Explore every episode of the podcast PWTorch VIP Podcasts

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of the Wade Keller Hotline, PWTorch editor Wade Keller covers the latest headlines and news topics:

• Recap of Tony Khan’s appearance on social media talking about SkyDance meeting
• Preview of AEW Dynamite and a look ahead to next week’s NXT vs. AEW head-to-head Wednesday battle including NXT announcements of John Cena and Cody Rhodes on next week’s show
• Notes on NXT TV tonight including the final Halloween Havoc hype and a segment from Raw with Kelani Jordan and Iyo Sky yelling at each other
• Why Oba Femi wasn’t on Raw and a comparison to how AEW presents Will Ospreay
• Details on Bruce Prichard’s retirement including why he managed to stay on in a prominent role after Vince McMahon left, which surprised people, and what specific roles made his valuable enough to earn his keep
• Susan St. James memories
• And more

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch columnist Sean Radican is joined by AEW wrestler “The It Girl” Maya World for a new Radican Worldwide interview ahead of AEW’s Forbidden Door PPV on June 28, available on traditional PPV outlets, HBO Max, and PPV.com. The Zero Hour pre-show will be available on HBO Max and YouTube for Free. Maya World discusses the following topics:

• Stepping up to fill in for a tag match on Collision last November and being offered a contract by Tony Khan after the match
• Working with her trainer Athena extensively in ROH and the lessons she taught her as a pro
• Wrestling in the main event in a Survival of the Fittest match for the ROH Women’s World Championship at Supercard of Honor in March
• Thoughts on ROH talent getting more opportunities on AEW TV recently
• Making the decision to go to TV a few days after her brother passed away
• Thoughts on her matches against Sky Blue and Athena during the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament
• How she’s processed her run through the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament while becoming an inspiration to so many people watching her story unfold on TV
• Filming promos and vignettes to build her story during the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament on TV while paying tribute to her brother JaTwane and whether or not she’s relied on anyone for advice to film these promos
• What would she have said if she was told she would be facing Mercedes Mone in a main event match on PPV back in January

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Mar. 28, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

• Vince McMahon, John Cena, Triple H, Chris Jericho, Big Show, and Floyd Mayweather on CNN’s Larry King Live on Wednesday night. They cut through the b.s. and spin and point out how to read between the lines on what they said (and didn’t say) and the wording they used, with an overall A-grade for the job they did from a public image perspective.
• A look at how special Monday’s Raw was for Ric Flair and his long-time fans with a rundown of what worked so well and why.

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by PWTorch contributor Jerud "JB" Buhagiar to review AEW Dynamite with chat and live caller interactions. They start with a look at Darby Allin's latest AEW Title defense and broaden the topic out to whether this title reign has been handled well and ultimately was worth it. Also, MJF successfully leaning into effective heel traits with discipline and focus is paying off. Also, Willow Nightingale news and how it affects the Owen Hart Cup Tournament, the Death Rider-Will Ospreay story, Swerve Strickland, the level of blood and violence on this show, and more. Plus, in the final stretch, PWTorch's Brandon LeClair joins as an on-site correspondent with a ton of off-air happenings (including Scotty Too Hotty and a Tony Khan speech) and analysis.

SHOW SUMMARY: Nick Barbati takes a deep dive into the new Netflix documentary series on Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan: Real American, on this week’s The Nicky’s Club. Breaking it down episode by episode, Nick examines what the series got right, what it left out, and where the story may have been shaped to fit a specific narrative. It’s a thoughtful and honest look at one of wrestling’s most iconic and controversial figures.

Join the conversation inside The Nicky’s Club—where wrestling feels like the coolest club in town.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Mar. 14 and 15 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics: NEWS ANALYSIS

• WWE’s three-hour Raw special
• The supposed “WrestleMania Rewind” edition with “all WrestleMania rematches” except for the four matches out of eight that were never on WrestleMania and the one that was but didn’t take place and the three that did that you weren’t really interested in seeing again right now.
• The double-turn of Big Show and Floyd Mayweather
• The Ric Flair-Shawn Michaels segment
• The latest JBL-Hornswoggle-Finlay feud progression
• The tag match from WrestleMania 1 that didn’t happen
• Jeff Hardy’s suspension from a variety of angles
• Analysis of Matt Hardy’s cryptic message and his follow-up message
• The prospects of ROH on national cable

MAILBAG

• In-depth explanation of the Baby Doll-Dusty Rhodes secret envelope storyline that was dropped (including what would have played out and why it didn’t)
• Why certain top wrestlers over the years never held a World Title
• More

SHOW SUMMARY: In this current events episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they cover these topics:

• Dennis Condrey remembered
• New Japan Cup’s strong final week
• Reviews of AEW Collision and AEW Dynamite including thoughts on Kenny Omega’s mic work, whether AEW missed opportunity with Collisions after NCAA coverage, Brody King saved for off-TV segment
• Reviews of WWE Smackdown and WWE Raw including latest Roman Reigns-C.M. Punk segment, Randy Orton’s follow-up promo to his turn on Cody, Jade Cargill-Rhea-Ripley, more
• A review of NXT with more chaos than ever
• A review of UFC and a preview of UFC

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of “Collision Cafe,” Brian Zilem and new co-host Taylor Halley discuss the following:

• 00:00 New Co-Host Introduction
• 01:39 Hangman Stakes It All
• 12:33 Omega vs. Swerve Breakdown
• 19:04 Dynamite Highlights Roundup
• 21:54 Brawling Birds Buzz
• 26:38 Collision Episode Overview
• 29:54 Trios Opener
• 37:12 FTR Rascals and Bucks Showcase
• 41:45 MJF Indie Defense and Andrade
• 46:52 Claudio vs. Alexander
• 51:21 Megan Bayne Squash and TBS Talk
• 54:10 Don Callis vs. Death Riders Fatigue
• 58:17 Thunder Rosa Return
• 01:00:45 Thekla Hype and Women’s Direction
• 01:04:37 Private Party Segment Complaints
• 01:13:53 FTR vs. Rascals and Bucks Heat
• 01:20:58 Revolution Card and PPV Format
• 01:26:21 Wrap Up and Thanks

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Jan. 7, 8, and 9, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

MONDAY – JANUARY 7 (Raw Analysis)

TUESDAY – JANUARY 8 (Audio Ask the Torch)

WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 9 (News & Analysis including ECW vs. TNA TV ratings)

THURSDAY – JANUARY 10 (Audio Ask the Torch including how HD TV might change pro wrestling) 

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 “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich discuss these topics:

• New Japan WrestleKingdom preview
• NXT’s North American Title mess last week
• NXT 2025 overview and look ahead to 2026
• Je’Von Evan-John Cena relationship and the epiphany that Cena had about giving advice
• Austin Theory theories
• Worlds End preview and Continental Classic thoughts
• Seth Rollins and Saudi Arabia, Becky Lynch emulating/mocking President Trump, Seth’s Cybertruck meltdown
• And more!

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

• A review of WWE Smackdown including the final build for John Cena’s retirement match
• A review of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event including Cena’s retirement match, the finish, the reaction to the finish, and the fallout from the reaction to the finish, plus evaluating the NXT vs. WWE matches and whether NXT gained
• A review of WWE Raw including Gunther’s gloating promo and the Austin Theory reveal, with expanded thoughts on the choice to put Theory in this prominent position and if he seems to have a chance to gain from this opportunity
• A review of NXT TV
• A review of AEW Collision and AEW Dynamite/Collision including the return of MJF and the latest Continental Classic match results
• A preview of the known matches at AEW Worlds End
• A review of UFC Fight Night and a look ahead to January’s UFC debut on Paramount+
• An overview of the secondary MMA market as 2025 comes to a close, with UFC as dominant a brand as it’s ever been

SHOW SUMMARY: In this week’s The Fix Mailbag with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they answer emails from VIP members on the following topics:

• Is it worrisome that business analysis of WWE has become nearly impossible given the streaming deals, overseas deals, and fewer direct connections to measurements that include actual fan satisfaction with the product.
• Does it seem pro wrestling fundamentally doesn’t work with fixed rosters over time? Aren’t boom periods usually a result of an influx of new wrestlers, including at the top of cards?
• Is there a market for a major UK promotion? Did the hosts on Dragons Den miss out on an investment opportunity?
• Wasn’t there a stretch a few years ago when Sami Zayn seemed washed up in the ring or at least dialing it down? Now he seems back at a top level, right?
• Choose sides in these rivals’ spats with each other:
  • Vince Russo – Eric Bischoff
  • Bret Hart – Bill Goldberg
  • Ric Flair – Mick Foley
  • Vince McMahon – Nailz
  • Tito Ortiz – Dana White
• Should the Paul Heyman group add a third wrestler now that Seth Rollins is out?
• Thoughts on the next wave of “freak show” boxing matches: Tank Davis vs. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather? Also is Clarissa Shields vs Laila Ali a fight that can come to fruition?
• Thoughts on UFC champions leaving their weight division behind.

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, the following topics are covered:

• Review of “Smashing Machine”
• New Japan’s King of Pro Wrestling review including IWGP Title change from Zack Sabre Jr. to Konosuke Takeshita
• A review of TNA Bound for Glory, what it delivered on and what it didn’t
• A review of NXT including some follow-up on BFG plus an unlikely new Women’s Title challenger established
• Reaction to the Kota Ibushi injury against Josh Alexander and the move a minute earlier that might’ve set in motion the botched spot and bad fall
• A review of AEW Collision from Saturday and AEW Dynamite (+Collision) with a final push to WrestleDream
• A preview of the full AEW WrestleDream line-up
• A review of WWE Smackdown
• Thoughts on the breaking news of the Jacob Fatu injury
• A review of WWE Raw including the big Seth Rollins-Bron Breakker angle
• A review of UFC Fight Night and a preview of the next UFC event
• Looking back at the Wanderlei Silva vs. Vitor Belfort event with a substitution and the hyjinx that followed
• Reaction to the Andrade situation as WWE delays his continued participation with AEW

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 11, 2007 podcast with PWTorch contributors Jamie Penick and Justin Parker discuss the “A Fight at the Roxbury” ROH DVD. This includes Kevin Steen (now Kevin Owens) vs. Mark Briscoe, Takeshi Morishima vs. Jay Briscoe for the ROH Title, plus Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness, Roderick Strong, El Generico (Sami Zayn), Delirious, Claudio Castagnoli, 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 edition of the Wade Keller Hotline, PWTorch editor Wade Keller continues the Hulk Hogan-themed episodes with a three-part, nearly three hour series on Hulk Hogan’s WCW Nitro era from start to finish.

Wade discusses those years with the author of the definitive book on the WCW Nitro years, aptly called “Nitro.” (Order a copy HERE.)

The series begins with a look at Hogan’s arrival in WCW and how he was received and the difference he made. Then topics include his importance to the launch of Nitro and the early success of Nitro, the build-up to the heel turn that almost wasn’t with behind the scenes insights on how it almost didn’t happen, his relationship with Scott Hall & Kevin Nash, his relationship with Eric Bischoff, the seeming sabotage of Bret Hart once he arrived, dealing with the arrival of Vince Russo, and much more throughout.

Find information on all of the books authored by Guy Evans on pro wrestling HERE.

You can send a question about Hulk Hogan to askwadekeller@gmail.com.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of the Wade Keller Hotline, PWTorch editor Wade Keller continues his series on Hulk Hogan with various topics and cohosts. This is the first of a two-part conversation with pro wrestling historian George Schire, a former cohost of the “Pro Wrestling Focus” radio show from KFAN in the early 1990s.

This theme focuses on Hulk Hogan’s breakout years from 1981 to 1983 in the AWA when he was brought in as a heel, but was turned babyface by the fans who cheered him and ushered in a new era of what defined a modern babyface main event act. This includes insights from that era, including George’s many conversations with many wrestlers from that time period who worked with Hogan. They chronicle Hogan’s rise in the AWA, disputes with promoter Verne Gagne, Japan commitments complicating things, who helped hone Hogan’s overall promo skills and babyface act, theories on what would have happened had Hogan stayed in the AWA and not signed with the WWF in 1983, and much more.

This is part one and part two will be published tomorrow.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines for the June 1-6, 2007 period, all combined into one file lasting nearly two hours. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

WEDNESDAY – JUNE 6 (News)
TUESDAY – JUNE 5 (News)
MONDAY – JUNE 4 (Raw Analysis)
SUNDAY – JUNE 3 (One Night Stand Analysis w/Caldwell)
SATURDAY – JUNE 2 (Lesnar’s MMA debut, Goldberg on color)
FRIDAY – JUNE 1 (Random News Items)

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 Apr. 20, 2007 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. This was part one of a four part series discussing the “Ric Flair & the Four Horsemen” DVD released by WWE that month, covering it chapter by chapter with the inside story that the WWE didn’t tell, analysis of their perspective, and first-hand accounts from Bruce who was front row and center for that era of WCW.

SHOW SUMMARY: In this installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch columnists Pat McNeill and Bruce Mitchell discuss the TNA Lockdown pay-per-view event. This was loaded with big names including a Team Angle (Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe & Jeff Jarrett & Rhino & Sting) vs. Team Cage (Christian Cager & Scott Steiner & Tomko& Abyss & A.J. Styles) main event, plus Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Jerry Lynn, Team 3D, Gail Kim, Jay Lethal, 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 episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade and Rich discuss these topics:

• Jimmy Uso bloodbath angle with Gunther
• AEW Collision’s possible move to Thursdays
• Parsing Cody Rhodes and John Cena exchanges from Raw
• AEW Dynasty preview
• Athena arriving in AEW, but on Collision instead of Dynamite
• Saraya’s interview in The Guardian
• Furor of Mickie James’s comments about women’s attire on LFG
• Tetsuya Naito’s New Japan status and future
• Rey Fenix’s imminent arrival and how WWE should feature him
• The “That’s not the favor?” moment with C.M. Punk and is this WM main event really what Punk and his fans dreamed of
• Rich reflecting on his interview with Kate Kroll, the director of the Luna Vachon documentary, “Lunatic: The Luna Vachon Story.”

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines for the Feb. 1-7, 2007 period, all combined into one file lasting nearly two-and-a-half hours. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 7 (News Items on Hogan, WM, Ratings, TNA)

TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 6 (Insider news on WM & Raw, Raw analysis)

MONDAY – FEBRUARY 5 (WSX episode 2, WSX/TNA/SD ratings, more)

SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 4 (Jericho interview analysis, Smackdown thoughts)

SATURDAY – FEBRUARY 3 (Impact Analysis and Ratings)

FRIDAY – FEBRUARY 2 (Guest: Sean Radican on Joe leaving ROH)

THURSDAY – FEBRUARY 1 (Audio Ask the Torch)

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 “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade talks with Rich about these topics:

• The follow-up to the heel turn of New Day
• Paul Heyman on how to deal with the plethora of titles
• AEW Continental Classic overview and ideas for how to improve it
• The Rey Fenix saga and related issues
• Athena being hidden in ROH
• The WWE “transfer window” concept
• Thoughts on NXT Deadline
• The Wyatt Sicks and whether they’ve been creative abandoned and how to get them back on track
• Reaction to AEW Dynamite ratings

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of “Everything with Rich Fann hosted by Wade Keller,” Wade talks with Rich about his thoughts on the AEW All Out PPV, the discussions the last few days about the level of violence, the strengths of the show, PWTorch poll results including what the Best Match winner might indicate, whether Tony Khan is super-serving too small of an audience when violence goes that far, and much more.

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 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: 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: 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: 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 part three of this week’s episode of The Fix with PWTorch VIP analyst Todd Martin and host PWTorch editor Wade Keller, they answer emails from VIP members on the following topics:

• Why did WCW give away the Steiner Brothers vs. Terry Gordy & “Dr. Death” Steve Williams tag match on a TBS Clash of Champions?
• Does WWE have any exclusivity agreements with arenas to keep out AEW or others?
• What period of time or moment marks when AEW lost its magic?
• Todd responds to and refutes Dave Meltzer’s arguments defending WWE’s decision not to turn John Cena heel
• What is Gunther’s trajectory for the next 6-18 months?
• Why is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin the best to ever lace wrestling boots?
• Is it fair to say AEW is now more like WWE in the mid-2000s than the ridiculous WCW 2000 era?
• Does Wade Keller have any stories on Ricky Rice or Teijo Kahn?
• Would Todd rather debate Jim Cornette or Dave Meltzer on the modern state of pro wrestling?
• Why did WrestleMania 19 do so poorly in terms of buyrate compared to WM17?
• Ideas about how to get Becky Lynch out of a rut
• Who are the top five “gatekeepers” in pro wrestling?
• How many reboots will Karrion Kross get?
• Is the average fan concerned with logic gaps like Prince Nana arriving in the SUV to block Christian Cage leaving during Dynamite?
• Are AEW fans too smart since they react in appreciation of wrestling rather than getting emotionally wrapped up in stories?

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to May, 2006 episodes featuring five straight News Vaults with solo updates by Wade Keller and James Caldwell ranging from May 10 to May 16. The first topic is the locker room right with Booker T and Batista including a response to Batista’s comments afterward and what was revealing about them. Also, a difference in vision between Tommy Dreamer and Paul Heyman for the ECW relaunch, Umaga’s early push, Jim Cornette’s agreement to work for TNA, 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 VIP Post-Event Audio Roundtable covering WWE Backlash PLE event, PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch columnist Todd Martin and PWTorch contributor Brandon LeClair. They review the show start to finish, beginning with thoughts on the enthusiastic fans in France and then evaluating the matches including how Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Damien Priest, Jey Uso, and Cody Rhodes all came across in elevated positions on this show.

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to our TNA Analysis Podcast from Apr. 28, 2006. PWTorch columnist James Caldwell was joined by Torch specialist Paul Madavi to discuss TNA in-depth including the first two weeks of Impact on Thursday nights, the Lockdown PPV after-the-fact, and what the next few weeks of TV looked like. They also discussed Samoa Joe being put into the heavyweight spotlight, who should be the first person to defeat Joe, how TNA could use Brock Lesnar and Goldberg if brought into the company, the pros and cons of TNA taping TV weekly, moving PPVs to other cities, and then the discussion moves to “See No Evil” and “The Marine” and whether either one could draw at the box office, 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 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: 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.