PWT VIP Retro All

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (9/26/2008): Bruce & Wade analyze Shane McMahon’s return, Vladimir’s push, Orton’s character, Impact ratings, Kendrick’s upside, WWE Youth Movement (58 min.)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:47:33 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 26, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

Shane McMahon on Raw
The rebound of the ratings such as they were
Mike Adamle’s evolution
Randy Orton’s current character
The WWE youth movement
Evaluation of the prospects of Vladimir Kozlov and The Brian Kendrick becoming main eventers
Reaction to Impact and the ratings drop for the main event

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (9/21/2008): Bruce Mitchell Mailbag on Benoit “Ring of Hell” book, Bret Hart’s book, origination of tag team wrestling, bodybuilding physiques, Sid (57 min.)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:58:52 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 21, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

Sid Vicous’s gruesome leg injury
Are there wrestlers with a bodybuilder look who are really good workers?
The Chris Benoit “Ring of Hell” book
Bret Hart’s book
The origination of tag team style wrestling and why tag team wrestling is a great format for business
More

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (9/19/2008): Bruce & Wade talk about Kurt Angle and Karen Angle break-up, Nash re-signing with TNA, “The Wrestler” positive reviews, Raw reaction (58 min.)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:04:26 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 19, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

IN THE NEWS

The drop in WWE Raw ratings
The developments on Raw regarding No Mercy taking shape
Kevin Nash re-signing with TNA
The Jake Roberts meltdown
The good reviews for “The Wrestler”
The Karen and Kurt Angle break-up
More

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines details Kevin Nash reminiscing about being Diesel, Foley’s WWE departure, Mickie James nude photos, reviews of Raw, Smackdown, TNA (83 min.)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:02:39 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 28, Aug. 29, Sept. 1, and Sept. 2, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•SEPT. 4: Mickey James nude pictures and if she’s dating anyone now, plus comments on today’s Kevin Nash interview with Newsday reminiscing about his early WWF days as Diesel, the latest details on the Gail Kim situation, thoughts on Mick Foley’s statement about his WWE departure and what WWE has said about his departure, and more.

•SEPT. 5: In-depth analysis of the entire Sept. 4 edition of TNA Impact with a focus on the developments in the Sting storyline, A.J. Styles’s retort, and the teasing of Jeff Jarrett’s return.

•SEPT. 6: In-depth analysis of the entire Sept. 5 edition of WWE Smackdown featuring the final hype for Unforgiven including Triple H vs. The Great Khali, Brian Kendrick vs. Jeff Hardy, and MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin, plus Vickie abandons her wheelchair and gives up fear.

•SEPT. 8: In-depth analysis of the entire Sept. 8 edition of WWE Raw featuring the fallout from Unforgiven including Chris Jericho being forced to wrestle already in a TV main event while still selling the beating he took at the hands of Shawn Michaels, plus more on the Kane-Rey storyline and Randy Orton makes another appearance.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines details lawsuit to change wrestler classification as independent contractors, Michaels injury, Raw review, TNA Impact review (103 min.)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:52:10 +0000

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•AUG. 28: A look at the lawsuit filed by Raven, Kanyon, and Mike Sanders contending wrestlers should be classified as employees instead of independent contractors and a reaction to comments from WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt reacting to the lawsuit, with a look at what the IRS says about this matter.

•AUG. 29: Analysis of the previous night’s TNA Impact program with a particular focus up front on the big Sting promo.

•SEPT. 1: Analysis of the ill-timed potentially serious arm injury to Shawn Michaels and questions of whether Michaels would consider retiring, plus a possible way out of this situation for WWE regarding his match at Unforgiven. Also, an analysis of Smackdown and some in-house notes to kick off the new week, new month, and new season here at PWTorch.

•SEPT. 2: Detailed analysis of WWE Raw segment by segment

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including breaking news of Mick Foley signing with TNA, Cena’s injury, Raw review, Championship Scramble format (84 min.)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:53:20 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 23, 25, 26, and 27, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•AUG. 23: Thoughts on the WWE Unforgiven PPV “Championship Scramble” format with the pros and cons of this approach. Also, a look at J.R.’s latest blog and a special look back and analysis of the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter singles wrestlers and tag team ratings from 20 years ago this week.

•AUG. 25: A breakdown and analysis of the TNA Impact ratings from the previous week, some notes on the Lanny Poffo “Torch Talk,” notes on this week’s Torch Newsletter, a look at live events over the weekend for TNA and WWE, and more.

•AUG. 26: The latest on John Cena’s injury, Raw ratings, and a rundown and analysis of the previous night’s Raw.

•AUG. 27: Details of the breaking news of Mick Foley agreeing to terms with TNA, John Cena’s visiting colleagues backstage within hours of his surgery, a lot more on the Gail Kim jump to the WWF, Kevin Nash finding himself in the middle of another controversy behind the scenes, ECW ratings analysis, and more.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (9/12 & 9/13/2008): Bruce & Wade talk about Ric Flair TMZ mess, Triple H’s prickish Smackdown promo, Jericho-Michaels, Orton-Cody-DiBiase, Pillman (108 min.)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 12 and 13, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

IN THE NEWS

The Ric Flair situation with exclusive details on how exactly he got a black eye
The follow-up to Unforgiven including Triple H’s prickish Smackdown promo
Chris Jericho’s Raw promo
The Randy Orton involvement with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.
The new Charlie Haas gimmick
The Rey Mysterio-Kane storyline
Evan Bourne
Latest TNA Impact episode analysis and a preview that weekend’s No Surrender PPV

MAILBAG

Where the Shawn Michaels-Chris Jericho feud places amongst the greatest in wrestling history
Reason for WrestleMania’s recent record success
Brian Pillman’s place in Ric Flair’s career and Flair’s opinion on Pillman
A pop quiz on the Dungeon of Doom

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (9/5 & 9/7/2008): Bruce & Wade talk Lesnar-Couture, Michaels vs. Jericho build, Mailbag on George Scott as a booker, Mr. Olympia, Dudley’s future (91 min.)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:00:59 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Sept. 5 and 7, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

PPV PREVIEW

A detailed evaluation of the line-up and build for the WWE Unforgiven event including predictions and possibilities for the Scramble matches, dissecting various avenues WWE could take with Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho, and more.

MAILBAG

Team 3D’s future
How many wrestlers were earning a full time living in 1983 compared to 2008
“Mr. Olympia” Jerry Stubbs
Mike Jackson
How George Scott ranks among all-time bookers
Shawn Michaels’s injury
Sheik Abdul Bashir’s injury

NEWS ANALYSIS

Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture news

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (8-29-2008): Bruce & Wade talk Jericho-HBK, John Cena injury, Rey’s return, Gail Kim’s TNA departure, future value of Sting to TNA, Foley-TNA, more (137 min.)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 03:41:44 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Aug. 29 and 30, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

CURRENT EVENTS

The John Cena Injury
Rey Mysterio’s Return
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
The latest Chris Jericho-Shawn Michaels angle
A little bit of politics talk (and bad Tina Fey jokes) at the end
The departure of Gail Kim from TNA from a number of perspectives
The future value of Sting to TNA
Whether Mick Foley might fit in with TNA
The Scramble Concept match dissected and debated
Plus mailbag questions including a comparison of politics behind the scenes in wrestling

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (8-22-2008): Bruce Mitchell talks John Cena beating Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase in a two-on-one match, Triple H’s newspaper interview critical of younger wrestlers, Gail Kim jump from TNA to WWE (131 min.)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:54:01 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Aug. 22 and 23, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They covered the following topics:

CURRENT EVENTS

Gail Kim’s departure from TNA and jump to WWE
John Cena defeating tag champs Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase in a two-on-one setting
Triple H’s interview with the Ottawa Sun critical of young wrestlers today
Paul Heyman’s comments on Ric Flair

MAILBAG

The best wrestler names of all-time
A challenge to name five “giants” worse than The Great Khali
If fans have chanted “Bruce Mitchell Sucks” more than once on national PPV (and why they did the first time)
More AWA nostalgia talk
The best and worst of Ric Flair imitations over the decades
An argument over books Wade and Bruce have exchanged over the years
And more

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (8-15-2008): Bruce Mitchell talks NWA Mid-Atlantic Convention including funny stories, Ric Flair, more plus McNeill talks Orton, Summerslam, WWE roster cuts (103 min.)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 19:01:00 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Aug. 15 and 18, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller.

This is the famous Aug. 15 episode where Bruce Mitchell no-showed his own podcast and was replaced by Pat McNeill to cover a variety of topics including:

CURRENT EVENTS

Each of that week’s WWE cutbacks with an evaluation of whether they should have been cut and where they might go from here (ROH? TNA? Indys? Back to WWE?)
An in-depth preview of the entire announced SummerSlam card
How the Randy Orton injury story may or may not fit into the John Cena vs. Batista match on Sunday
Ratings Notes
Raw Thoughts
And several other subjects

MAILBAG

How we’d use Ric Flair in TNA
More topics

PLUS…

The Indy Line-Up of the Week

Then, Bruce showed up a few days later on Aug. 18 to talk about his weekend at the NWA Mid-Atlantic convention starring Ric Flair. He talked about the entire weekend, his experience dealing with various old-timers, tells some funny stories, and evaluates the success of this convention and whether such could translate to other long-time strong wrestling markets.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (8-8-2008): Mitchell & Keller on Flair’s WWE departure, Raven’s lawsuit over independent contractor status, Rock and Brock’s early departures, Nikita, Gordon Solie (132 min.)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:59:44 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Aug. 8 and 9, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

HEADLINE ANALYSIS

In-depth the Ric Flair departure from WWE from every angle including what caused it and where he might go from here, with detailed potential scenarios regarding TNA, ROH, overseas, the indy scene, conventions, and non-wrestling endorsements, TV projects, or reality shows.
Mick Foley’s seemingly admirable stance that could cause him to refuse to renew his WWE deal
Brief comments on the release of Braden Walker (Chris Harris).
Raven’s lawsuit against WWE over independent contractor status
What was so wrong about TNA Impact this week

MAILBAG

Whether a list of specific top tag teams from the 1980s would have been effective in WWE
Whose early departure from pro wrestling hurt WWE more – The Rock or Brock Lesnar
Gordon Solie’s role in the 1990s
Nikita Koloff’s fall from the top national scene

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (8-1-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss whether Flair would have been better off spending all of the 1990s in the WWF or WCW, favorite vignettes, Tony Atlas, Adamle & Grisham (134 min.)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:57:58 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Aug. 1 and 2, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

WWE announcers Mike Adamle and Todd Grisham
Tony Atlas
Kevin Nash’s walk-out
Would Ric Flair have been better off in WCW or the WWF in the entire ’90s
When fans at matches stopped thinking it was real and what it was like to be at a show where fans thought it was real (with personal anecdotes from both)
The AWA push of “Jamin'” Mitch Snow with an update on his whereabouts
Some of our favorite and least favorite introductory vignettes over the years

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including Triple H’s stance on exposing pro wrestling’s secrets, a review of a ridiculously poorly booked Raw, Gail Kim situation, Samoa Joe’s physique, Foley (111 min.)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:15:43 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•AUG. 18: A quick review of SummerSlam with a rundown of the entire card.

•AUG. 19: A review of the previous night’s Raw including a case for why it was ridiculously poorly booked from the perspective of viewer enjoyment and from the perspective of stockholders who want WWE to draw the most money possible for their efforts.

•AUG. 20: A review of the previous night’s ECW show including the Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry main event and what key aspects of it really worked, analysis of the ratings of Raw and ECW, thoughts on Mark Henry’s interview last week, and more.

•AUG. 21: A look at the Gail Kim situation, plus Wade answering VIP members questions on a variety of topics including Triple H’s stance on exposing wrestling’s secrets, Samoa Joe’s physique and perception, Vince McMahon’s opinion of Mick Foley, and more.

•AUG. 22: Follow up on the Gail Kim story, reaction to Paul Heyman’s blog on Ric Flair, wrestling DVD sales, Raw ratings compared to other top cable shows, Mick Foley’s future, and more.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including Heyman commenting on Lesnar’s post-UFC win taunting, Nash-TNA controversy, WWE releases, TV reviews (79 min.)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:00:49 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•AUG. 14: News analysis on the Mick Foley situation, the Kevin Nash-TNA controversy, Matt Morgan in Space, Samoa Joe’s yelling in promos, ECW TV thoughts, and more.

•AUG. 15: Thoughts on the latest WWE releases revealed today, with an explanation of why they don’t reveal the names all at once. Plus, reaction to Batista’s comments on Chris Benoit, reaction to Paul Heyman’s comments on Brock Lesnar’s post-fight demonstrative taunting of his opponent and his cornermen, Abyss getting a TNA World Title shot last night, and more.

•AUG. 16: An in-depth review of TNA Impact including the Hernandez promo and the Sting-Kurt Angle-Jeff Jarrett-AJ Styles saga, and a variety of other notes.

•AUG. 17: A review of Friday’s Smackdown, plus news and notes on Umaga’s injury and Mick Foley’s future.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including what wasn’t clicking with John Cena’s attempt to find his voice, Sting rep among wrestlers in TNA, Mick Foley TNA-bound, Raw review, Ask the Editor (104 min.)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:57:18 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•AUG. 10: Analysis of the TNA Hard Justice PPV, speculation about where the major ongoing storyline is headed including the latest new information provided on PPV with Sting’s actions, what veteran wrestlers are saying about Sting, and the guitar showing up at the very end. Plus, whether the pending return of Jeff Jarrett should be feared or whether people should give it a chance. Plus a match-by-match rundown of the entire show including the boisterous, prickly crowd in New Jersey.

•AUG. 11: Analysis of WWE Raw including extended comments on what’s still not clicking with John Cena’s character and the spotlight that’s shining on it during this hype for his match with Batista. A full rundown of the entire show and what worked and didn’t work about other segments hyping SummerSlam.

•AUG. 12: Audio Ask the Editor subjects include how wrestling promoters “paper” live events to fill empty seats, whatever happened to Ricky “The Prophet” Rice, whether it’s smart for wrestlers in one promotion to undercut finishing holds of a wrestler in a rival promotion by using finishers as transition moves or ineffective moves, and more.

•AUG. 13: Analysis of the breaking news on Mick Foley reportedly being TNA-bound, Chris Jericho’s new TV hosting gig, Eric Bischoff’s comments on Raven’s lawsuit regarding WWE independent contractor status for wrestlers, ECW ratings notes, and more.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including in-person report on Brock Lesnar’s 2nd UFC fight and post-fight Q&A + TNA Impact, ECW, and Smackdown reviews (93 min.)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:31:08 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from Aug. 5, 7, 8, and 9, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•AUG. 5: Analysis of the just-in Raw ratings, a few perspectives on the announcing shuffle that week, and a rundown and analysis of that night’s ECW show on Sci-Fi.

•AUG. 7: Analysis of the Thursday night edition of TNA Impact with the pros and cons of the eight-man gauntlet weapons main event presentation, then a rundown and analysis of the entire show.

•AUG. 8: Thoughts on the Brock Lesnar UFC fight this weekend, plus analysis of the complete Friday episode of Smackdown, plus thinking outloud about whether Edge could again be the runaway MVP of 2008.

•AUG. 9: Analysis Brock Lesnar’s second UFC fight from an in-person perspective from Octagon-side in Minneapolis, Minn. at Target Center. Also, details of Keller’s questions to Brock and Dana White after the event at the post-fight press conference including Keller asking Brock whether he felt he was too much of a showboat after his win. A lot of other in-person notes from the event.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including Mike Adamle’s debut as Raw GM, how Tazz seemed to react to Todd Grisham, Summerslam developments, Raw reviews (90 min.)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:27:26 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from July 24, 25, 26, and 27, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•JULY 28: Analysis of the July 28 edition of WWE Raw including the big reveal regarding the new G.M. and the first official Raw Summerslam match announced.

•JULY 29: Reaction to tonight’s ECW TV show on Sci-Fi including how Todd Grisham did as new ECW announcer, how Tazz seemed to react, and what made this an enjoyable edition of a show that’s finding its stride lately – and ratings are rewarding the improvements.

•AUG. 3: Reaction to the July 31 edition of TNA Impact, with a breakdown of what’s working, what’s not working, and what’s close to working but being hurt with a key fatal flaw in the narrative. Also, a look at what segments increased and decreased the viewership levels and much more.

•AUG. 4: Thoughts on the Aug. 4 edition of WWE Raw including Mike Adamle’s debut as G.M. for a whole show and plenty of SummerSlam developments, three title matches, and developments in the Kane situation.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines: Follow-up on Edge-Vickie wedding shines, TV match of the year candidate ECW TV analysis, Ask the Editor (83 min.)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 21:52:45 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

•THURSDAY – JULY 24 (Audio Ask the Editor including the PPV schedule, ring structure details, John Cena “haters”)

•FRIDAY – JULY 25 (ECW Analysis – Very good show, Mike Adamle latest, TV match of the year?)

•SATURDAY – JULY 26 (Smackdown Analysis – Edge-Vickie follow-up shines)

•SUNDAY – JULY 27 (Audio Ask the Editor on wrestlers who didn’t live up to their potential, Bob Holly’s career, manager-wrestler potential pairings)

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines: Why Sting Why? Defending CM Punk’s WWE push, WWE Raw Analysis, WWE Bash PPV Review, Ratings, more (91 min.)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:34:21 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from July 19, 20, 21, and 23, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•SATURDAY – JULY 19 (TNA Impact Review: Why Sting why? I know why. It’s obvious.)

•SUNDAY – JULY 20 (Quick WWE Bash PPV Post-Show Analysis)

•MONDAY – JULY 21 (WWE Raw Analysis, Defending Punk’s Push)

•WEDNESDAY – JULY 23 (Newsletter Notes, Ratings Analysis, Other Notes)

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including CM Punk’s early WWE Title reign analysis, Sting’s legacy, JBL-Cena, Edge-Vickie wedding review, more (67 min.)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:19:10 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from July 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•TUESDAY – JULY 15 (Raw Ratings, JBL-John Cena follow-up, ECW TV review)

•WEDNESDAY – JULY 16 (Audio Ask the Editor including why didn’t Sting go to WWE during his peak and is he one of the all-time greats, is CM Punk’s credibility hurt due to how he won the WWE Title)

•THURSDAY – JULY 17 (News & Notes including ECW rating up against MLB All-Star game, a nasty OVW ring crew car accident)

•FRIDAY – JULY 18 (WWE Smackdown Analysis – the big Edge-Vickie wedding angle)

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.

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VIP PODCAST 8/19 – VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including Ask the Editor on Vickie Guerrero, Big Rant After Raw, TNA Impact analysis, more (157 min.)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:54:26 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from July 7. 9, 10, 11, and 14, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

•MONDAY – JULY 7 (Raw Analysis – Major Rant of Screeching Halt of Last Week’s Momentum – 47 minutes)

•WEDNESDAY – JULY 9 (Audio Ask the Editor including Vickie Guerrero’s annoyance factor)

•THURSDAY – JULY 10 (TNA Impact analysis)

•FRIDAY – JULY 11 (TNA Victory Road PPV Preview)

•MONDAY – JULY 14 (Big Raw Rant followed by Even More Raw Praise)

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-26-2008): Mitchell & Keller answer email questions on Ric Flair-Shawn Michaels comparison, comparing CM Punk to other underdog champions, Team Canada Pop Quiz, more (55 min.)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:32:33 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 26, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

A comparison of Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels as the greatest ever
A comparison of today’s wrestlers to those they most resemble from a past era (if Edge is to Shawn Michaels, then Randy is to Blank)
A Team Canada Pop Quiz
A comparison of C.M. Punk to other underdog champions
And more!

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-25-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss early pushes of Cody and DiBiase, CM Punk, JBL-Cena attempted homicide angle, Hacksaw Duggan’s place in history (55 min.)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:03:11 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 25, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

The push of C.M. Punk coming out of the Bash
The lack of follow-up on the “attempted vehicular homicide” angle with JBL and John Cena
The budding Santino-Glamazon relationship
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan’s place in wrestling history
The pushes of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
The Edge-Vickie Guerrero break-up and fallout
And more!

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VIP Podcast Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-20-2008): WWE Great American Bash PPV Roundtable headlined by Triple H vs. Edge for the WWE Title, CM Punk vs. Batista for the World Title, Cena vs. JBL in Parking Lot Brawl, Michaels vs. Jericho, more (39 min.)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 22:54:21 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: In this installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault, we jump back 18 years to our Post-PPV Roundtable podcast following the July 20, 2008. PWTorch’s Wade Keller, Bruce Mitchell, and Pat McNeill discussed the WWE Great American Bash PPV which included these matches:

Triple H vs. Edge for the WWE Title
CM Punk vs. Batista for the World Title
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels
John Cena vs. JBL in a Parking Lot Brawl
And more

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-18-2008): Mitchell & Keller answer emails on why DDP had such a bad rep with some wrestlers, Dark Journey-Dick Slater, Black Scorpion angle (45 min.)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:10:33 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 18, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

MAILBAG TOPICS

Why Diamond Dallas Page had such a bad reputation among certain wrestlers
The background on the Dark Journey-Dick Slater relationship in Mid-South in the ’80s
The ridiculous Black Scorpion angle in WCW in the early-’90s and whether Ric Flair planned to be the Scorpion all along
And even more

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-18-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss the Cena-JBL vehicular homicide angle and how wrong and stupid it was, CM Punk’s third week as WWE Champ, Samoa Joe-Booker T (57 min.)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:38:10 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 18, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

The JBL-John Cena vehicular attempted homicide angle on Raw, trying to put into words why it’s so wrong and so stupid
How the Booker T-Samoa Joe storyline has some similar faults as Cena-JBL
A full preview of the Great American Bash PPV
Thoughts on Raw including C.M. Punk’s third week as champ

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VIP Podcast Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller looks back at Jesse Ventura’s Summerslam Press Conference from 1999 with questions from Keller, tons of big names present (68 min.)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:35:55 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the July 16, 2007 special episode where he looked back at the Jesse Ventura SummerSlam press conference from July 14, 1999 on the 9 year anniversary week of that big announcement of a sitting governor agreeing to be paid to be part of a WWF event. He was grilled by local media regarding his involvement as a sitting governor taking a paycheck from the WWF to endorse and participate in the SummerSlam event.

The press conference was held in Minneapolis, Minn. at Target Center, the site of Summerslam the following month. Others representing the WWF present were Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Jim Ross, Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, and Debra. Ventura was asked questions by reporters including Wade Keller, Jason Powell (then of PWTorch), Jeremy Borash (then of a local radio station), and local political reporters. The audio clip opens with a seven minute introduction by PWTorch editor Wade Keller setting the scene.

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VIP Podcast Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-15-2008): Danielson vs. McGuinness, edited rape angle with Larry Sweeney, Austin Aries vs. Go Shiozaki (35 min.)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:52:46 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 15 podcast covering the 6th Anniversary ROH event DVD release. James Caldwell, Sean Radican, and Justin Parker discussed the entire event including Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson, Austin Aries vs. Go Shiozaki in a classic singles match, and full analysis of the (edited) infamous rape angle involving Larry Sweeney.

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VIP Podcast Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-13-2008): TNA Victory Road PPV Roundtable including Samoa Joe vs. Booker T for TNA World Title, Angel & Team 3D vs. Styles & Christian & Rhino (63 min.)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:13:56 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: In this installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault, we jump back 18 years to our Post-PPV Roundtable podcast following the July 13, 2008. PWTorch’s Wade Keller, Bruce Mitchell, and Pat McNeill discussed the TNA Victory Road PPV which included these matches:

Samoa Joe vs. Booker T in a TNA World Title match
Kurt Angle & Team 3D vs. AJ Styles & Christian Cage & Rhino
Jay Lethal vs. Sonjay Dutt
Gail Kim vs. Angelina Live
Team TNA vs. Team Japan vs. Team Mexico vs. Team International

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-12-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss the best matches in each company out of the late-1980s, Ric Flair DVD review in-depth (68 min.)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:06:00 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 12, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host James Caldwell. They discussed these topics:

The latest Ric Flair DVD release in-depth
Listener questions including a large-in-scope question about the best matches out of the late-’80s from each of the major existing promotions at the time including a classic AWA angle

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-11-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss CM Punk’s second week as WWE Champ, Michaels-Jericho exchange, scatological humor in wrestling, more (78 min.)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:33:24 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 11, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host James Caldwell. They discussed that week’s Raw and Impact interchangeably including the common theme of scatological attempts at humor and hostility women, C.M. Punk’s second week as champ, the Matt Morgan “Rough Cut” profile features, Gail Kim-Angelina Love segments, the Shawn Michaels-Chris Jericho segments, and more.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago: Keller Hotlines including Ask the Editor on Samoa Joe-CM Punk career paths, Benoit-TNA, Michael Cole-Jim Ross, plus news, SD review, more (98 min.)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:23:07 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back 18 years to the daily Wade Keller Hotlines from July 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2008. The following are the updates and the theme of each:

SATURDAY – JULY 5 (Smackdown Analysis – Edge-Vickie break-up, Ross/Foley)
FRIDAY – JULY 4 (Audio Ask the Editor)
THURSDAY – JULY 3 (News Analysis)
WEDNESDAY – JULY 2 (Audio Ask the Editor: Joe-Punk, Benoit-TNA, Cole-Ross)
TUESDAY – JULY 1 (Raw Ratings, Impact Ratings, Bash Notes, SD Notes, Kofi…)

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-5-2008): Mitchell & Keller discuss Bret Hart’s awards banquet ultimatum incident, best tag team specialists over the decades, newsstand magazines real vs. fake ratio (72 min.)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:22:38 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 5, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host James Caldwell. They discussed these topics:

Bret Hart’s ultimatum to a veteran pro wrestling historian and journalist last week in Iowa at an awards banquet.

MAILBAG

An extended discussion on the best tag team specialists over the decades
The level of reality in the articles in newsstand pro wrestling magazines in the 1970s and 1980s at their peak of influence and distribution
More!

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (7-4-2008): Mitchell & Keller talk about WWE making CM Punk the World Champion on Raw, was he ready, would he likely succeed as top act in WWE (70 min.)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:26:09 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the July 4, 2008 episode of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show. They discussed these topics:

The decision to make C.M. Punk the World Champion on Raw. The discussion spans many angles, including a comparison of the career paths and decisions of Punk and his good friend Samoa Joe, the World Champion of TNA. Is Punk ready? Will the reign last? Why is now a better time than ever for Punk? Does he have the overall charisma, size, and skills to be a perennial top-tier player?
A discussion about other aspects of Raw including Jim Ross’s farewell, Kofi Kingston’s title defense, and more.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (4-5-2008): Mitchell in-depth on Ric Flair’s “Final Farewell” special on Raw, Michaels and Triple H behind the scenes machinations, Ole Anderson-Flair (85 min.)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 03:27:12 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Apr. 5, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with guest host James Caldwell. They discussed these topics:

Full coverage of Ric Flair’s Final Farewell. Was this legitimately the last hooray for Flair? Why was Bruce surprised by the send-off and the Four Horsemen reunion on Raw?
The role of Shawn Michaels and Triple H in “making it right” with Flair’s final two weeks in WWE, plus the irony of Flair being stamped the biggest star ever, while the McMahon-created Hulk Hogan sits on the sidelines.
Bruce breaks down the history of problems between Ole Anderson and Flair, and why Ole was bitter about the wrestling business.
Comments on the start of the Michaels vs. Batista program on Smackdown.
WrestleMania weekend coverage in-depth

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (4-3-2008): Ole Anderson interview talking Four Horsemen, lack of presence at Ric Flair ceremony, Vince Jr. and Vince Sr. stories (40 min.)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:06:46 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to an episode of the Real Deal with Pat McNeill from Apr. 3, 2008. Pat welcomed special guest Ole Anderson and asks him why he wasn’t part of Ric Flair’s big retirement ceremony. Ole discussed his stint as a member of the original Four Horsemen, his dealings with Vince McMahon and McMahon’s father, his favorite opponents, what he’s doing this weekend and many other topics. Pat also presented the Hot Five Stories of the week, plus news on Jonny Fairplay wrestling a former “Survivor” contestant and WWE signing an ex-NFL player. Readers chime in with their picks for next year’s WrestleMania main event, and there’s plenty of footage of the Nature Boy’s final week in professional wrestling in the Big Clip.

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (3-29-2008): Keller & Mitchell react to Eddie Guerrero and Gordon Solie added to WWE Hall of Fame, why didn’t Curt Hennig ever win WWE Title, Cyndi Laper, Verne Gagne or Stu Hart? (64 min.)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:23:38 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

SHOW SUMMARY: This installment of the PWTorch VIP Vault jumps back to the Mar. 29, 2008 episodes of the Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller. They discussed these topics:

Reaction to the final two WWE Hall of Fame entrants in that year’s WWE Class of 2008 – Eddie Graham and Gordon Solie.

MAILBAG

Why Curt Hennig never had a WWF World Title run
Why Dave Wolf and Cyndi Lauper haven’t been back on a WrestleMania?
Who was a better trainer – Verne Gagne or Stu Hart?
And more!

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VIP Vault – 18 Yrs Ago (3-28-2008): Keller & Mitchell discuss CNN panel talk with McMahon, Cena, Jericho, cutting through b.s., plus special Raw for Ric Flair (52 min.)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:01:19 +0000

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

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.

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