VIP Audio Collection – 75 interviews w/ex-WWE Creative Team Members circa 1997-2014

The following is a listing in reverse chronological order of interviews PWTorch has conducted with ex-WWE Creative Team Members – around 75 of them. Each interview, some longer than two hours, consists of a mix of their memories of their time working behind the scenes in WWE and their thoughts on what was going on that week in pro wrestling.

Totaling over 100 hours, this is the most comprehensive, diverse, fascinating look behind the scenes at WWE over the last 20 years from the creative perspective of the company, including dozens of insights and quirky stories about working with Vince McMahon himself, along with dozens and dozens of wrestlers.

Scroll down to read summaries and topics covered in each of the interviews, conducted between 2005 and 2016.

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FULL LISTING & SUMMARIES & LINKS

ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative 2005-2006) recorded MAY 12, 2016 (160 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch editor Wade Keller’s latest Interview Thursday features an interview with ex-WWE creative team member Alex Greenfield who talks about his time on WWE’s Creative Team in 2005-2006, thoughts on the brand split and first-hand stories of why it never reached its potential, plus fascinating insights into the McMahon Family with blunt comments on Shane, funny stories on Vince McMahon (including what he believes Vince would have done if he weren’t a pro wrestling promoter), and reasons for his fondness for Stephanie McMahon. Great stories, great insights, and great analysis of the 2005-2006 time and today’s push of Roman Reigns and similarities he sees between Roman and a candidate to be a top top star for WWE in the mid-2000s. A must-listen.

KEVIN ECK (WWE Creative 2011-2014) recorded MAY 5, 2016 (137 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch editor Wade Keller’s latest Interview Thursday features an interview with ex-WWE creative team member Kevin Eck who talks about his years from 2011 to 2014 with WWE, with a wide range of topics, insights, and behind-the-scenes details on what aired on WWE television during that time period. He has expansive thoughts on C.M. Punk, Daniel Bryan, Damien Sandow, Brian Gewirtz, Vince McMahon, Roman Reigns, and so many others, including first-hand interaction and details on dealing with them as part of his job. This show includes live callers and email topics.

MATT MCCARTY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded APR. 14, 2016: (85 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: PWTorch editor Wade Keller’s latest Interview Thursday includes an interview with former WWE writer and professional standup comedian and podcaster Matt McCarthy, who returns to the show to talk about NXT Takeover Dallas, WrestleMania 32, Payback, his in-person perspective on being at Raw in L.A. at Staples Center, and everything going on in the world of WWE from the perspective of a pro standup comedian and former WWE employee. Live callers are sprinkled in throughout.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded MAR 17, 2016: (81 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of “Interview Thursday” on the PWTorch Livecast, PWTorch editor Wade Keller welcomes ex-WWE writer Matt McCarthy including these topics: WrestleMania 32 hype, Shane McMahon-Undertaker, Brock Lesnar-Dean Ambrose, Roderick Strong’s slur, PWG, Roman Reigns’s Tweet response to a critical fan, and more with live callers and email questions.

ED FERRARA (WWE Creative 1997-2001) recorded JAN. 28, 2016 (94 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of “Interview Thursday” on the PWTorch Livecast, PWTorch editor Wade Keller interviews former WWF, WCW, and TNA creative team writer Ed Ferrara. He talks about stories working with Vince McMahon during the Attitude Era, the Survivor Series ’98 Rock turn, his transition to WCW and why it didn’t work out, working with A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe in TNA and thoughts on them in WWE/NXT, and passionate thoughts on NXT’s current product and why he’s such a fan.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded DEC. 31, 2015 (100 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this edition of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Thursday,” editor Wade Keller interviews ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional standup comedian Matt McCarthy with a look back at some top stories of 2015, a look ahead at some key top names in 2016, evaluating the comedy performances by Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, and The New Day along with email and caller questions.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded OCT. 29, 2015 (96 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this AD-FREE edition of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Thursday,” for VIP members, Wade Keller is joined by ex-WWE writer and professional stand up comedian Matt McCarthy talking Del Rio’s return, WWE’s obsession with Attitude Era, Kyle O’Reilly, WrestleMania 32, ideas, Roman Reigns’ push, and much more.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded SEPT. 3, 2015 (100 min.)

In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast, PWTorch editor Wade Keller hosts Interview Thursday with special guest former WWE writer Matt McCarthy discussing a wide range of topics with live callers.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded JULY 23, 2015 (92 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller “Interview Wednesday” featuring ex-WWE Creative Team member Matt McCarthy reacting to Daniel Bryan health news today, New Japan G1, Lesnar-Taker, Cena-Owens, narrative structure of WWE, and much more with live callers.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded MAY 28, 2015 (63 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Thursday” with Matt McCarthy, an ex-WWE Creative Team member who talks about coping with wrestler injuries during his time in WWE, Kevin Owens’s rise, Samoa Joe’s future, PWG’s rising stars, ROH-TNA situation, and much more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2010) recorded MAY 14, 2015 (120 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Thursday” with John Piermarini, a former member of WWE Creative, who discusses Payback’s Fatal Four-way, Rusev, Corigan-TNA, C.M. Punk’s UFC status, how WWE can create their own Ronda Rousey, could Jon Jones type of character work in pro wrestling, and more.

BRIAN SOLOMON (WWE Writer/Author) recorded APR. 22, 2015 (91 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host PWTorch columnist PWTorch columnist Pat McNeill, McNeill interviews former WWE writer/published author Brian Solomon, who has a new book, “Pro Wrestling FAQ.” Also, the VIP Aftershow with McNeill and PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell discussing the latest news, events, and more!

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded APR. 3, 2015 (138 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” w/Matt McCarthy. This regular Livecast guest, an ex-WWE Creative Team member, details his in-person experience at WM31 weekend, his previous Hall of Fame backstage role, Reigns’s future, Steph’s philanthropy Tweet, Justin Roberts open letter, and more with live callers mixed in.

MATT MCCARTY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded MAR. 13, 2015 (120 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” with ex-WWE Creative Team member Matt McCarthy with an analysis of the march to WrestleMania – Bryan’s fall, Reigns’s rise, Taker-Bray, Sting-Hunter, U.S. and IC titles, and more including live callers and email topics.

ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded FEB. 27, 2015 (82 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features a panel discussion with Jonny Fairplay of TNA and Reality TV fame and ex-WWE Creative Team member Andrew Goldstein discussing the week in WWE including a ton of thoughts on the hype so far for the top WrestleMania 31 matches including Sting-Hunter, Stewart-Seth, Reigns and Bryan dynamic, Orton’s awful return on Monday, and more. Live callers and email topics are sprinkled in.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JAN. 30, 2015 (113 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features ex-WWE Creative Team member John Piermarini who provides his analysis and insights on a crazy week for WWE and Roman Reigns, plus behind the scenes machinations of WWE with travel, producers, script checklists. Live callers throughout add their points of view and ask questions.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded DEC. 12, 2014 (88 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features ex-WWE Creative Member John Piermarini & MMATorch editor Jamie Penick discuss the prospects of C.M. Punk in UFC and possibility of a Brock Lesnar return to UFC, plus NXT Takeover, Roman Reigns, and more.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded NOV. 21, 2014 (65 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features Lucha Underground Exec Producer Chris DeJoseph to talk about the first four weeks of groundbreaking El Rey Network series, how it compares to WWE creative process, the show’s future, and much more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded OCT. 31, 2014 (43 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features John Piermarini, an ex-WWE Creative Team member who takes listeners inside booking meetings with Vince McMahon, plus how are expenses covered for writers on the road, Bray angle analysis, and more with live callers.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded OCT. 10, 2014 (105 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features an interview with ex-WWE Creative Team member (2011-2012) Matt McCarthy discussing why NXT is his favorite wrestling show, Lesnar’s future, how to push Ambrose and Rollins, insights from days in WWE, does Vince McMahon even like pro wrestling, and more.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded SEPT. 19, 2014 (69 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features an interview with Chris DeJoseph, ex-WWE creative team member now exec producer of Mark Burnett’s Lucha Underground debuting nationally Oct. 8 on El Rey Network starring John Morrison, plus WWE insider stories on John Cena’s rise in mid-2000s, prospects of each Shield member, how to handle Cena-Lesnar on Sunday, and more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded SEPT. 5, 2014 (126 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features an interview with ex-WWE creative team member John Piermarini who tells what shouldn’t be assumed about leaked Raw script, dealing with Steph backstage, how promos are actually written, planned, practiced, his thoughts on Roman Reigns’s push so far and specifically could accelerate his growth as a character, how would Triple H run WWE differently creatively than Vince McMahon, what’s missing from Brie-Nikki angle so far, and much more. It’s a fascinating two hours of insights from someone with first-hand backstage knowledge and experiences in WWE.

ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded JUNE 27, 2014 (92 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features 90 minutes of one-legged ex-WWE wrestler Zach Gowen and ex-Creative Team member Alex Greenfield discussing Money in the Bank favorites, SummerSlam and WrestleMania 31 speculation, backstage McMahon stories, the original shocking plan for the Brock Lesnar-Zach Gowen angle, and much more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JUNE 6, 2014 (104 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features a two hour interview with ex-WWE Creative Team Member John Piermarini hosted by Wade Keller. They go in-depth with reaction to the Seth Rollins turn, Money in the Bank and Summerslam speculation, lots of backstage insights from his days on writing team, and much more with live callers and email questions.

COURT BAUER (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded APR. 18, 2014 (129 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features an interview with former ECW Champion Justin Credible and former MLW promoter and WWE creative team member Court Bauer discussing a wide range of topics including Ultimate Warrior stories, ROH’s new PPV deal, Extreme Rules line-up, Daniel Bryan’s prospects as champion, TNA’s Eric Young decision, looking at WWE’s WM30 PPV figures and Network subscriptions, and more.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded MAR 27 (70 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features an interview with new WWE Hall of Fame member Scott Hall discussing when he found out about the Hall of Fame, his recovery from addiction, and more. And then in part two, ex-WWE Creative Team member Chris DeJoseph joins the show with fascinating backstage insights on WrestleManias 21-26 plus WM30 and WM31 predictions.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded MAR. 7 (115 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” features with Ex-Creative Team member John Piermarini who gives eyewitness backstage stories on the Bret-Shawn reconciliation in 2010, how did WWE handle Punk-Chicago and Taker-Lesnar on Monday, looking ahead with Bryan after WrestleMania 30, how should wrestles conduct themselves on social media and talk shows regarding protecting their character, and much more including calls and email questions.

COURT BAUER (WWE Creative 200os) recorded FEB. 7, 2014 (76 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast with former WWE Creative Team Member Court Bauer featuring his take on C.M. Punk’s future with WWE, Daniel Bryan’s push, prospective WrestleMania 30 line-ups, WWE Network chances, and more including live callers and email questions.

JOHN PIERMIARNI, pt. 2 of 2 (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JAN. 31 (42 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast with John Piermarini (pt. 2 of 2), a former WWE Creative Team Member (2009-2010) with his take on potential return of Brock Lesnar to UFC, will Bryan be better off because of last five months, is Batista’s drawing power overrated, and more including email questions from VIP members.

JOHN PIERMARINI, pt. 1 of 2 (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JAN. 31 (106 min)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast with John Piermarini, former WWE Creative Team Member (2009-2010) with his take on the Punk-WWE departure, Bryan fan support, WrestleMania 30 line-up, Batista return, more with live callers questions.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2009-2010) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s), pt. 1 of 2, recorded JAN. 3 (76 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow Interview features a look back at 2013 and Ahead at 2014 with ex-WWE writers Matt McCarthy & Andrew Goldstein and wrestler Justin Credible – bold predictions, WM30 line-up options, 2013 busts, WWE Network thoughts, TNA’s future, and more.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2009-2010) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s), pt. 2 of 2, recorded JAN. 3 (88 min.)

SETH MATES (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded DEC. 20, 2013 (129 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow Interview w/ex-WWE Creative Team Member Seth Mates who discusses in great depth and detail the original plans for the revamped World Hvt. Title in 2002, who was originally supposed to get the title, and how it ended up around the waist of Triple H, and what was supposed to happen then that didn’t. Plus early Brock Lesnar stories and speculation on whether had he stuck around it would have affected John Cena’s and Batista’s pushes. Also, Michael Hayes, WrestleMania 30, the booking of Daniel Bryan, and so much more.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded DEC. 6, 2013 (81 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow Interview w/ex-WWE Creative Team Member Chris DeJoseph discussing WWE Network plans, WrestleMania 30 line-up, Chris Benoit conspiracies, Stephanie’s new title, how Triple H differs from Vince McMahon creatively, and more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded NOV. 29, 2013 (101 min)

In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast, PWTorch editor Wade Keller interviews first Matt Hardy who previews his main event match at WrestleCade tomorrow night in Winston-Salem, N.C. against Carlito in the main event, with a phone call run-in from Carlito’s manager, Johnny Fairplay. Hardy also discusses the merits of WWE Writers as part of current TV writing process. Ex-WWE Creative Team member (2009-2010) John Piermarini then joins the show to speak about the value WWE writers provide to the WWE Creative process and why writers sometimes get a bad rap. He and Keller discuss how a transition could take place to less scripted promos from wrestlers, and the pros and cons of such a decision.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded OCT. 25, 2013 (91 min.)

In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with ex-WWE Creative Team member John Piermarini examines the hype for Hell in a Cell, Orton vs. Bryan, looking ahead to WrestleMania 30 and Royal Rumble, Undertaker’s opponent, behind the scenes stores on working with Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Michael Hayes, and much more including live callers and email questions.

MATT MCCARTHY (WWE Creative 2011-2012) recorded OCT. 4 (168 min.)

In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with ex-WWE Creative Team member Matt McCarthy (2011-2012) talks about what Vince McMahon is like to work for, life as a WWE writer, Daniel Bryan’s rise, The Rock backstage’s demeanor, tons more in this wide-spanning nearly three hour exclusive interview with live phone calls and email questions. PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell participates for part of the show including a discussion on comic books relation to pro wrestling culturally and in terms of heroes and villains and plot lines. McCarthy had not done any other interviews with any pro wrestling reporter or podcast since leaving WWE a year ago.

ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded SEPT. 27, 2013 (115 min.)

In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with ex-WWE Creative Team member Alex Greenfield who provides backstage insight into Stephanie-Triple H dynamic, what’s Randy Orton really like, why did Vince McMahon pick on Jim Ross, thoughts on today’s WWE storylines, what TNA needs to do to get ahead, what he would do next with the Wyatt Family, is Kevin Dunn good or bad for Vince McMahon, how is a WWE script written, and so much more. Live phone calls and email questions throughout.

JOHN PIERMIARNI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded AUG. 2, 2013 (99 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with John Piermarini including deconstructing the Total Divas premiere from someone who has worked on reality TV shows and in pro wrestling, more insight in working with Vince McMahon on creative including advice on presenting ideas, how WWE has changed from his perspective since he was there in 2009-2010, WrestleMania 29 buyrate reaction, looking ahead to WM30, and much more including live calls and email questions.

DAN MADIGAN (WWE Creative 2004-2005) recorded JULY 26, 2013 (132 min)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Dan Madigan, a former WWE Creative Team member in 2004 and 2005 who was around for WrestleMania 20, he talks about his first time meeting Vince McMahon, odd McMahon quirks, the crazy Vince “burrito story,” what Triple H’s interpersonal skills were like, how Vince reacted to his pitch for a Nazi character for John Heidenreich, the process of writing “See No Evil” for WWE Films, what he thinks WWE did wrong in their approach to entering the movie industry and what Vince said his goal was initially, thoughts on the Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar debacle at WM20, backstage impressions of John Cena, Undertaker, JBL, and Randy Orton, and much more. He also talks about Kickstarter project beased around a graphic novel series starring Ultimo Dragon.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded JUNE 21, 2013 (90 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with ex-WWE Creative Team member Chris DeJoseph (a/k/a Big Dick Johnson) who talked about current events in WWE including Daniel Bryan’s push, Mark Henry behind the scenes, the Prime Time Players, Miz’s awful persona right now, the weird McMahon family drama on TV, the USA Network-WWE dynamic, Daniel Bryan, and much more. Also, insight into the planning and execution of the Rated R Superstar sex show with Edge and Lita.

ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded MAY 17, 2013 (123 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller interviewing Andrew Goldstein, an ex-WWE Creative Team member. They talk about Ex-WWE Writer: Extreme Rules predictions, Fandango, WWE cutbacks, Gimmick Matches, Squash Matches, road stories, WWE’s top brawlers list, and more including live calls and email questions.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded APR. 12, 2013 (98 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews former WWE creative team member John Piermarini discussing WrestleMania 29 and the raucous crowd at Raw, plus a look back Legacy, a look ahead to WM30, and more with live calls and emails.

COURT BAUER (WWE Creative 2000s) & ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded APR. 5, 2013 (159 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews two former WWE creative team members Court Bauer & Alex Greenfield with wide-ranging in-depth discussion of WrestleMania 29 hype, WM29 predictions, WM29 aftermath, and who is the real Mr. WrestleMania.

ED FERRARA (WWE Creative 1997-2000) recorded MAR 15, 2013 (90 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Wednesday” special episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews Ed Ferrara, a former WWE, WCW, TNA creative team member, who discusses Attitude Era, today’s WM29 hype, TNA experience and growth, WCW frustrations, Oklahoma, and more. They take live calls and answer emails for 65 minutes. Then Keller reacts more to last night’s TNA Impact episode and the absence of Jeff Hardy from the Lockdown PPV fallout episode.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded MAR. 6, 2013 (45 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Wednesday” special episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews Chris DeJoseph, an ex-WWE Creative Team member, who reacts to death of Paul Bearer and shares memories of him and details the relationship he had with Undertaker over the years, should Bearer be in the Hall of Fame this year, should Undertaker acknowledge him and break character, plus WrestleMania 29 hype analysis, The Streak, Rock-Cena, what is Mark Henry really like off-camera, and much more including a VIP Aftershow.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded MAR. 1, 2013 (85 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews former WWE Creative Team member John Piermarini (’09-’10) who discusses hot topics including the Vince McMahon to Triple H power transition behind scenes, Swagger/Zeb controversy, WM29 hype, Miz’s babyface turn, WM30 speculation, Undertaker’s streak, and more including live calls and emails.

COURT BAUER (WWE Creative 2000s) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s), pt. 2 of 2, recorded JAN. 26, 2013 (53 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this special VIP Aftershow Panel Discussion, PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by former WWE Creative Team members Court Bauer and Andrew Goldstein. They discuss the Paul Heyman-Stephanie McMahon dynamic with backstage stories and predictions on Heyman’s future with WWE, how Brian Gewirtz got into power and behind the scenes stories on how he could hold court among dignitaries at meetings, and email questions including how meticulously the Rumble is booked in terms of elimination order, how pre-scripted are John Cena’s promos and who has helped him with them over the years, why are some wrestlers on Smackdown instead of Raw, and the best “saves” when things went wrong.

COURT BAUER (WWE Creative 2000s) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s), pt. 1 of 2, recorded JAN. 25, 2013 (53 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this “Interview Friday” episode of the PWTorch Livecast with Wade Keller, he interviews former WWE Creative Team members Court Bauer and Andrew Goldstein. They discuss these topics: Royal Rumble preview, backstage stories about past Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon, TNA ratings, and much more with live calls throughout the show. This is a fascinating show with tons of insight into the inner-workings of WWE and how the Royal Rumble is put together and executed.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded JAN. 24, 2013 (116 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast & VIP Aftershow with Wade Keller, nearly two hours live with with ex-WWE Creative Staff Chris DeJoseph & Andrew Goldstein who provide fascinating and funny backstage stories about Vince McMahon & Michael Hayes, make their WrestleMania 29 predictions, discuss key 2012 Awards, and take live phone calls on a range of other topics. Really good stuff here that helps you understand what goes on behind the scenes in WWE.

JOHN CARLE (WWE Creative 2006-2009), pt. 2 of 2, recorded NOV. 30, 2012 (71 min)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller on Interview Friday, Keller interviews former WWE Creative Team member John Carle. This is the VIP Aftershow portion of the program exclusively for PWTorch subscribers which includes behind the scenes stories on Vince McMahon pranks on private jet, what surprised him most about dealing with McMahon, what were Triple H and Cena like to work with, Paul Heyman during the WWE-ECW era, and much more.

JOHN CARLE (WWE Creative 2006-2009), pt. 1 of 2, recorded NOV. 30, 2012 (83 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host PWTorch editor Wade Keller on Interview Friday, Keller interviews former WWE Creative Team member John Carle. This is the Livecast portion of the two-and-a-half hour interview including live phone calls and email questions on a wide range of topics including creative booking decisions during his run from mid-2006 through early-2009 and also thoughts on current pro wrestling happenings.

SETH MATES (WWE Creative 2002) & ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded OCT. 12, 2012 (116 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: Two former WWE Creative Team members Seth Mates & Andrew Goldberg discuss WWE creative changes this week, their time working with Vince McMahon, and much more.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JUNE 29, 2012 (140 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast’s VIP Aftershow, Wade Keller interviews former WWE Creative Team member John Piermarini (2009-2010), who returned to the show for the first time this year. He reacted to major stories this week and biggest stories so far this year including the John Cena-Rock dynamic, the push of Brock Lesnar, the Cena divorce, Cena’s nine year old fans comment this week, his reaction to last night’s Impact, and much much more all from the perspective of someone who worked closely behind the scenes with Vince McMahon and current top stars.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded JUNE 8, 2012 (82 min)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast’s VIP Aftershow, Wade Keller interviews former WWE Creative Team Member (’04-’10) Chris DeJoseph with fascinating insight into Vince McMahon’s creative process and writing Raw. Also, specific details on pitching creating ideas to Chris Jericho, The Big Show, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, the Divas, and more. Who was easy to work with? Who was unpredictable? Also, does Vince McMahon really not care about consistency with storylines? What was the story with Mike Adamle, anyway? Why didn’t Colt Cabana catch on with WWE? And why doesn’t Kofi Kingston get a push? Tons of significant authoritative insight into a lot of questions on fans’ minds. The VIP Aftershow includes these topics: Ric Flair, TNA’s Big Fat Oily Guy, Spirit Squad, Christian & Edge vs. The Hardys, building and protecting tomorrow’s stars today, and Vince McMahon’s seeming disregard for consistency with his big storylines.

CHRIS DEJOSEPH (WWE Creative 2004-2010) recorded APR. 6, (152 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” & VIP Aftershow, host Wade Keller interviews Chris DeJoseph, a member of the WWE Creative Team from 2004 through 2010 encompassing WrestleManias 21-26. In this 2.5 hour interview, he talks about the just completed WrestleMania 28, his insight into the Rock-John Cena dynamic, Brock Lesnar’s return, the future of Undertaker’s streak, a huge WrestleMania main event that almost happened and why it didn’t, the challenge of getting the ultra-talented Randy Orton over as a top star, what it’s like to work for Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon, his family’s reaction to his on-air Big Dick Dudley character, thoughts on last week’s Vince Russo interview on the PWTorch Livecast, the biggest dumb moves wrestlers ever made backstage, what Undertaker is really like, how he feels watching TNA Impact Wrestling, which TNA stars he’d like to have worked with in WWE, Bobby Lashley’s push, and lots of live caller and email questions.

VINCE RUSSO (WWE Creative 1997-2000), pt. 2 of 2, recorded MAR. 30, 2012 (98 min)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday” & VIP Aftershow, host Wade Keller interviews Vince Russo, who was the senior writer of WWE TV and PPVs during the late ’90s for WrestleManias 13, 14, and 15. He was part of the booking of the Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin double-turn, Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels, and Steve Austin vs. The Rock. This is part two, the 98 minute VIP Aftershow with a number of previously untold backstage stories about the Attitude Era, plus thoughts on what caused the death of WCW, how the David Arquette situation was conceived and his reaction to it, who came up with the Brawl for All, the WrestleMania 2000 main event he would have booked had he not left the WWF, and more.

VINCE RUSSO (WWE Creative 1997-2000), pt. 1 of 2, recorded MAR. 30, 2012 (118 min.)

SETH MATES (WWE Creative 2002) recorded MAR. 9, 2012 (158 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday,” host Wade Keller interviews ex-WWE Creative Team member Seth Mates (@sethmates) who worked behind the scenes in WWE for the WWE.com website and eventually in 2002 the creative team for an eventful half year where he worked with an emerging John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Batista, plus Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Triple H and Steve Austin. He talks about Paul Heyman’s creative team experience and volatile dynamic with Stephanie McMahon. He tells backstage stories on some big matches, Vince McMahon leadership, life on the creative team, and much more. Live calls and emails throughout.

ANDREW GOLDSTEIN (WWE Creative 2000s) recorded MAR. 2, 2012 (144 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast “Interview Friday,” host Wade Keller interviews ex-WWE Creative Team member Andrew Goldstein who talks about unwritten rules in WWE including where not to stick your hands on a plane near Vince McMahon, the day Undertaker told him to take off his clothes to avoid upsetting Vince McMahon, insight into the Rock-John Cena dynamic and what he thinks was happening on Monday live on Raw in terms of what was unplanned, plus over an hour and a half of live phone call questions including TNA ratings insight from his experience at Spike TV, Vince’s politics, working with Michael Hayes, how to get a job in WWE, dynamic in the writers’ room, his proudest achievement, and more.

ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative mid-2000s), pt. 2 of 2, recorded Feb. 3, 2012 (103 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch VIP Aftershow with host Wade Keller and Bruce Mitchell, they interview Alex Greenfield, a former WWE Creative Team member in the mid-2000s. This is part two featuring more than 100 more minutes of backstage stories and insight including a detailed rundown of how the Royal Rumble is constructed and practiced by the writing team and wrestlers, Triple H’s burial of C.M. Punk behind the scenes, Vince McMahon’s reaction to his suggestion that Randy Savage be put in the Hall of Fame, shouting matches he had with Vince, and more. Tremendous backstage stories and insight.

ALEX GREENFIELD (WWE Creative mid-2000s), pt. 1 of 2, recorded Feb. 3, 2012 (82 min)

JOHN PIERMIARI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded OCT. 14, 2012 (68 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host Wade Keller, he interviews both former WWE creative team member John Piermarini and current TNA wrestler Christopher Daniels. Piermarini talks about Vince McMahon’s energy level and backstage demeanor on TV taping days, plus presents an alternative approach to the walkout storyline he proposed last year. Daniels talks about A.J. Styles, Bound for Glory, the Fallen Angel gimmick, and more answering live caller questions and answering emails and Facebook questions.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded SEPT. 15, 2012 (212 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host Wade Keller and former WWE creative team member John Piermarini discuss the Triple H-C.M. Punk promo on Raw and the John Cena-Alberto Del Rio hype, plus take live calls on a wide range of subjects for 90 minutes. In the VIP Aftershow, they talk more about Hunter-Punk and then insight into what happens with wrestlers once they walk backstage after their segment ends. Which wrestlers get one-on-one time with Vince McMahon and under what circumstances?

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded SEPT. 1, 2012 (95 min)

SHOW SUMMARY: Wade Keller & John Piermarini, former WWE creative member, discusses Raw Supershow, Triple H-Punk-Nash and more with live calls + VIP Aftershow.

JOHN PIERMIARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded AUG. 19, 2012 (106 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and former WWE writer John Piermarini, they discuss with live callers booking of post-Summerslam vs. how he would have booked it, whether WWE wrestlers trust Vince McMahon to run WWE even if they question his decision-making, new perspective & stories on the inner workings of WWE’s creative process, what would cause WWE to go live with Smackdown every week, the absent purpose of being a WWE writer, where WWE is falling short with Kevin Nash, Impact’s sliding ratings with news breaking during the Livecast, and much more in this extensive episode of the Livecast.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded AUG. 11, 2012 (90 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host Wade Keller and former WWE creative team member John Piermarini, they discuss the final hype for Summerslam on Raw, the fact that only four matches have been announced, predictions for the show, and more related to Sunday’s PPV, plus they take live calls for an hour. In the 30 minute VIP Aftershow they discuss whether there’s any sense of real heat between WWE regulars (Punk, Orton, Cena) and The Rock based on latest comments aimed at one another, and analysis of Jim Ross’s return and Alex Riley’s babyface push.

JOHN PIERMIARNI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JULY 22, 2012 (109 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host Wade Keller and former WWE Creative Team member (2009-2010) John Piermarini, they discuss the C.M. Punk-John Cena match at Money in the Bank, Daniel Bryan’s surprise Money in the Bank win including who in particular in power likely pushed for his win, the Triple H-Vince McMahon angle on Raw and where it might lead, and more including live calls on a variety of subjects including what changes Triple H make say, R-Truth’s push, and much more. In the VIP Aftershow, must-listen insight into life after TV tapings and the how the writers, producers, and wrestlers do and don’t intermingle, and whether the mood is different after good or bad PPVs and TVs. And finally, fascinating insight into the relationship former WWE booker Pat Patterson has with Raw’s lead writer Brian Gewirtz and other WWE creative team members.

JOHN PIERMIARNI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded JULY 7, 2012 (108 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast with host Wade Keller and former WWE Creative Team member (2009-2010) John Piermarini take calls for an hour on a wide variety of subjects with tremendous backstage insight from Piermarini on the creative process. Topics include C.M. Punk, how promos are presented to wrestlers and practiced, does Vince McMahon care about TNA or ROH, importance of Divas wrestling ability, and more. In the VIP Aftershow, he presents his “Last Bullet in the Chamber” ideas for WWE with Keller’s analysis and alternative variations on the idea. Also, at the end, a discussion on the process for wrestlers being assigned intro music.

JOHN PIERMARINI (WWE Creative 2009-2010) recorded SEPT. 30, 2011 (109 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: In this episode of the PWTorch Livecast, Wade Keller begins his weekly series of Friday interviews on the show beginning with a double-header of John Piermarini, a former WWE Creative Team Member (2009-2010), and former Memphis Wrestling promoter and booker Jerry Jarrett. Piermarini talks about Hell in a Cell hype, a potential John Cena turn and what backstage insight he can provide regarding the mindset on when they would turn him and why, plus how to book Rock’s return. Jerry Jarrett joins the show next and talks about the Memphis Heat documentary, why he refused to participate the first time, who talked him into it, what he thought of it, and he shares stories and elaborates on highlights from the documentary.

THIS MARKS THE END OF LIVECAST PWTORCH INTERVIEWS WITH EX-WWE CREATIVE TEAM MEMBERS. SOME TORCH TALK INTERVIEW PREDATING THE LAUNCH OF THE PWTORCH LIVECAST FOLLOW…

JOHN PIERMIARI (WWE Creative 2009-2010), pt. 4 of 4t, recorded JAN. 21, 2011 (57 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: This new Torch Talk with John Piermarini, a former WWE Raw creative team member, includes fascinating backstage details on the creative process that goes into WWE TV and PPVs. In this fourth and final installment (hour four of four total) includes a discussion on what has led to certain wrestlers getting pushes to the top that last versus those that don’t last, plus why do certain wrestlers not get pushed (Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Miz, Chris Masters, Jack Swagger, etc.), more on the reasons individual Divas get pushed or not pushed (Kelly Kelly, Rosa, Natalya, etc.), which unexpected wrestler Vince sees as a future top babyface, what was the deal with that strange R-Truth video, how MMA does and should affect pro wrestling if at all, what he thinks TNA needs to do to survive and grow, and does John have aspirations to get back into pro wrestling (WWE, TNA, other?).

JOHN PIERMIARI (WWE Creative 2009-2010), pt. 3 of 4, recorded JAN. 21, 2011 (57 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: This new Torch Talk with John Piermarini, a former WWE Raw creative team member, includes fascinating backstage details on the creative process that goes into WWE TV and PPVs. This second installment (hour three of four total) includes: What’s the quirkiest aspect of Vince McMahon and working for him… The Michael Cole character and the changes in announcing in general over the last two years in WWE with Jim Ross’s era coming to an end… The Miz’s title reign and Jerry Lawler’s involvement in feuding with him… How much of a role do writers have in the announcing of a show and how they react to angles and storylines… The stress on mid-carders and mid-card storylines and whether the writers struggle with Vince McMahon to get more attention put on them… Are storylines plotted out on paper or a storyboard where the pacing is set ahead of time or are things winged from week to week for the most part with no specific end point on a certain date… How involved is Vince McMahon’s long-term deputy Pat Patterson on the creative process, and where are his contributions most visible… The reaction behind the scenes in early 2010 to TNA’s aggressive move to acquire big names and move to Monday nights… Why isn’t tag team wrestling given a more prominent role in WWE?… Thoughts on the guest stars on Raw and what the reaction was behind the scenes to that especially among the writers who had to build them into the show each week… A jaw-dropping story about Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn, and UFC around the time of WrestleMania… What does pro wrestling have to learn from MMA and how does it play a role, if at all, in WWE’s creative direction and presentation… Did the Linda McMahon Senate campaign affect Vince McMahon’s moods and time dedicated to his job… On working out at the gym near Vince McMahon and how that benefited him… Do WWE writers wish they got public credit for their work… More on the dynamic between senior Raw writer Brian Gewirtz and Vince McMahon… Is Vince McMahon at all in touch with pop culture and how does that affect WWE… Why did Gail Kim become invisible shortly after leaving TNA and joining WWE… A lot on the Divas division and why certain people are pushed and how the creative team looks at the Divas on the roster.

JOHN PIERMIARI (WWE Creative 2009-2010), pt. 2 of 4, recorded JAN. 21, 2011 (60 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: This second installment (hour two of four total) includes: Details on how the creative process changes and intensifies during the Royal Rumble-to-WrestleMania season… The planning and execution of Bret Hart’s return last year, whether any other matches were considered for Undertaker other than Shawn Michaels the last two years… How WWE creative dealt with the departures of Chris Jericho and Batista, the elevation of The Miz and everything he did right yet how it almost didn’t happen… What he’d tell aspiring main events regarding what gets them ahead and holds them back, what went wrong with Jack Swagger’s push this summer into fall, the rapid rise of Wade Barrett, and the behind the scenes details on what’s gone wrong with Ted DiBiase’s push and proposed storylines for him that didn’t happen… What John Cena is really like off camera compared to on camera… How he’d book Cena differently… Very specific and odd rules regarding what WWE writers cannot do due to the PG rating constraints… How much of promos on TV are scripted and what does he think about that ratio… How precisely was the Anonymous G.M. storyline planned and has it strayed from those plans at all so far… What it’s like for the creative team doing three-hour Raws… How different and in what ways would Raw and Smackdown be if Michael Hayes and Brian Gewirtz flipped shows, plus ore on the dynamic among the writers and whether there are rivalries among agents/producers and writers… More on Vince McMahon’s unpredictability.

JOHN PIERMIARI (WWE Creative 2009-2010), pt. 1 of 4, recorded JAN. 21 2011 (57 min.)

SHOW SUMMARY: This new Torch Talk with John Piermarini, a former WWE Raw creative team member, includes unprecedented backstage details on the creative process that went into Raw each week during 2009 and 2010. This four-hour interview in total spans a wide range of topics with Piermarini, who also publishes a new blog reviewing WWE TV shows and answer reader questions (www.wrestlingrecall.com), including stories of working with Vince McMahon, Brian Gewirtz, John Cena, and others, plus tons of insight into the strengths and weaknesses of how WWE operates behind the scenes with his opinions on all of it. It’s as close to spending two years shadowing a WWE creative team member as you’ll ever get without getting a job with WWE! This one hour installment is part one of four.

ED FERRARA (WWE Creative 1997-2000) recorded APR. 22, 2005 (67 min.)

SHOW PREVIEW: This all-new VIP exclusive “Audio Talk with Ed Ferrara” (former WWF, WCW, and TNA TV scriptwriter) conducted by Torch editor Wade Keller is presented as a supplement to the four-plus-hours “Ultimate Insiders DVD” which features Keller interviewing both Ferrara and Vince Russo. In this 67 minute “Audio Talk,” Ferrara touches on some of the subjects we didn’t get to during the DVD interview, including his mocking of Jim Ross on television as the Oklahoma character. Whose idea was it? Why did he agree to do it? Does he regret it? Was it done maliciously? Plus, how was his relationship with Jim Ross behind the scenes, and in general what was Ross like behind the scenes… In-depth discussion on Undertaker. While on the DVD we talked in detail about Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, Owen Hart, and others, we did not talk about Taker. In this Audio Talk, Ferrara reveals what Taker was like to work with behind the scenes… Also in our WWE segment, discussions on Edge, The Hardy Boys, Christian, Val Venis, and Mick Foley… Then we move on to WCW and discuss Bill Goldberg, Dallas Page, Sting, Roddy Piper, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Tank Abbott… Then Ferrara gives his thoughts on the finished DVD product…

VIP Audio Collection – 75 interviews w/ex-WWE Creative Team Members circa 1997-2014

This is a VIP-exclusive feature, so to get a password to access all of these audio shows, you can become a VIP member.

SPECIAL COUPON – LIMITED TIME – $5 off any VIP subscription. Enter coupon code: creative5

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