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Torch Newsletter #758 (cover-dated May 17, 2003) has just been added to the Torch VIP Archives. VIP members can access the complete Torch Back issue by clicking here, or just click on the VIP Torch Archives button in the upper right cover of this webpage, then go to "Torch Newsletter Back Issues 2003" for a list of all 2003 back issues since the beginning of the year.

This issue includes a cover story on WWE's airing of the 911 calls related to Elizabeth's death... WWE Newswire details Arn Anderson being sent home for bad behavior... Jason Powell's "On Topic" criticizes TNA... Pat McNeill features "Inside the Booking Studio with Stephanie McMahon"... Part two of the Torch Talk with The Amazing Red... Wade Keller sounds the warning bell that WWE needs to get serious about developing future stars... The announcement of the new PWTorch VIP site... TNA PPV coverage... And more...

FULL PREVIEW

-COVER STORY: Wade Keller summarizes and examines WWE's coverage of the Elizabeth death and Lex Luger drug arrest on Confidential this week. (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-TOP 5 STORIES OF THE WEEK: The Top 5 Stories from this week in wrestling are covered including stunning news regarding the Backlash PPV, a major update on a TV show's future, behind the scenes news on the LOD's return, and more.

-WWE NEWSWIRE: Extensive details on Arn Anderson's hiatus and the reasons for it, fascinating booking debate behind the scenes regarding Kurt Angle's return, Bret Hart and Jeff Hardy make newsworthy public comments, extensive details on why Roddy Piper wasn't on Smackdown last week, shocking news on what Vince McMahon wants to headline the Bad Blood PPV with, Kurt Angle's reaction to his brother being released by WWE, the latest on McMahon's commitment to the brand split, who were regulars at Lex Luger's gym in Atlanta, McMahon's harsh reaction to Big Show injuring Rey Mysterio, the latest on Sting's WWE status, plus insider notes on Chris Jericho, Booker T, Trish Stratus, Ric Flair, Chris Nowinski, Hurricane, and more. (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-TNA NEWSWIRE: TNA goes public with criticism of one of it's guest wrestlers last week... Raven's status, disgruntled TNA wrestlers speak out and the reaction to their speaking out, Buff Bagwell's behavior backstage last week, the latest on one of TNA's lawsuits, and more!

-ETC. NEWSWIRE: More insight into the latest national wrestling upstart Major League Wrestling, notes from Combat Zone's big event with many familiar names, an ECW official who has resurfaced much to the chagrin of former ECW wrestlers, notes on Iron Sheik's daughter's murder, Lex Luger's demeanor publicly before Liz's death, the latest on Jesse Ventura's talk show, what invitation was turned down by Paul Heyman, Tod Gordon, and Tommy Dreamer, the latest on Sid Vicious, observations of Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch, and more! (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-JASON POWELL'S "ON TOPIC" COLUMN: Powell explains why despite defending TNA last week, he has to take the organization to task this week with insight into why some mistakes are being made, but why they are avoidable. It's a great primer for tonight's TNA PPV to see if they make necessary adjustments tonight. (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-WADE KELLER'S "THIS WEEK" COLUMN: WWE's developmental system is not adequate to feed WWE the top heavyweight talent they're going to need in two or three years. Keller goes into detail on an elaborate overhaul of their developmental system that would solve virtually every problem with their current system.

-MITCHELL'S WEEKLY MEMO: Bruce Mitchell now joins Wade, Jason, and Pat in writing a weekly column for the Torch Newsletter. This week he comments on WWE Confidential on Liz and Luger and also Vince Russo's written response to Liz's death. (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-TORCH TALK: He's been called "the next Rey Mysterio," current X-Division champ Amazing Red, in part two of his three-part "Torch Talk," explains how he idolizes Rey Mysterio, plus talk about his camera shyness and how he's trying to get over it, explains how he approaches his match style differently from one promotion and town to the next, fascinating insight into what makes Jerry Lynn so easy to work with in the ring, who he has learned the most from, and much more. It's a great Torch Talk, not for backstage politics necessarily, but to gain insight in the mind of a young, eager, talented upstart and the challenges he faces and the dreams he has. (Now On-Line at the VIP Site!)

-PAT MCNEILL'S FEATURE COLUMN: The following is the preview Pat posted at the VIP Message Board Forum yesterday: "Coming this week to the mighty Torch Newsletter: WWE is still looking for Hollywood writers who can help them deliver quality episodic television every week.  With a soft economy, writing jobs in the television industry are scarcer than ever. This week's McNeill Factor gives you a hard-hitting, uncompromising look at the WWE creative screening process, including a look at some of the actual groundbreaking storylines that are being pitched to Ms. Stephanie McMahon, head of WWE creative. You owe it to yourself to catch this week's McNeill Factor column in the Torch Newsletter."

-PLUS: End Notes with Wade Keller, complete results of WWE's house shows in the U.S. and overseas this past week, summaries of the key WWE TV shows, the handy upcoming events schedule, Keller's match-by-match report with ratings and newsletter-exclusive analysis of last week's TNA PPV, and the Torch staff reviews of TNA's PPV.

The VIP section adds two new complete Torch Newsletter back issues on average every week to the Torch VIP Archives section - one from ten years ago this week and another from five years ago this week. The back issues catch you up on insider stories and controversial commentaries at a very different time in the wrestling industry. Learn how we got to where we are today one week at a time as a VIP member! Sign up today and catch up on all of the back issues from 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 now available, with new ones being added on average twice every week.

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