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Updated throughout the day, Torch columnist James Caldwell's weekday blog focuses on hot topic current events and issues from around wrestling.

From the Cube: Friday, December 21

7:25 p.m. Still working hard for that money tonight. Just posted in the Torch VIP audio section is part 1 of the Bruce Mitchell audio update. This week's topics include JBL vs. Chris Jericho, Smackdown's open announcer slot, and the WWE World Class DVD, which we'll posting a special guest review of this weekend.

- USA Network dropped a press release on the promotion of a marketing executive, Chris McCumber. He's now executive VP of marketing, digital, and brand strategy. They say he came up with the "Characters Welcome" slogan that Raw was the centerpiece of when WWE moved back to USA from Spike TV a few years ago.

The press release says he is in charge of all WWE programming on USA and Sci-Fi. So, Chris McCumber is a name to keep in mind when it comes to the marketing of Raw and ECW on TV, the Internet, and phones.

- On ESPN's top 100 stories of 2007, the "Chris Benoit family murders" comes in number 44. ESPN gave the story some coverage in the early stages, but the cable news channels covered it every day for nearly a month.

In the last 15 years, ESPN has rarely acknowledged the presence of pro wrestling, except during tragedy and when celebrities have made appearances on PPV and TV. So, to them, it's not that big of a story because of the subject matter.

The "Benoit murders" is certainly the top story of 2007 in pro wrestling. It opened up the "inner workings" of the business to the general public, cancelled an entire centerpiece storyline with the Vince McMahon death angle, and opened up even more eyes to the ramifications of concussions and head injuries in sports. I'd say that's a huge deal.

***

12:50 p.m. Nothing we haven't heard before from former WCW wrestlers who fell off the gravy train, but Buff Bagwell is featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution in an article discussing his pain pill addiction and depression after WWE released him in 2001. His first quote is on Chris Benoit: "If Chris Benoit was alive today he would say, 'Man I can't believe Bagwell outlived me.' Cause I was going to be one of the ones that went down first."

Bagwell says he has a book deal in the works to do the usual story on reaching a major high in the wrestling business before the inevitable fall to depression. He plans to talk about his deep depression, which started when a few pain pills became 20-40 per day following neck surgery in 1998.

Bagwell's third wife, Judy, recounts stories of his addiction. "Sometimes he would fall asleep with food in his mouth and I had to wipe it out so he wouldn't choke," she said. "Then I'd walk him up to bed and change his clothes."

Bagwell said he's trying to live clean after entering an extensive rehab program two years ago. He's now working independents to earn a fraction of his WCW pay. Bagwell said he wants to return to WWE, though. "I want another three-or-four-year run," he said.

It's a great story when wrestlers overcome addiction. I'm glad anytime one of these stories comes out. Shawn Michaels is a great example of a wrestler overcoming addiction, turning his life around, and then not falling into the same habits when returning to the business.

But, not everyone is Shawn Michaels, so I question why so many wrestlers automatically assume they can come back for another "three-or-four year run" and not fall into the same problems that caused their lives to fall apart and addiction to set in. Wrestling is just too much of an addiction for some folks, even stronger than 20 pain pills per day.

The mentality seems to be lightning can't strike twice. It's like younger wrestlers saying the things that killed the older generation won't befall this generation. For the older stars that are still alive, it's now, "Well, it can't happen to me...again!"

***

9:00 a.m. The best wrestler in the company in a reindeer suit. X Division wrestlers portrayed by midgets. No explanation for a World Title match at the next PPV. No follow-up from last week on why Kurt Angle and Christian Cage are feuding. The best storyline in the company is in the Women's division. The babyface heat in the final segment was on a referee, Earl Hebner. Matt Morgan put in charge after botching every other assignment. Authority figure Jim Cornette had better things to do than be at Impact.

Last night's Impact was a special holiday edition that did more damage than good. Hey, I was entertained all the way through because of how ridiculous the show was. But, I don't buy the argument for a second that it was a harmless show.

It's one thing to book a show with a completely different theme than the standard TV show - e.g. Tribute to the Troops - and keep the storylines in standstill. It's another thing to book a special theme show that looks exactly like every other edition of Impact. The result was everyone, except for Gail and Kong, looking ridiculous.

On the Tribute to the Troops show, WWE doesn't announce main event PPV title matches in the opening match. But, that's what TNA did. One week after Christian got the crap beat out of him at the end of Impact, there was zero follow-up to set up Christian's revenge and explain why Christian is getting a title match. They simply tossed out the main event to the next PPV with no fanfare.

That boggles my mind more than making one of their best wrestlers, A.J. Styles, look ridiculous, and slowly killing potential PPV gimmick matches over the course of two hours. The rating won't be affected one way or the other. The fanbase is locked up. 1.5 million people are going to show up every week like clockwork.

The concern is the PPV business, which TNA doesn't appear to be concerned about. Otherwise, they would make at least some attempt to maintain, nurture, build up, and reinforce the elements of selling a PPV: titles, stars, and conflict. Right now, they're simply in coast mode with no incentive to improve.

The dangling carrots are all gone. They have prime time. They have a weekday slot. They have two hours. They have all the WWE cast-offs. There are no more external motivators. Do they push forward with the current roster and start booking serious TV to at least make it seem like they're trying to sell PPVs? Do they curl up in a ball, grasp onto their hokey segments with every last fiber of their being, and tell everyone to shut up and let them book their nonsensical entertainment?

We won't know the answer until next year, but a "harmless" show last night was nothing more than reinforcing the joke of a TV wrestling show that TNA presents each week.

From the Cube: Thursday, December 20

6:55 p.m. In TNA's never-ending quest to be relevant by referencing on old WWE, WCW, or ECW events, they are booking an angle on the Canada tour later this month that plays off the Montreal screwjob from WWF's Survivor Series 1997. TNA has a story on its website about Kurt Angle demanding that Earl Hebner be the referee for his TNA Hvt. Title defenses against Christian Cage in Canada.

Tour dates are Dec. 27 in Montreal, Dec. 28 in Quebec City, Dec. 29 in Gatineau, Quebec, and Dec. 30 in Oshawa, Ontario.

I think it's smart marketing. WWE can't produce a Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels re-match, so TNA is going for the next best-thing with a legendary American star facing another Canadian wrestling star. Whether it generates more ticket sales remains to be seen, but Earl Hebner's presence in the ring, and TNA playing up the Montreal screwjob angle should create a hot atmosphere for the live audience.

- Tonight on Impact, it's the Holiday spectacular from TNA. It's all gimmick matches, all the time, and they're not even asking you to spend $30. I'll be covering the play-by-play tonight on the main listing, so check back in an hour.

The matches include "Christmas Chaos" - Samoa Joe vs. Elix Skipper ... "Silent Night, Bloody Night" - Rellik vs. Black Reign vs. Shark Boy vs. Abyss ... "Double North Pole" - Team 3D vs. Motor City Machine Guns ... "Santa's Workshop Knockout Streetfight" - divas brawl ... "Reindeer Ladder match" - A.J. Styles vs. Kaz.

***

1:30 p.m. USA Network sent a press release today with information on the NBC Universal family having the most viewership...of all entertainment groups...in prime time... in the key demographics for 2007 through Dec. 9.

Universal Televsion Group COO Jeff Gaspin said USA Network is "essentially being the fifth broadcast network." So, is that a knock on FOX or CW, which features Smackdown beating FOX on Friday nights for fourth place in the ratings?

The press release states USA Network was the number one ad-supported basic cable channel in 2007. From the release: "USA has significantly narrowed, and often eliminated, the ratings gap between itself and its nearest broadcast competition."

One of the key highlights in the release is WWE Raw winning Monday night viewership in key demographics against ABC in the 9-11 p.m. EST timeslot. The numbers cited include 38 percent over ABC in the Males 18-49 demo and 18 percent in the Males 25-54 demo.

***

10:30 a.m. This morning, Jakks Pacific sent out a press release that was picked up by the AP and Reuters news services that a federal judge in New York has dismissed WWE's federal suit for bribery that was filed in 2004. Well, duh. This was reported on Dec. 2 when Jakks leaked the story that the judge had dismissed the federal suit.

Of course, Jakks "confirmed it" today after news came out on yesterday that WWE will have the suit transferred to the state level. Jakks suddenly came out gung-ho today, reminding everyone that the federal case has been dismissed.

Jakks Pacific CEO Jack Friedman gave a speech in the press release that it's a victory for Jakks with WWE's federal suit being dismissed in a "decisive legal victory for Jakks." After the long victory speech, he concludes with one important phrase: "It remains to be seen how the opinion ... impacts WWE's state law claims."

Of course, the business news websites are headlining with practically the exact same headlines from the first week of the month when Jakks told everyone that the federal court in New York had dismissed WWE's federal suit. Groundhog Day must have come early.

- For a much brighter story ... On Wednesday, WWE.com posted an interview with Tammy Sytch (Sunny) that was conducted at the Raw 15-year anniversary show last Monday. Sunny talks in vague terms about the death of Chris Candido, but she is honest about being very emotional and immature when she had a very successful run in the mid-'90s. She also talks about her battle with weight before deciding it was time to get back in the gym and return to form.

At the time of being one of the most recognized individuals on the roster more than a decade ago, she was offered a spread in Playboy. Sunny said she turned it down because she wasn't ready for it. Looking back at that moment in her career, she thinks posing for Playboy would have helped her career, but at the same time, she knows she wasn't ready for it.

During the interview, Sunny comes across very well-spoken. Close your eyes at the beginning and she almost sounds like Stephanie McMahon, with an authoritative and confident tone. Sunny said it eats at her that she isn't out on TV with the rest of the divas on the roster, but I think she could be a valuable "producer" behind the scenes for WWE if she's up for the travel schedule.

Before coming out of retirement to return to the ring, Dave Finlay was such a valuable person to the women on the roster. He put in tremendous effort working with the women to become better performers in the ring and with their overall presentation. Having someone like Sunny to talk to and relate to would help that locker room.

Sunny broke ground for the divas, she's been through the big ups and big downs that the wrestling business is all about, and she could be a huge help to the women on the roster who need a strong person to seek out for advice on matches, promos, presentation, or just life in general.

On camera, she could be a great addition to Raw, but she could also find her new calling in the wrestling business by helping the next generation to follow her, Sable, Trish, and Lita.

From the Cube: Wednesday, December 19

1:15 p.m. Lex Luger was featured in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. The story follows up yesterday's decision for a 60-day delay in confirming pro wrestling regulation in Georgia.

The focus is why regulation needs to be considered in pro wrestling, especially based on Luger's stories on how wrestlers easily cheat the system. The story takes a much more contemporary look at why there is a need for regulation than the actual proposed regulations straight out of 1975.

Luger said he is one of 700 athletes who have ordered HGH and steroids from a doctor in California. He said the formula for getting a prescription for testosterone is easy. Wrestlers will go on a six-week steroid cycle to shut down the body's natural production of testosterone. After cycling off for two-to-three weeks, a wrestler will visit a doctor and get a blood test that will show low testosterone level. The prescription is then written.

"You don't have to be a doctor," Luger said. "You just need one to write the scripts. It was like the fountain of youth." Luger details how he passed drug tests before, including slipping in another urine sample or intimidating lab technicians.

When I looked at the Georgia regulations a few months ago when the story came out, one of the glaring missing items was a provision for independent drug testing or verification that a wrestler has been tested in the last one-to-two weeks before performing at a show in Georgia. The proposed regulations talks so much with referee attire, rules of a match, etc., that the Commission is missing the big picture on taking pro wrestling oversight into the 21st century.

***

10:50 a.m. ECW was a thumbs up show last night. The crowd was out of it by the main event, which hurt the match, but there are rays of hope throughout the show. First, the main event. The mat-based wrestling contest in the opening five minutes was good because there was a sense it would eventually lead to something. There was a sense they would shift hard into third gear and have a furious finish. But, that didn't materialize, and they ended with a DQ finish.

As Greg Parks pointed out in his report live from the show, the crowd seemed restless after sitting through a two-hour Smackdown taping and an hour of a set change and the previous ECW programming before the main event. Many fans had already headed for the exits with it being a school night. So, there was a lack of energy that in the building that hurt the match when watching at home.

It doesn't help matters that Punk is not being booked as a credible champion right now. In fact, I don't believe any of the three World champs on the WWE roster are very credible right now. Punk gets beat up every week. Randy Orton has been reinforced as boring, his killer streak has been minimized, and he kept the belt at the Armageddon PPV because JBL caused a DQ. Edge, despite being a great heel, is holding the World Hvt. Title because he's fooling around with the GM and needed the help of the Major Brothers - the Major Brothers! - to win the belt.

But, back to ECW. I like what they're doing with Shelton Benjamin. It appears they're transitioning to Punk vs. Chavo, so by the time that program is over, Shelton should be on a hot streak for a run at Punk. The tag team scene is also encouraging with the underutilized Jimmy Wang teaming with Shannon Moore to challenge Miz & Morrison. They had a good match last week and they followed with a good match last night. There are encouraging signs on ECW, even if the champ can't stay on his feet.

Oh, yeah. I was asked to pass along this note... To: DEJ staff. We firmly believe ECW could deliver a cruiserweight tag team match of the year candidate between Elijah Burke & Shelton Benjamin and Brian Kendrick & Paul London. Sincerely: the Corner Cube administration.

Seriously, though, check out the DEJ audio experience on a weekly basis. When you're tired of poser podcats on your iPod (or Zune, which I recommend), listen to Dusty, Eric, and Jeremy for the real scoop. What? You're not a Torch VIP subscriber to check out over 35 audio updates per month, plus access to the Torch Newsletter mid-week? For shame. And for a mere 19 cents per day when you sign up for a year (that's not going large on the waffle fries at Chick-Fil-A), it's a great deal.

From the Cube: Tuesday, December 18

6:55 p.m. Tonight on ECW, we have a match to actually look forward to involving ECW champion C.M. Punk. No Big Daddy V. No Mark Henry. It's Punk vs. MVP in a champion vs. champion match.

Punk really needs this opportunity to have a showcase match against a quality heel opponent that he can wrestle on an even level. It's difficult for Punk to show the fans any range wrestling against big lugs every week on TV. He's been stagnant for several weeks as champion, no thanks to a terrible list of opponents he's faced.

If given proper time and build-up over the course of the show, this should be a strong match. It's not like they're overflowing with content to fill an hour, so this week should be the Punk and MVP show. MVP, being one of the top heels in the company right now, will bring a fresh feel to the show.

***

12:25 p.m. Last night's Raw was a perfect sales pitch for wrestlers, writers, announcers, and producers needing regularly scheduled time off from time-to-time during a continuous, 51-week season. With a Christmas break coming up next week and no live TV to produce on the Raw side, everyone seemed to have a little extra step. There was the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

The wrestling was crisp. The writing was superb. The energy in the main event was great. The spoken word flourished with three great speakers - Flair, JBL, and Jericho - creating entertaining TV that built up programs that will eventually make WWE money. It was a productive storm of energy, passion, and relief in sight.

If there's one major issue I think needs to be addressed, it's the current WWE champion, Randy Orton. I didn't see his PPV promo on Sunday, but it sounds like he really defended himself well against the "well, he's boring," sentiment that Chris Jericho presented several weeks ago when Jericho returned.

The key is the reason why he had to defend himself. He had to defend himself because Jericho's big return promo damaged him. I held to my conclusion then, and I think it's been reinforced on TV, that Orton was damaged considerably when Jericho drew attention to the perception of Orton having a boring personality and lifeless demeanor.

True or not, I don't think that ever should have been the focus in how the story was presented. It should have always remained on Jericho returning to save everyone from Orton because Orton is vicious, he's mean, and he wants to end careers and lives.

Now, there isn't that threat of him gearing up for another kick to the head on an opponent. He's now a boring heel who can't win matches. He's not the same killer heel getting strong crowd reactions. Greg Parks and I talk about this on the Raw post-show audio update that Mr. Kennedy had a stronger reaction than Orton in the main event last night.

WWE can easily rebuild Orton with a two-week program where he attacks Jeff Hardy and shows some of that mean streak again leading to their Royal Rumble title match. But, I really believe the writing in Jericho's promo did serious damage when the focus became Orton as a heel because he's boring, not because he's a threat to end careers.

From the Cube: Monday, December 17

7:05 p.m. WWE found the Ric Flair retirement program. It may have been hiding behind the Cruiserweight Title. And they pick it up tonight on Raw with Flair facing Umaga. In the WWE.com preview, they play up Flair's dual personality from that promo a few weeks ago where he was contemplative, reflective, and emotional, before turning to the old Flair focused on hellraising.

They have a mega-tag match booked tonight with Orton and Mr. Kennedy facing Jeff Hardy and Shawn Michaels. Also on the show, Chris Jericho has invited JBL to make an appearance to explain his interference in the WWE Title match last night. The opening match in a Santa's helper-themed divas tag match.

***

5:50 p.m. So, the TNA knockouts divas match was the highest rated quarter hour of Impact last week? What I found trashy, some people found rather pleasing. It's the same deal from the diva search segments on Raw a few years ago where the contestants were in some risqué segments to draw ratings.

These segments attract plenty of eyeballs because, to be quite frank, you have guys flipping through channels at home looking for eye candy. Bam! They stop on Spike TV when one of the knockouts is slowly rubbing her crotch on the middle ropes before entering the ring.

They're not concerned about anything on this show. They've probably never even heard of TNA. They're certainly not going to order a PPV or stick around for the next segment to see what else is going on.

They got their eye candy and they're off in search in more eye candy on another station once the knockouts segment is over. So, it's nothing more than TNA attracting the non-customer, short-term-interest viewer with these segments.

Otherwise, the rest of the segments maintain that base of hardcore TNA viewers who show up for the party every week, like they're on Cheers, but don't bring any friends with them. And they get their fill of wrestling entertainment every Thursday night like clockwork, which is perfectly fine. TNA has its base audience, but they won't attract any additional, consistent viewership above the base with the current product.

2:45 p.m. This past weekend was definitely a wrestling viewing weekend in the Caldwell household. (College football withdrawal, I suppose.) And all that wrestling viewing came without being able to watch the WWE PPV. It was bittersweet cable experience this weekend, as I discovered WWE 24/7 by accident on Saturday night, then spent three hours going through most of the programming.

The Legends Roundtable is simply great. Jim Ross anchors the panel and you get to see a different, less-produced, side of Ross. He's cracking jokes, telling "old war stories", and engaging the panelists for more great stories. Mick Foley has the best story on the "Greatest Badass" Roundtable that is currently airing. He talks about Kurt Angle pulling him aside before facing Tazz at the 2000 Royal Rumble in Tazz's WWE debut match, and being legitimately concerned about Tazz shooting on him in the ring. Michael Hayes and Pat Patterson have the bar fights covered with stories on wrestlers tearing up bars in the wrestling territories to create the impression with fans that the wrestlers were legit.

They also have some of the most famous title matches in WWE history, from the WWE Championship History DVD. I started with Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania 6. It had been some time since I watched that match, probably the last time was on an old Coliseum Home Video release.

It was amazing to watch as every single move in that match meant something. They did a test of strength to start the match that seemed to last 30 minutes. It was so basic, but the crowd ate up every second of it to see who would come away with the advantage. The magic of the moment carried the match, the wrestling was as basic as it comes, but it's still one of the top title matches in WWE history.

It had been a few years since I watched the Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart 60-minute iron man match from WrestleMania 12. My memory is quite creative, as I remembered it being far more exciting than when I watched it again. They were in second gear for about 55 minutes before finally finishing the marathon with a burst in the final five minutes, leading to over-time. Still, it's a classic match that was part of WWE's transition away from the Hulkamania era.

I have a review of ROH's Manhattan Mayhem II DVD on the main listing. A great one-two punch main event with Morishima vs. Danielson and the Briscoes vs. Steen & Generico. It's close to year-end award season, and Morishima has solidified himself as a Top Five wrestler this year. He's just having great matches every time he steps foot in an ROH ring.

***

11:20 a.m. Gauging the Armageddon PPV based on Wade Keller's report and Torch reader feedback, it sounds like the PPV was a hit or miss show. Hit for quality, consistent wrestling throughout, but a miss for the finishes to some of the big matches. The concept of a bunch of fake people running around the ring during a PPV main event title match doesn't work, especially when the Orton-Jericho and MVP-Rey Mysterio title matches ended with bogus finishes.

That said, WWE.com has a note that the Major Brothers played the role of fake Edge last night at the PPV. If it means something different and edgier from the Majors, then I'm all for it. They were pretty bland as a babyface tag team without any personality. I'm sure we can expect 10 straight weeks of the Majors getting beat up by Undertaker or Batista, but at least it's something different for the Majors.

I'm also getting a sense that they're slowly building Vickie's Empire, spearheaded by new World Hvt. champion Edge. With the addition of the Majors to chase the tag titles, Vickie can now find a Johnny Devine in the Cruiserweight ranks to reinstate the Cruiserweight Title. That is, if anyone knows where the belt is. Why not turn Funaki heel, with last week's beating from Edge part of his initiation?

I'm lukewarm on the concept of Vickie being drunk with power as Smackdown G.M., as we've seen the concept so many times before, but it could lead to some interesting storylines. Teddy Long is firm as a credible babyface authority figure, and he'll eventually get tired of being Vickie's gopher, so they can set up Teddy's group of babyfaces against Vickie's Empire to create some good TV matches.

Some other thoughts from the PPV ... Transitioning Chris Jericho into a feud against JBL is a good move. It's a slight step down from feuding against the WWE champion, but he moves into an important feud against one of the most prominent individuals on Smackdown. I'm curious to see who steps into the color analyst slot next to Michael Cole, as they really have to find a dynamic person who brings as much energy and passion as JBL does.

They picked a good time for Jeff Hardy to get a signature win over a top heavyweight to set up a PPV title match. It's been a long time since Hardy was in a meaningful WWE title match - having to go back to the ladder match against The Undertaker on Raw five years ago. And, with Hardy getting his title shot at the Rumble, he won't have to deliver killer promos to hype his match, as the Rumble PPV usually sells it self.

It would be great for Hardy to have consistent promo time starting tonight and leading to the Rumble, as he is capable of delivering a compelling word or two on a wrestling match. He just won't have to sell the PPV by himself in the next few weeks of main event TV storylines.

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