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PWINSIDER Q & A: SHAWN MICHAELS VS. UNDERTAKER, TAG TEAM DVD, PAC MAN IN WWE, AWA FOOTAGE AND MORE

Do you think that WWE will ever put out a DVD set on some of the greatest tag teams of the 80s? Hart Foundation, British Bulldogs, Midnight Express etc.? I know the tag division (no matter which show) sucks, but it was hot back then. 

Tag teams are not a big focus for WWE but using their own footage, plus those that they have purchased of other promotions, they could definitely market a good DVD to older fans that remember the glory days of tag team wrestling.  Whether they will or not, I can't say.  I would put the odds at 50/50 at best.

Who owns the tape Library for the short lived World Wrestling All Stars, is it owned by the some Australian company or owned by TNA?

As far as I know, Andrew McManus (the promoter) never sold it.  I believe he still owns it.

What's the deal with Shawn Michaels? You guys say Undertaker is the godfather backstage, but HBK has been around a lot longer.  I feel HBK needs one last push to the top. Undertaker has been in the title scene a lot more (winning the title at wm24). He's been involved in huge matches and the infamous "Montreal screw job". Even Ric Flair wanted his last match against him. Your thoughts?

I think both guys are pushed as legends by WWE in a way that is commensurate to their tenure.  Taker got the title run because he was due one before he was injured last year.  If Shawn wanted one, he could probably lobby and get it.

Undertaker has the backstage reputation for respect because he has been a locker room leader for years now.  Shawn, admittedly, was much less mature in his younger years, which affects how people see him today.  Backstage stature is earned, not given by WWE.  In fact, being part of the screwjob is part of the reason why some of the guys will never see him in the same light that they do Undertaker.

I am really enjoying watching the AWA on ESPN Classics. I am enjoying all the great wrestling that I have never seen before. My question is: I thought WWE owned the rights to all the AWA. Does the WWE have to give ESPN permission (or collect money) to play these episodes or does ESPN already have rights since the show was originally aired on that station?

Nope, ESPN owns the rights to the shows that were produced for their network and did so before WWE bought the rest of the AWA library from the Gagne family.

With Oscar De La Hoya fighting Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao this sat, do you see WWE going after Manny to appear on WWE television/PPV like they did with Floyd Mayweather?

I don't, for a few reasons.  Part of the draw to Mayweather was obviously his record in the ring, but the other part of it was that he a known name in the US.  While Manny did draw half of the biggest PPV buyrate of the year (though most boxing experts would say that was due to De La Hoya), he's also not widely known in America.  Also, Manny in addition to being focused on what happens in the boxing ring, he takes his role as a Philippine hero very seriously.  He is already saying he will only fight three more times so that he can run for office in his country in 2010.  Add that all up and I don't see a WWE appearance in his future.  

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