behind the scenes turmoil that they aren’t even addressing on TV?
- What is Tony Khan’s end game with Jade Cargill and has he likely picked out who will eventually beat her?
- Has any pro wrestling company lost more momentum in a year than AEW has in terms of its relative perception to its primary competitor, WWE?
- Who should finally beat Roman Reigns?
- Isn’t it already clear a mistake was made by Paul Levesque not having Drew McIntyre beat Roman Reigns now that Reigns is moving on to a match with Logan Paul?

SHOW SUMMARY: Tom Stoup covers WWE Performance Center Strength & Conditioning Director Sean Hayes’ departure from WWE to become the XFL Director of Player Performance, D-Von Dudley’s new role behind the scenes of NXT, the SummerSlam tryout including Big E’s presence and the fourteen resulting WWE Next In Line signings, notables of the seventeen further signings announced by WWE, and Bellator fighter Valerie Loureda’s first month at the Performance Center including a live event introduction and her first practice match, along with other observations. Stoup also provides thoughts on the debut of Bronco Nima and Lucien Price as a tag team, as well as character tweaks for NXT Level Up talent Damaris Griffin, Bryson Montana, Amari Miller, Myles Borne, Arianna Grace, Javier Bernal, Hank Walker, Sol Ruca, Quincy Elliot, and Kelly Kincaid. Finally, Stoup speculates as to Parker Boudreaux’s potential WWE future after Boudreaux was released and has since been seen all over AEW programming. Most shockingly, however: no obligatory Steph de Lander mention this month! The streak… is over. Unless episode descriptions count.

Bonus Point is PWTorch’s monthly VIP supplement tracking and analyzing WWE’s developmental system as primarily filtered through NXT Level Up.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of Nick & Tom’s Intercontinental Adventure, Nick Barbati and Tom Colohue write an awkward love letter to Triple H that involves less bondage talk than usual, we promise. They each present their list of wishes for the Levesque Era of WWE.

SHOW SUMMARY: In part two of this week’s two-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

- Tony Khan’s Tweet about being longest-tenured CEO and general AEW bragging
- What’s the story of Ahmed Johnson in the WWF in the ’90s?
- Would it be a good move for Paul Levesque to change Raw and Smackdown announcers?
- Is Roman Reigns in general and the Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar match specifically being overhyped and over-praised?
- What’s the history behind men and women being in separate companies in Japanese wrestling? Should New Japan have women on their shows in 2022?
- When was Vince McMahon good at the creative role? What eras were his strengths on display?
- Pushback on criticism of Jungle Boy’s promos lately and showing arrogance that’s not in step with his presentation and character.
- Thoughts on C.M. Punk’s comments about Sasha Banks and Naomi with some added historical perspective on Brock Lesnar and Steve Austin.
- Will Tony Khan calm down and let Dynamite breath a little bit once he presumably has a new bigger TV deal in place?
- Should AEW be worried about the Warner Media-Discover merger?
- While Raw is already better thanks to “an absence of irritations,” what big picture changes would still benefit the product?
- Shouldn’t Akira Taue get more acclaim as one of the four key names of the 1990s and ’90s All Japan classic era?
- Who would be Wade and who would be Todd in various famous tag teams and pop culture pairings over the decades from a list offered by a listener?
- Which wrestlers did they think would become big stars who didn’t and which stars became big stars they didn’t think would?
- Who is their tip to win the English Premier League this year?
- What are their favorite and least favorite wrestling belts over the decades?
- In defense of Nick Khan.
- Thoughts on wrestlers lying or working people outside of the confines of pro wrestling shows.
- Is Edge accurately depicting the tone of The Brood these days?
- Is it safe to say Paul Levesque is already showing he will do a better job promoting women wrestlers?
- Should Dax and Cash replaced Shawn and Marty as the go-to comparison of a standout personality and a secondary personality in a tag team?

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of Nick & Tom’s Intercontinental Adventure, Nick Barbati and Tom Colohue talk Triple H’s ascension to the top of Creative in WWE in less than five hours.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the June 8, 2006 Wade Keller Hotline podcast where PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers these topics:

• Backstage notes on the ECW TV special including Vince McMahon’s demeanor
• Why they had both Taz and Jerry Lawler on commentary
• What familiar name booked the ECW battle royal
• Which top execs were and were not at the ECW PPV
• Randy Orton’s mood backstage
• Big Show’s relationship with Paul Heyman
• How ECW wrestlers got along with WWE wrestlers backstage
• Raw quarter hour ratings
• TNA’s big Steiner vs. Sting TV match
• More

This is another episode in our VIP Podcast Vault series going back to our earliest podcasts. We will continue to present VIP Podcasts from 18 years ago exclusively for PWTorch VIP members on our VIP Podcast Feed.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this week’s episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Rich and Wade discuss these topics:

- AEW’s lousy name for Dynamite in Minneapolis (“Quake by the Lake”) and Twitter to the rescue with some impressive suggestions instead
- Vince McMahon controversy
- Brock Lesnar’s return
- AEW Forbidden Door PPV preview and buyrate predictions, plus what matches might be added that could make a difference.
- Impact Slammiversary reaction
- Will Ospreay vs. Nick Wayne
- G1 Blocks announced
- Ric Flair’s match moved
- Elias-Ezekiel skits on Raw
- The winner(s) of the Twitter “contest” to rename “Quake by the Lake”

In part two of this week’s two-part episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they answer mailbag questions on these topics:

- Is Wade unfairly soft on WWE and hard on AEW in his analysis?
- Is MJF acting like Kirk Cousins?
- Would Jim Cornette have helped AEW if he worked with Tony Khan and would he have lasted?
- Would Tony Khan trade MJF to WWE in exchange for another wrestler, if so who, and would it be legal?
- Is it good business for Tony to give MJF a raise over the next 18 months given what’s happened in the last few weeks?
- Is MJF a “Cody Rhodes Guy” and could Cody be actively recruiting wrestlers from AEW?
- Should Malikai Black have stayed solo and would he be in a better position?
- Why do we hear copyrighted music in the background on sporting events but pro wrestling can’t do that?
- Who should do play-by-play on the Forbidden Door event?
- Is the MJF promo approach actually low risk/high reward given that AEW has an established viewership floor, but so much room to grow from creating a buzz?
- When do you believe the MJF situation turned from a shoot to a work?
- Did MJF include too many truths in his rant if his genuine goal was to get heel heat?
- Does Chris Jericho’s political affiliations change how you evaluate and enjoy his work in pro wrestling? How do you get past that when watching other wrestlers?
- After the vague Hangman Page promo about facing C.M. Punk last week setting up a potential AEW Originals vs. Ex-WWE guys storyline, could MJF disappear for a little bit and then make a surprise return on the pro-AEW side of that whole deal, presumably as a babyface?

SHOW SUMMARY: Justin Joynt of the “Top Rope Nation Podcast” debuts on Pro Wrestling Then and Now to look back at WCW WrestleWar ’92. They start by discussing the hire of Bill Watts, which took place five days before this event, referencing multiple excerpts from Torch newsletters, and talk about his undoing, which ironically came from a portion of the Torch Talk done with Wade Keller back in 1991. They then run down the entire card, which featured Flyin’ Brian for the Light Heavyweight Championship, Steiner Brothers vs. Takayuki Iizuka & Tatsumi Fujinami for the #1 contendership for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, and Sting’s Squadron vs. the Dangerous Alliance in a WarGames match. Highlight topics are the lack of good undercard matches, announcing, the stiffness of the Steiners’ style, and the great storytelling of the WarGames match vs. WarGames matches of today.

Warning: Some language on this show may be NSFW.

In this VIP Post-Event Audio Roundtable, Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch VIP Analyst Todd Martin and PWTorch columnist Rich Fann for full analysis of WWE WrestleMania Backlash including Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes, Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin, Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey, A.J. Styles vs. Edge, Omos vs. Bobby Lashley, and RK-Bro & Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns & The Usos.