From the Desk of Mr. V #81
August 5, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
Take it away Andy Williams!
Three weeks until school begins! It truly will be the most wonderful time of the year!
Welcome to the latest edition of “From the Desk of Mr. V”. I am Anthony “Mr. V” Valvo, your WrestleView resident teacher with the same material as last time, but different names, matches, and articles.
So sit back and grab some iced coffee. Relax as you read the 81st Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
(To John Cena on the 8/2 edition of Monday Night Raw)
“You (Cena) are a stupid man!” – Chris Jericho
I love it when I find a really good quote in which I don’t have to do much research. And it happened on “PG” television. Who said that PG programming can’t be funny? Kudos to you, Chris Jericho!
Teacher’s Lecture
Lecture #1: Shawn Michaels will stay retired
I am sure many of wrestling fans ask, when will Shawn Michaels come back to the WWE? Will he be the Raw General Manager? Will we ever see Shawn Michaels again? Well, I am here to tell you that Shawn Michaels went on Twitter and wrote six simple, yet powerful words to shut those rumors down.
“I’m staying retired. Understand skepticism though.”
So, there is the answer that a lot of people got, he will be staying retired no matter what. Honestly, why should he come back just a few months after competing in the Match of the Year (in my eyes) at WrestleMania? He entertained the fans long enough throughout his career and he ended it on a highest note I have ever seen.
What is there to prove? Michaels is a changed man, class. I really believe that when Michaels said “he was done” I felt he meant it. When he said his goodbyes the Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania, he was so genuine that I felt he actually wanted out. He is 45 now, and how many mid-forty year olds can say they have accomplished more than Michaels? He was a gifted young man in the 80s, was a very powerful man in the WWF days in the 90s with his “Heartbreak Kid” and “Degeneration X” work. He was so powerful that he could decide whether or not he won or lost. After Kevin Nash and Scott Hall left the WWF for WCW Vince McMahon made him a franchise player.
He was injured and lost his smile in 1998, he came back after surgery to be a Commissioner and was a heel and face many times during the Attitude Era.
He took a much smaller role in the 2000-2010 area, as he was one of the most over and well-liked wrestlers among the fans. His change in his lifestyle made him a more respected man as well. Michaels may miss professional wrestling, but I am sure he is not ready to go back to the business because, well, he does not need the business. It sounds like the hard truth, but I think it is completely reality.
Look at what Michaels has done in the WWE:
– First EVER WWE Grand Slam Champion. He was a four time World Champion (3-time WWF and one time World Heavyweight Champion) which totaled to be 424 days. He won the WWF Intercontinental Championship three times, the Tag Team Championships five times (with four different partners), and once won the European Championship. Now I may be wrong, but his last Singles Title happened in 2002. We all know he won the Tag Team Championships recently. Still, this is a wonderful accomplishment.
– I know Pro Wrestling Illustrated has lost a lot of credibility (I picked up the PWI 500 issue and honestly I laughed a good bit), but Shawn Michaels has been recognized for his hard work from this publication. He won Match of the Year nine times, but what is more remarkable was that from 2004 – 2009 Michaels was involved in PWI’s Match of the Year. I expect a tenth one in 2010 after his epic battle with The Undertaker.
– In 2003, he was inducted in the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Michaels has accomplished a lot since then.
This is just a tip of what Michaels has done throughout his career (with most of it obviously in the WWF/WWE). If you want to see what he is doing now, check out his YouTube bit.
Thanks to the many that have e-mailed me this clip the past couple days.
So class, let Shawn Michaels enjoy his retirement. I for one thought there was a good chance he is responsible for the E-Mail messages from the General Manager, but he is just flat out enjoying his retirement. Never say never in the wrestling business though. But if we ever see Michaels back, it won’t be to wrestle. It would be a onetime thing just to entertain the fans, and for all those years he was able to do that.
Enjoy your retirement, HBK.
2) Samoa Joe is suspended from TNA
TNA, you completely baffle me at times. Apparently Samoa Joe unleased his “Nation of Violence” in front of the bosses at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling after his time limit draw against Jeff Hardy. He was visibly upset with the production team, especially Vince Russo. The reason for his frustration was because Jeremy Borash announced that there was thirty seconds left in the match and made the outcome predictable.
So Joe was send home without his supper (ok, he was not at the TV Tapings from the recent batch of Impact) and apparently was suspended from the company. TNA actually gave Samoa Joe a “Time Out” for one month due to his attitude.
I saw the match from start to finish. I took notes on this match, like I do for every match on television for ROH, TNA, and WWE. For this rare occurrence, I am going to provide my notes on a match that did not make my weekly Honor Roll (it was in my top five of the week). Some of you would have asked what I thought about Joe vs. Jeff Hardy. So here it was, with the notes taken on July 22.
Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy (10 Minute Time Limit)
Result: Draw
Overall Notes on match: I wished Jeff Hardy sold a bit, as with Joe. In the last thirty seconds, all they paused and just exchanged rushed punches. I will give them credit for going the ten minutes. This may have been the best I have seen in Joe in months. Joe was pretty good with kicks and strikes. Hardy was not bad, but needs to make his punches more believable.
Grade: B- (but C+ because of the very weird finish).
This was no lie, I would scan my notebook page, but my handwriting is that of a doctor’s during summer vacation, which is a joke for my handwriting is terrible.
So, I can honestly see why Samoa Joe was upset with the finish. His frustration with the company is a big reason why TNA’s morale is so low right now. Joe thought his match with Jeff was good, until they gave away the outcome. I for one don’t condone what Joe did, but I am sure many in that locker room wished they did the same.
As for Joe, I hope he comes back sooner than later. He may have gained some weight, but he once again found his flow again without rushing everything. To punish that is foolish. I just hope that this will be the only time Joe does snap like this, because we know that WWE has no interest in bringing him to the company. ROH is a possibility I am sure of it, but that would be a step down for Joe. Here’s hoping Joe and TNA work out their differences. We don’t want to see the meaningless termination (example: Awesome Kong) of a guy who meant so much to the earlier moments of TNA.
3) Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin will be back as a Tag Team!
I will keep this one short. When Benjamin got released by the WWE, I thought that he would be a name that TNA would pick up instantly because of his pure athletic ability. I know Haas was trying to bring him there as well.
Well, ninety days after his no-compete clause expired (Benjamin was released on April 22nd) TNA did not call Benjamin’s number. Haas has not been contacted since February (when he was released by the WWE). So, let the forces of the World’s Greatest Tag Team combine! Benjamin and Haas are back!
So, where are they going to wrestle on? That question was answered yesterday when Ring of Honor (ROH) announced that Benjamin and Haas will compete at Glory by Honor IX on September 11, 2010. They will do battle in New York City against The Kings of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero), the current ROH World Tag Team Champions. I apologize if I sound a bit marky, but on paper this could be one of the best tag team matches this year if done right. The Kings are my pick for Tag Team of the Year so far and I think they will put up a great fight against two guys with a very decorated career in pro wrestling and amateur wrestling.
This match will be on iPPV in September. Go to gofightlive.tv and I think the price to see this is fifteen bucks. I bought The Big Bang on there when it was archived and I was pretty impressed with the matches on the show. I think seeing these two team go at it could be worth the fifteen bucks by itself. I consider this a “dream tag match”, but it is just my opinion.
Detentions
ESPN – I originally was not planning on placing this sports network in detention, but after Dave Stephens’ reasoning on “The Teacher’s Lounge” it make me think. Why does this company try to make a controversy everywhere they go, especially when it comes to the NFL? Well, Dave and I decided then and there to add ESPN to the Eternal Detention List that you will see shortly.
WWE’s treatment of Tiffany – I think she may be one of the top three divas in the WWE if used properly. One can’t question her athletic ability, but I am sure the WWE will think something is missing about her.
Cleveland Indians – When I was in high school, they were an elite team. Now…well I just feel sorry for that city. But hey, they have an AWESOME Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
TNA – Couldn’t they just give the “EV 2.0” reunion Impact time? I mean they are giving out a “PPV Quality” show on August 12th with what I believe is still a talented roster. Let ECW rest already!
TNA giving Eric Young another gimmick – Seriously, I feel bad for Eric Young. He is pretty good in the ring and he gets gimmick changes every month it seems. Now he is a “concussed wrestler” who carried a mannequin to the ring with him…and he was in a tag team with Orlando Jordan! I am sorry, but it is sad that last year he was in a pretty solid heel faction in World Elite only to be buried this way. I guess this is how TNA treats a wrestler that was with the company for years.
ETS and the Praxis Series – They are in Eternal Detention, but I just read that they raised their prices and I am not a fan. I will have to pay $140.00 to take a Middle School Curriculum Test again (leaning towards Math or English). Wish me luck, class. I will need it.
HDNet – For not having programming in Pittsburgh. Make it happen, Mark Cuban!
Bella Twins – Is there really a use for them?
Abyss – For STILL carrying around my 7th Grade Woodshop Project! Seriously, I need that back.
Michael Cole – He had a case of “Viciousitis”. What is that you ask? It is a case of using “Vicious” too much.
NXT’s Kissing Competition – Really, did this need to be on TV? Even though NXT after that was not bad, I don’t think I can watch it again because of this competition. But then again, I got DVR now so I don’t have to worry about that. This will be a segment that I nominate for Eternal Detention on Saturday.
Eternal Detention will be up next week with ESPN as a new member.
If there are any other things you would like in detention, remember it is YOUR column as well. Please send me an e-mail to mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll for the week of July 26 – August 1, 2010
7/26 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw Matches
7/27 – Graded WWE NXT Matches
7/28 – Column Writing. After that, I watched ROH on YouTube and recap the show.
7/29 – Graded WWE Superstars and TNA Impact Matches.
7/30 – Graded Smackdown Matches
7/31 – OFF DAY
8/01 – OFF DAY
Distinguished Honors – Roderick Strong vs. Christopher Daniels, ROH on HDNet, July 26.
How it ended – The ROH Main Event ended when Strong pulled Daniels to the ropes and Truth Martini, Strong’s manager, clobbered Daniels in the head with “The Book of Truth”. Strong then finished Daniels off with a Running Boot to earn a pinfall victory.
Grade: B+
Why it was distinguished honors-worthy? If this was a start to a feud between Strong and Daniels, then I believed that it was a fantastic start in the ring. They told a good story from the start and exchanged offense frequently. The fought close throughout the match (when the wrestlers would be near each other with no break) and showed no signs of sloppiness.
I have been really impressed with Strong’s heel move. He was a good face character, but as a heel (new manager as well) he did a great job. Daniels’ knee was worked on throughout the contest and Daniels really sold it from the start of the attack. Daniels only did one spot after that which involved lifting.
The flow was excellent, the chemistry between the two were superb, and the ending was as good as they could have had it for both wrestlers to get over after the match. Those are my elements to a pretty good match.
High Honors – Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin vs. Robert Roode and James Storm, TNA Impact, July 29.
How it ended – It was a Steel Cage match and if Beer Money won this match, they would have won the TNA World Tag Team Championships. But the celebration will have to wait as Storm accidently shattered his beer bottle on Roode’s head! Sabin and Shelley then executed a Neckbreaker/Frog Splash combination to win the match by pinfall, but Roode and Storm still hold a 2-1 advantage in a best-of-5 series.
Grade: B.
Why it was high honors-worthy? The start really caught my eye, as Shelley and Sabin entered by climbing to the top of the cage to do a surprise attack on Roode and Storm. That is what they had to do. They are down 2-0 in a best-of-five series, so attack at all areas, right?
The match was very spotty, but Shelly and Sabin were crisp in their spots and I have to give them credit for their athletic ability. I was also shocked that Roode and Storm really kept the pace from going all crazy. Beer Money did slow the pace down at times, which made this match better than their last two encounters.
The one wrestler that truly stood out was Sabin. Near the end of the match, Sabin climbed to the top of the cage and delivered a crossbody splash from the very top! Yes, they gave that away for free.
There are times where I want to see a good story and times in which I want to be entertained. I think this contest did a good job in meeting both requirements. Here’s hoping they can continue this momentum next week.
Honors – Christian vs. Drew McIntyre, Friday Night Smackdown, July 30.
How it ended – As McIntyre was about to finish off Christian with a Future Shock DDT, Christian’s awareness worked to his advantaged and he rolled up McIntyre with an Inside Cradle for the surprising pinfall victory.
Grade: B.
Why it was honors-worthy? This was a very good mid-card way to open up Smackdown last Friday. The way these wrestlers performed on Smackdown this could have very well been a main event-quality match. McIntyre was perfect in his technical work, as he did a toll on Christian’s shoulder.
Christian easily made the pain believable. Christian also was very sound in his in-ring work. He may have the best flying uppercuts and dropkicks from the top rope in the business.
Overall, the chemistry was pretty impressive and both were very aware in this contest. It is a very good story and I thought the roll up finish was very well booked. Christian’s shoulder was injured, so he did have to improvise, right?
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: Roderick Strong vs. Christopher Daniels (ROH).
B: Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin vs. Robert Roode and James Storm (TNA); Christian vs. Drew McIntyre (Smackdown); Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston (Smackdown); Rey Mysterio vs. Jack Swagger (Smackdown).
B-: The Miz and Sheamus vs. Chris Jericho and John Cena (RAW); MVP vs. Chavo Guerrero (Superstars);
C+: Husky Harris vs. Kaval (NXT) and Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella vs. William Regal and Primo (Superstars)
C: Nexus vs. Team Raw (RAW); Percy Watson vs. Zack Ryder (NXT); Michael McGillicutty vs. Eli Cottonwood (NXT); Jon Davis and Kory Chavis vs. Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards (ROH); and Abyss vs. Tommy Dreamer (TNA);
C-: Randy Orton vs. Jey Uso (RAW); Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. John Morrison (RAW); Angelina Love vs. Sarita (TNA); Caylen Croft vs. Chris Masters (Superstars); Matt Morgan, Gunner, and Murphy vs. Jeff Hardy and Mr. Anderson (TNA); The Big Show vs. Luke Gallows (Smackdown); and Michelle McCool vs. Tiffany (Smackdown)
D+, D, or D-: Alicia Fox vs. Brie Bella (RAW); Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli vs. Josh Emmanuel and Ice Jackson (ROH); Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli vs. Adam Cole and Nick Westgate (ROH); Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe (dressed as ninjas) vs. Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli (ROH); and Shannon Moore/Jesse Neal vs. Eric Young/Orlando Jordan (TNA)
F or INC: The Great Khali vs. Edge (RAW) and Rob Terry vs. Kazarian (TNA)
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings
The predictions stand as is from Mr. V #79. We are not sure if we will do a Hardcore Justice one unless something drastic happens (as in what will be on the card). Stay Tuned.
Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment (Brought to you by JR’s BBQ. Even though the WWE won’t air his voice on the intro, he will never leave the sponsorship of this segment unless someone pays for this spot).
Dolph Ziggler – I think the man is finally getting pushed right. And from what I read, I am happy that he is going in the right direction.
Kofi Kingston – He showed signs of intensity on the July 30th edition of Smackdown. It is something I have not seen in him since his feud with Randy Orton.
Kane – He presented himself very nicely in the Fox News interview that he did. He talked about the Libertarian party and his beliefs on that. I have to respect him for his intelligence.
Roderick Strong – This “Truth Martini” as a manger bit is working very well for him.
Jillian Hall – She earns on for foiling the Bella Twins plan to switch. Well Done.
Claudio Castagnoli – He reminds me to stay Very European.
WWE Superstars – I thought the July 29th edition was very good for what they had on their roster after the Smackdown and Raw tapings. It was a very good show.
Randy Orton – I will say it right now, he WILL win the WWE Title at Summerslam. He is probably the most over with the fans at this time and does remind me a bit of Steve Austin.
Alberto Del Rio – Not only does he have an amazing kitchen, exquisite art, and people to pour wine for him…but he also has a globe, is a master at the billiard table, and provides tips on being successful! What can’t he do?
Mikey Whipwreck – Get well soon.
“Dashing” Cody Rhodes – He presented the Smackdown audience with another grooming tip. Was he wearing an avocado mask? If so, even I would not go there.
Motor City Machineguns and Beer Money – On an Impact that I was not too impressed with, this may have been the best highlight. It was another PPV-type match that they gave to cable and satellite providers for free. Still, both were very impressive.
Prince Nana – Happy Birthday, Leader of The Embassy! One must see his work in ROH and that would be proof enough that he is the best manager in professional wrestling right now! Go on YouTube to see a one minute clip of Nana wrestling Matt Striker.
Pittsburgh Pirates – I am actually happy with the trades at the 2010 MLB Trade Deadline. Chris Snyder for 3 Pirate scrubs was great! Also, we got a top prospect in the Dodgers system for Dotel. Terrific Job this year!
Drew McIntyre – Maybe I was too hard on him weeks ago.
Will Farrell – He turned down the Bella Twins. That bit I found funny.
HBK – He earns one for opening up a website (www.theshawnmichaels.com) and posting a YouTube clip on what he has been doing since retirement.
More Gold Stars to follow on “The Teacher’s Lounge”. If you have any suggestions for a Gold Star or Detention send them my way to mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Homework Assignment (Assignment will begin very soon)
This week, I will be sending a ballot out to the columnists and staff of WrestleView.com and it will have categories on them. They will pick who they believe is the best and worst of the Half-Year of 2010.
Remember, since most of us started in February 2009 I like to consider Feb. – August as the mid-way point.
I won’t give you all the topics yet because I have not created a ballot for the students of WrestleView yet. That will occur next week. Stay tuned to WrestleView.com throughout the week for the selections.
Here are some topics to think of while you wait.
2010 Wrestler of the Half-Year
2010 Most Improved
Best PPV of the Half-Year
Best match of the Half-Year
2010 Worst Wrestler of the Half-Year
However, if you want to do your good deed of the week please vote for my friend’s cause at www.refresheverything.com/mdcamp. My friend’s name is James Lacerenza and he is attempting to go for $50,000 once more to write off some MD Camp expenses. This is a very noble cause and no one has to pay (except for Pepsi if James does win). Last month he came a bit short in 17th, but should be able to win it this month with your help. So, please help a fellow student out. Vote for James this month (you can vote once every day)!
Dismissal
Well, that does it for me this week. I thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed this column as much as I typed it out. If you want to get a hold of me during the week, please e-mail me at mistervwv@hotmail.com,/a>, teacherslounge@hotmail.com, or by leaving me a message on Facebook. I do get a lot of e-mails and may not reply in a timely fashion, but I will do my best to give you a quicker reply.
Now, students you are allowed to leave the classroom. Please push in your chairs, line up straight, and exit to the closest door around you. Until next week, you are all……DISMISSED!!!!
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NEW MATERIAL every week!
http://www.examiner.com/x-26526-Pittsburgh-Pro-Wrestling-Examiner
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Already on the archives we interviewed Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings), Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds), Crystal Mai from Diva-Dirt.com, and The YouTube Sensation who had choice words to CM Punk.
David Stephens (That’s A Wrap and Raw recapper) and I have a weekly Internet show only on the WrestleView Radio Network. It does cost a bit of money, but we will do our best to make it worth it. If you want to be a part of the Lounge for our “E-mails” section, you may drop us a line at teacherslounge@hotmail.com. To sign up, click here.