From the Desk of Mr. V #86
September 9, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
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 86th Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit” – Napoleon Hill.
This quote is dedicated to those who are overcoming adversity. Keep going strong and the rewards will be delightful.
Teacher’s Lecture
I will be honest. The week has been slow on news. But I must first discuss NXT Season Three and I will try and be positive about it.
1) The 2010 WWE NXT/Universe Diva Contest
The Lecture: I went to this edition of NXT with a clear mind. I have seen some of them in FCW and I wondered if they were ready for the big stage in the WWE. I thought this was a good “wake up call” to the WWE Divas who are struggling in the ring and on the mic. Yes, there are many WWE Divas that don’t have those qualities. And why should they? They don’t usually have a long program anyway. So, to sum it up I will do an outline on what I thought was pretty good and what was not so good. This will be in an outline form, because I am in the school year mode now.
I. Material that was good on Season 3’s NXT
a. Naomi – This is the woman who I think will replace Alicia Fox if she performs at a level that I expect. When she debuted in FCW, she had a bit of promise. I will be very honest here. I think Naomi exceeded my expectations on her the first week of this season. She won her challenges, she won her match, and she was surprisingly over with the crowd. I don’t know if it was her hair being purple and black (Baltimore Ravens colors), but she had something that put her in the head of the class this week.
b. Vickie Guerrero – I know it has been mentioned before, but she will be the “heel” on this show. And she did a very good job annoying the heck out of everyone. On Smackdown, Raw, wherever she can generate heat anywhere around the globe. The way she treated Kaitlyn was wrong, but I could not help but to laugh because Vickie played the role to perfection already. Even if Kaitlyn gets eliminated, Vickie will still be on the program and that is perfect. Also she screams at everything. Don’t be the last person to get a slice of pizza in front of her. She may cause you to go deaf.
c. New theme song – It is by Kevin Rudolf, so that can’t be bad. It could be worse, I can only stand “Wild and Young” for so long.
d. AJ – I knew she was small, but wow she looked very tiny next to Aksana. I felt bad for her, because Aksana was dropping her everywhere. AJ is much better than what she showed this past week on NXT. I think if they put AJ vs. Naomi honestly it could be a very good divas match. Hey, it worked on FCW.
II. Material that was not good on Season 3’s NXT
a. Dancing contest – It just looked like they were just doing some striptease on a pole. The only classy thing was when Josh Mathews demonstrated that he can be a smooth man.
b. Capture the Flag – I was hoping that they would dress in Army gear, go all camoflauge, and run around the arena to find flags. Instead, we got another scene from Double Dare.
STOP!!!!! Some of you may ask. What is Double Dare? I will show you the greatest obstacle course in the world.
Only if it was actually like this. I actually would mark out for that. Maybe if Marc Summers was hosting NXT it might be watchable.
c. Alicia Fox and Maxine – Gosh were they bad in the ring. It is sad when the “rookie” schooled the “pro”.
d. Aksana – The female Vladimir Kozlov on the mic. She was not terrible, but her accent reminded me of that Russian comedian. You know, that “In Soviet Russia, WWE screws YOU”. Gold Star to who remembered that comedian. In the ring, she was awful as well. I felt bad for AJ because it was not a good debut.
III. Conclusion
a. Look, it is easy to say how awful this was. I thought it was pretty bad as well, but it can only get better, right? I thought there were some bright spots to this show, but as Mike Tedesco said in his NXT Recap “A part of me wanted this competition to get out on the right foot and be successful. But it started with the announcers making fun of them and then we see that it’s going to be three months of them just being treated like pieces of meat like the rest of the divas are. WWE doesn’t give a crap at all so why should I?” If they want to take this to another network, it is going to be a tough sell. I don’t think this season will do any favors. But until it transitions to WWE.com, I will continue to watch it and hope for some better things. But right now, it is nothing more than the Vickie and Naomi show.
2) The Anvil spent time in The Slammer
My Lecture: The tragedy still continues in professional wrestling. There are some really good guys in this business, but the ones that do horrible things are the ones that get the publicity (and not the good kind).
I read on FoxSports.com that Jim Neidhart was arrested. So once again, sports media will easily mention when a pro wrestler commits a crime and when say John Cena grants more wishes than any pro athlete that is not even “newsworthy”. Sad…
According to WrestleView, here are the charges that The Anvil will face.
– Two counts of possession of a controlled substance
– Two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance
– One count of burglary of an occupied dwelling
– One count of grand theft
This is very serious stuff! Stuff that I can’t see Neidhart getting out of. And that is a shame that his story has this twist.
I feel bad for the family. Neidhart’s oldest daughter said that “he is just a sick man” and “not a criminal”. I am not sure anymore.
What does this do for Natalya (who is employed with the WWE now)? I hope the WWE realizes that she is not at fault and they don’t punish her for her father’s misfortune.
The WWE did the right thing taking down his “Alumni Page”. He is a part of history, I get that part. But right now the WWE should not have to celebrate Neidhart’s career because of his legal issues. Remember, the WWE is a public business and will do anything to keep them marketable. Promoting Neidhart would only cause problems that the WWE really does not want to get into at the moment.
I guess all I can type here is that I hope The Anvil cleans himself up and gets help. It seems like professional wrestling columnists type this up way too much. I think it should be time to put a stop to all of it, one step at a time.
Detentions
Ben Roethlisberger – Do I need a reason? Now he lost his captaincy for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dallas Cowboys – I can put them in there because, well, I feel like it. I’m a Steelers fan!
Eric Bischoff – I am tired of him seeing the “wrongs” in other wrestling promotions, but does he work for them? Nope! He works for TNA, so focus on THAT!
Hulk Hogan – He earned one for videotaping himself in a hospital. Look, I hope he is ok but keep it private Hogan!
Alicia Fox – I don’t know if she meant “Unified” or “Undefined”, but either way she got no reaction cutting a heel promo. Like I said, if NXT’s Naomi does a good job A-Fox’s job may be in jeopardy.
Hornswoggle – For poking fun at a doctor that he gave “electroshock therapy” to. So, it’s not ok to bleed on TV but it is ok to electrify someone that is help the leprechaun talk.
Teddy Long – For leaving in the scene of the crime.
Darren Young – For interrupting a decent match on Raw last Monday. It somewhat reminded me of Savio Vega interrupting a great Nation of Domination promo
Skip to 3:46. And Yes! Ron Simmons was more than just a “one word catchphrase”. This wrestling fans, was the good old days.
Michael Cole – Oh my gosh what was with the outfit they made him wear on NXT on Tuesday? Reminds me of this…
D2’s Football Poll – How dare you not put Edinboro in the top 25? Now I am upset!
Snooki from Jersey Shore – Can we please put someone in jail for being an idiot? I nominate her.
NEW Eternal Detention selection (by: Jamel Watson)
Quizno’s: Those commercials have got to be the dumbest things that I have ever seen. My three month old nephew cries every time those things come on and I feel like it to sometimes. They almost make you not want to eat at Quizno’s for fear that one of those animals will pop out.
The guilty party:
Exhibit A:
Look, I know I hate it when parents exploit their children on the Internet, but this proved a point that with heavy editing to an already recycled clip, you can make a baby cry to the worst commercials since…
Mr. V’s Take: Mr. Watson, I read your heartfelt statement and I came to a conclusion that this company should be placed in Eternal Detention until further notice. I don’t know what is Quizno’s problem is, but whoever thought it was a good idea should have been fired. In a world where I believe there are many quality marketing people without a job, Quizno’s hires probably people that did not graduate from Clown College with honors. The commercial is annoying, appalling, and may lead to some harm to adorable kittens.
So Quizno’s, you and your cardboard-tasting subs can get out of Pittsburgh (which apparently is happening now), out of the minds of pro wrestling fans, and stay in Eternal Detention. Yes, that seat next to ETS and the Praxis Series, sit down! You will be in there for a while.
Eternal Detention List
The 2010 French Soccer Team
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Ryan Clark
The Bee and Wasp family
Bubba The Love Sponge
The Pittsburgh Pirates Front Office
The dorky fan caught on YouTube yelling at The Miz at E3
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Quizno’s
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll for the week of August 30 – September 5, 2010
8/30 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw Matches
8/31 – Graded WWE NXT Matches
9/01 – Column Writing. After that, I watched ROH on YouTube and recap the show.
9/02 – Graded WWE Superstars and TNA Impact Matches.
9/03 – Graded Smackdown Matches
9/04 – OFF DAY
9/05 – OFF DAY
Distinguished Honors – Kofi Kingston vs. Chavo Guerrero, WWE Superstars, September 2.
How it ended? Kofi Kingston ended the match when he hit the Trouble in Paradise who Chavo Guerrero (who at the time was sitting on the top turnbuckle). Kingston pinned Guerrero for the victory.
Grade: B-.
Why it was distinguished honors: I was impressed for a moment with Kingston attacking on the ground. That is still an element that he will need to improve on in order to be a multi-dimensional pro wrestler. The pace was pretty good, not great. Both wrestlers sold leg injuries and one that that I really enjoyed during the match was when they were both attacking while on the mat. I was not a fan on the finish, as I thought it was a bit rushed. However, Kingston really needed to get a solid victory like Guerrero to get him back into the title picture with Ziggler. Honestly, Kingston had a better program with Guerrero than he did with Ziggler.
High Honors – Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli vs. El Generico and Colt Cabana, ROH on HDNet, August 30.
How it ended? Colt Cabana was a bit distracted when he saw Kevin Steen and Steve Corino near the entrance ramp. While Cabana was staring them down, Chris Hero connected with The Death Blow on Cabana and got the victory by pinfall in this non-title match (Hero and Castagnoli are the ROH Tag Champs).
Grade: B-.
Why it was high honors: My first reaction after watching this was that it was a good tune-up for what both teams will be up against come Glory by Honor IX. I thought the tag match was very good. I thought I saw a couple of missed spots, but they were so small that it did not matter. Hero was near perfect in this match that night. Hero was very solid with the elbow strikes. Castagnoli showed some good power moments, and showed that he is easily the most powerful guy on the ROH roster. Generico was spotty, but that is his style. He did take a lot of punishment, but then instantly came flying near the end. I was just a bit confused about that. Cabana was pretty spot on with everything in the ring, as his moves were basic but he does all of them so well. I liked the finish with Corino and Steen being a distraction. They might be in Cabana and Generico’s head (as it is booked that way), and the end result could not have been done any better.
Honors – Fortune (AJ Styles, Kazarian, Robert Roode, and James Storm) vs. EV 2.0 (Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Rhino, and Brian Kendrick), TNA Impact, September 2.
How it ended? It was AJ Styles and Tommy Dreamer in the end. Just when Dreamer was about to seal the deal, Styles poked Dreamer in the eye and then finished Dreamer off with the Pele Kick. Styles pinned Dreamer and Fortune got the team victory in this 8-man elimination match.
Grade: C+ (leaned toward B-).
Why it was honors: I thought the beginning was not entirely bad. Fortune showed their strengths, as well as EV 2.0. I was impressed with Kendrick being absolutely crazy. Kendrick is doing crazy correctly, and could be a good fit in EV 2.0 (doubtful he will be in that faction). Sabu was eliminated very quickly, and it made me wonder if he could have handled Williams when they fought at No Surrender. If this match began their story, than I am sold for now. Both factions did a good job battling before and during this match that it actually gained my attention. Overall, this did wonders for the leaders of their factions. Dreamer looked really strong and Styles had to finish it and he did. It was a nice, easy-to-follow contest that made EV 2.0 look like a threat.
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: None to Report.
B: None to Report.
B-: Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli vs. El Generico and Colt Cabana (ROH) and Kofi Kingston vs. Chavo Guerrero (Superstars).
C+: Tyler Black vs. Steve Corino (ROH); Alex Riley vs. Kaval vs. Michael McGillicutty (NXT); Ted DiBiase, Jr. vs. Goldust (Superstars); and AJ Styles, Kazarian, Robert Roode, and James Storm vs. Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, and Brian Kendrick (TNA).
C: Wade Barrett, Heath Slater, David Otunga, Michael Tarver, and Justin Gabriel vs. Randy Orton, John Cena, Sheamus, Edge, and Chris Jericho (RAW); Mr. Anderson and D’Angelo Dinero vs. Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy (TNA); Christian vs. Drew McIntyre (Smackdown); The Big Show vs. CM Punk and Luke Gallows (Smackdown); and Cody Rhodes vs. Matt Hardy (Smackdown).
C-: Roderick Strong, Chrisitan Able, and Josh Raymond vs. Mike Bennett, Andy Ridge, and Jay Freddie (ROH); The Miz and Alex Riley vs. Kofi Kingston and Michael McGillicutty vs. Daniel Bryan and Kaval (RAW); and Santino Marella vs. Jimmy Uso (Superstars).
D+, D, or D-: Melina and Eve Torres vs. Michelle McCool and Layla (RAW); Jack Swagger vs. Evan Bourne (RAW); Madison Rayne and Biker Enforcer (later Tara) vs. Velvet Sky and Angelina Love (TNA); Stevie Richards vs. Abyss (TNA); Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett (TNA); Michelle McCool vs. Kelly Kelly (Smackdown); and Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Masters (Smackdown).
F or INC: Eddie Edwards vs. Mike Sydal (ROH) and John Morrison and R-Truth vs. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre (RAW).
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings
To the readers that made their picks, we did not change much.
Whoever picked the Motor City Machineguns, it was awarded a win. Mainly, almost everyone selected The Guns anyway to win and to those that picked London Brawling I made them go with Generation Me.
I did ask the columnists about the result of Angle vs. Jeff Hardy. By a vote of 3-2, the match counted. Sometimes, we all have to take into consideration that it will end in a no contest or a draw. However, I think everyone picked Angle to win so it did not truly affect the standings.
Daniel Browne made his picks after the article was posted and before the PPV started. Therefore, his picks counted.
2010-2011 Season (As of TNA’s No Surrender 2010)
1) David Stephens (That’s a Wrap and RAW Recapper)………….65-37 (5-3)
2) Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza and TNA Recapper)……………….65-37 (5-3)
3) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings)……………………………………62-40 (4-4)
4) Students of the Week (The Best from Prev. PPV)………………62-40 (4-4)*
5) Matt O’Brien (Notes From The Nosebleeds)…………………………59-43 (4-4)
6) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/ROH Recaps)……….59-43 (4-4)
7) Daniel Browne (For Queen and Country)……………………………..59-43 (5-3)
8) WrestleView Students (The Loyal Readers)………………………..59-43 (5-3)
9) Doug Lackey (Reality From Ringside)…………………………………..52-42 (NR)
10) Jeff Springer (WWE Superstars Recapper)……………………………48-35 (6-2)
11) Mike Tedesco (Smackdown and NXT Recapper)…………………44-35 (NR)
12) Sean Hurley (The Sharpshooter)………………………………………..28-32 (NR)
13) Joe Baiamonte (Baiamonte’s Casa/2009 WV Champ)………24-20 (NR)
The next PPV will be WWE’s Night of Champions. Craig Alan Cope will be the Student of the Week because of his 7-1 record (his only miss was the Angle/Hardy no contest).
*Michael Phillips, the previous Student of the Week, was defeated. He posted a 4-4 record.
Among the Faculty, Jeff Springer scored the best No Surrender record at 6-2
Overall, we had 10 “WV Students” and the average amount of wins was 4.8. Since I estimate their results I averaged it out as a 5-3 record for the Students.
Past Students of the Week: Evan O’Brien, TJ Patton, Ricky Langston, Craig Alan Cope, Paul Lyons, SUPERSTARZZ, Jeremy Samples, Josh Logan, Eric Marin, David Sumroy, Crystal Mai, Michael Phillips, Sean Martin, Sam Newstone, Brian Czygan, Luke (Bond7), Austen Allen, Paul Meade, and Frank Contorno.
Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment
I am now dedicating this segment to ColtMerch.com! Since he was kind enough to sit down and answer questions when Dave and I interviewed him on “The Teacher’s Lounge”. I am happy to support him and I actually purchased items. The shipping is fast and the products are great. If you are a fan of ROH or Colt Cabana, check out his products.
Alberto Del Rio – For just being what he is on Smackdown (by: Jamel Watson as well)
Mike Tedesco – He had to recap NXT. Yes, it will be a long season.
Craig Alan Cope – One of my veteran readers to the column posted an amazing 7-1 record among the WrestleView Students, and therefore will have a chance to go toe-to-toe with the rest of the WrestleView staff when we pick winners for Night of Champions.
Michael Phillips – Thank you for participating in the picks, but he missed out on retaining. Still, a good showing.
Jeff Springer – He posted a 6-2 record for No Surrender, and is now #10 in the standings. His 6-2 mark was the best among the WrestleView staff.
Dave Stephens and Josh Boutwell – They are STILL the Co-Deans of WrestleView (no matter how many times Stephens wants to deny it). Here’s hoping they break the tie in two weeks.
Jay Lethal – He knows why, I won’t spoil it.
Kane vs. Undertaker – I know this has been done more than once, but the team that booked this feud made this edition of their rivalry their best yet. Sure, Kane’s promos are long-winded, but it truly reminds me of a movie. I bet more people will watch this movie than “Legendary”.
Claudio Castagnoli – For staying “Very European”.
Colt Cabana – He gets gold stars until I am tired of doing this segment.
Jim Ross – Wrestling commentary misses you, JR.
To those who completed the homework assignment – It is not too late to vote for the 2010 Mid-Year Awards. I am happy to get over 30, but my goal is fifty. Every vote counts, so vote away!
http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283281221 (ballot is located here)
Anyone who had to recap NXT Season 3’s premiere – I took notes on this and outside a few details, it was that bad. Almost like Pittsburgh Pirates bad.
Kurt Angle – He kept wrestling in the ring despite the injuries and blood loss. He may be crazy, but he fought as if his career was on the line (and in stipulations it was on the line). Still, I really think he should tone it down a bit.
Edinboro Fighting Scots Football Program – They are my alma mater (don’t believe it, Wikipedia that) and they scored a HUGE upset last week against West Liberty. If they are not in the D2 Top 25 I will send them to detention. (Note: D2’s poll does not include Edinboro. Be right back).
Dunkin Donuts – You get one for making an Iced Coffee just the way I like it! 32 oz. for just $2.21? It’s a great way to start the day in the classrooms.
To fathers who are getting their kids ready for their first day of school – This is the first time I am experiencing this, and yes I cried as much as Tommy Dreamer. I am so excited for my child to enter a school with such prestige. Don’t worry class, she just learned the Cross Arm Breaker last week.
Homework Assignment
Same Assignments as always. I will be totaling up the Mid-Year Ballots and type out the article this weekend since I have no ROH Recap nor PPV material to work on. To cast your vote, please click here:
http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283281221
All you have to do is simply copy and paste the ballot on Microsoft Word. Place your pick in Bold Font and then send it back at mistervwv@hotmail.com. Over 25 picks have been tallied, and I would love to get to 50.
1) 2010 Mid-Year Awards Ballot is up on WrestleView. Just send me your picks and I will count them out. Assignment is due September 11, 2010.
2) Please vote for my friend’s cause at http://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). Two months ago 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, 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!!!!
Look for Mr. V on Facebook under Anthony J. Valvo in the Pittsburgh Network
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THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Previous Guest: ROH Professional Wrestler Colt Cabana!
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, and ROH Wrestler Colt Cabana! For $4.99, you get all of this along with many other hours of content.
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