Reader questions and Powell's answers: Black Machismo's crowd reaction at Sacrifice, Val Venis, Vince McMahon's health

-You are welcome to submit questions for upcoming mailbags and podcasts by sending them to dotnetjason@gmail.com.

Dot Net reader Timothy C. asks (regarding today's TNA Sacrifice Hitlist): Wasn't everyone's response lukewarm last night? A better barometer of Black Machismo's popularity is the crowd's reaction on the road, as Black Machismo has always been more popular on the road. TNA should never do PPVs in Orlando, because they've seen it all before and acted like it last night; not that they were given a whole lot last night.

Powell replies: I addressed this question in the Dot Net Podcast earlier today, but I'm also posting it here since I know there are readers who don't check out the podcasts. I get what you're saying, Timothy, but I don't think the non-Impact shows are always the best barometer for these things either. Yes, the Impact Zone crowd is jaded, but the house show audiences can be just the opposite if they're starved for wrestling. I think you have to consider both reactions and then form an opinion.

I also believe the Machismo gimmick was a fun, short-term story that will run out of gas quickly. I think it's getting to that point and I'd like to see TNA move on before it becomes stale. It's important to stay ahead of the curve and recognize when a gimmick is losing momentum. It's a tough call, though, as I know the Machismo gimmick has done well from a merchandise standpoint.

Dot Net reader David Carnovale asks: Do you know what Val Venis's current stance with the company is? Is he satisfied in his current role and is he somewhat of an on-air agent to test out new talent? My personal opinion is that he deserves to get the Bradshaw/JBL repackaging treatment with the right push.

Powell replies: I'm not sure whether he's happy with his push. One can only assume that he'd like to get a better push, though. I think WWE officials see him as a good hand who can help the younger wrestlers. I've been waiting for him to get the JBL or William Regal treatment for years, but there's no indication that the company is ready to make such a move. It's too bad because he is underutilized.

Dot Net reader Chris Hoffman asks: I have been thinking about this ever since the vehicle explosion/death angle with Vince McMahon. However, it seems with each passing week, it comes more and more into mind. Vince's erratic behavior (short-term booking, the late/no showing of meetings you mentioned previously, the weird recent "walk offs" with ECW, etc. Have you heard anything about Vince perhaps really having some sort of serious health problems? That is one of the first things that came to my mind immediately after the death angle...perhaps he wanted to have a eulogy on TV that he could see for himself before passing, and now the health theory just keeps strengthening. What are your thoughts on this?  

Powell replies: The walk off storyline and William Regal pulling the plug were simply ratings stunts. It seemed to be Vince's theme that week. I'm not sure what to make of the tardiness and postponing of creative meetings. Vince is a busy man so I try not to read too much into those things.

You're certainly not the first person to question whether health issues caused Vince to book the death angle. However, I've never heard anything to support those theories, and I'm sure the only people who would know are Vince, his physician, and perhaps his family members. It really wouldn't be fair to speculate. Vince is still working the same hectic schedule he always has. His life continues to be consumed by the business and his workout schedule.

-You are welcome to submit questions for upcoming mailbags and podcasts by sending them to dotnetjason@gmail.com.