From the Desk of Mr. V #94
November 4, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
He puts the ANT in Anthony, he puts the J in J and O in Valvo – He is OUR teacher, the one, the only Mr. V!!! (From: Luke Bartlett)
Thanks Mr. Bartlett, now I can officially begin the column.
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.
In this week’s lecture, I will review some good and bad moments from TNA’s Bound for Glory and go over what in the world is going on with the commentary teams in the WWE.
So sit back and grab some coffee, a hot cup of apple cider, or whatever your choice of beverage may be this week. Relax as you read the 94th Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
On a Side Note…
Since a few of you enjoyed my friend’s challenge of me entering the word “Ravishing” seven times in my column I decided to do the same thing again. Kind of like Pee Wee Herman’s Secret Word.
So the word that my good friend Travis Thomas (in case some do not know, the man that introduced me to WrestleView) came up with is not “fun”, but…
STUNNING!
So, once again I will add the word “Stunning” seven times in my column. Whoever finds it e-mail me and you will get a Gold Star.
The Quest for Seven starts now!
Countdown to Mr. V #100…42 Days!
Quote of the Week
The quote this week comes from Luke Bartlett (his second appearance in this column).
“The quietest slug gets the most lettuce.”
Here I thought all slugs are quiet, but still a quote to really make one think. Thank you again Mr. Bartlett for your participation. It was a very stunning quote. Please scroll down to get your Gold Star.
Teacher’s Lecture
1) The Fifty Million Dollar Mistake?
Lecture: Linda McMahon recently ran for United States Senate against Richard Blumenthal and came up short on November 2nd. Was it a $50 Million mistake? Coming from Pittsburgh, we are used to seeing those mistakes at PNC Park. Seriously, to come that close in a really tough state to run as a Republican was a strong feat. Now, I see many comments around the wrestling community…
…Let’s bring back “non-PG” programming!
I think those people are crazy. The days of having to be hardcore and violent on mainstream wrestling television is over now. I don’t think they should get away from the PG Programming for a while because there is no need.
They have a ton of newer sponsors to please and then their people have to talk to the sponsors about the changes and more than likely sponsors would balk at the idea. Plus, the WWE’s ratings between the last couple years are pretty much the same (more or less). Also, my stance in pro wrestling has changed. Chair shots are fine and dandy when I was a wrestling fan in the 1990s and in most of the 2000s. Now you find studies about head trauma and injuries; and honestly it makes so many fans think. I am not a pro wrestler nor want to be one, but I have had a few concussions in my day. I am dead honest when I say they are the scariest moments of one’s life. I had one in college that was so bad I completely blanked where my dorm was (and no, I did not drink that special root beer).
The WWE in the 90s had to be edgy to stay alive as a business. Now that they have total control, they can do what they want to do and the majority of wrestling fans will most likely watch it. I actually think “PG-ing” the WWE led to some great wrestling. They also had some good storylines (though some I will admit are childish). As a man with a child now who is in school, I have no problem leaving the TV on when there is WWE on it (in TNA, at times I would have to pause my DVR and have her go to another room because let’s face it, it is gruesome). Heck, my daughter is a BIG Zack Ryder fan (WWE, don’t release this guy).
To go back now at the Linda McMahon loss, it should not be considered a failure. She battled a tough battle and came up short. She made it farther than millions thought and she should be applauded for her efforts (as Dave Stephens put it). Linda can simply go back to politics; the WWE will be fine without her. Let’s just hope all the charities and positive video the WWE promoted will continue, and not be just a fad.
2) TNA the latest to ban chair shots to the head.
Lecture: In an interview with Brian Fritz, TNA Superstar Mr. Anderson said the following:
“TNA has absolutely thrown down the gauntlet and said no more unprotected chair shots,” stated TNA star Mr. Anderson on the “Between The Ropes” radio show. “And every time there is a chair involved in the ring, the agents will come up and say please make sure for me that you are not going to … that you’re going to put your hand up. Please tell me you’re going to put your hand up or it’s going to be a back shot or something like that.” (Credit: WrestleView 11-30-2010)
Now, if this is true I applaud TNA. The past few months, there were some chair shots that were pretty sickening that would concuss a weaker man. I will admit that years ago it was a badge of honor. Now, it is dim-witted.
And I agree, if one is going for a chair, make sure a hand is up or just attack the back. What Jeff Hardy did was very sick when he clobbered Anderson in the back of the head with a chair and that accident could have been worse. I hope Anderson recovers from this injury and I am sure Jeff Hardy was concerned after the scene was over. But what I saw on TNA Reaction was more than enough for me to state that Chair Shots to the head should be banned on television because they are pretty dangerous.
So if this is 100% legit, I raise my stunning coffee mug to TNA Wrestling for doing this.
There goes my lecture and I am sorry for sounding repetitive, but I am very concerned about the safety of wrestlers when it comes to the head and neck area. We live in different times now and science is stronger than ever. We need to do our best to prevent injuries to the head, even if it means some people sacrifice.
Any Questions?
This is a new topic of mine. Since I am no longer the ROH on HDNet Recapper for powers that I could not control, I decided to add another feature to the column. I looked on my Facebook Wall and saw a few things from my readers and I will do my best to provide some thoughts on them. Also, I will attempt to make my reply brief, but effective for my students. Remember, if not for students there would be no teachers. I see some hands up…
Yes, Ken Konarzewski…the guy in the Zack Pack T-Shirt! Wow, this was long when I read it, so I will chop it down. I hope you don’t mind, Ken.
Being bored at work, I have decided to ask the teacher a question that has been irking me for the previous week. A few weeks ago we saw that TNA was going to be in Michigan for four shows, and that me and Ghetto Dan were going to see a few. Due to scheduling conflicts, we were only able to see TNA in Port Huron, MI. We got there, and having known only the previous nights House Show results, we saw the exact same show that was on the results. The reason I wasn’t as disappointed, is that I do read the Smackdown spoilers, since I rarely check out Smackdown when it’s live, but still watch it afterwards.
Coming to Michigan, you have a lot of independent federations around the area that have plenty of talent you can use. Whether they are squashes for new talent, tryouts for new talent, you can get decent matches out of these indy federation stars, and I would have loved to see how some of these stars could handle wrestling against some of the TNA stars. Although I’m not booking agents for these people, but the following matches could have been interesting.
MCMG vs. The Osirian Portal (Ophidian and Amasis)
MCMG vs. Super Smash Bros (Player Uno and Player Dos (as long as Dos is still not injured))
Abyss vs. Brodie Lee
Abyss vs. Eddie Venom (Michigan indy star)
Jay Lethal vs. Tyson Dux
Eric Young vs. Anthony Fiasco
What do you think TNA could do during its house shows that are definitely not selling a good amount of numbers, to either make it fiscally responsible to host the show or better their own product?
First Ken, I thank you for your question and your e-mail.
Now, to reply to your booking suggestions I must say you have some pretty good matchups. I do not know all of the wrestlers you posted, but it would not hurt to have a Super Smash Bros., Brodie Lee, Tyson Dux, or Eddie Venom on a separate card if TNA was willing to give them a paycheck. If TNA would not give them a paycheck, then those wrestlers would feel like they don’t need to waste their energy for them. It’s business.
On a side note, I suggest my students to check out a Tyson Dux match. He is a pretty good talent and I am surprised that he is not wrestling on a weekly show.
What I think TNA should do during its house shows is to bring in their big guns to select shows. Divide the rosters up into two mini rosters and both can wrestle at a couple locations. If they are not making much money, always go for a smaller venue. It would be cheaper to rent, and if the crowd can only fit 1000 and TNA gets that many it would be a win for them.
What I think TNA does is think they are bigger in some markets, when in reality they just tapped into the surface. I am not saying to go a small school’s gymnasium (nothing wrong with that), but maybe do a college tour. Go to some smaller colleges in the south to experiment, and then move north.
I think TNA thinks that Rome can be built in a day, but in honesty it will never be that easy. They had a good blueprint last year and abandoned it. It is tough for TNA right now but if they hire the right people, fire the wrong people, and go for some locations where they will be successful while keeping up with their programming on Spike it should be alright.
On a side note, I read the attendance numbers for their shows in Michigan. I would not be surprised if they just abandon that state altogether. If they are not drawing money there, it is time to go back to Nashville and Orlando and regroup.
Next Question?
I believe Robert Downing has a statement.
Write a little piece about Kevin Nash wanting to be in the rumble. It’s not that big of news but it’s something. I think it would be cool if he did it.
Thanks for the question, Robert.
So, Kevin Nash wants to participate in the Royal Rumble. Can he take a fall from the top rope? I find this to be a good news bit. I would not mind seeing Kevin Nash in the Royal Rumble as one of those usual “Rumble Surprises”, but only if it is a onetime deal. Unless it is KEVIN NASH that is the RAW GM.
I guess what I can type is that it would be stunning to have Kevin Nash compete as the “surprise” in the Royal Rumble. However, anything past it in a wrestling role would do nothing but hurt some wrestlers already on either Raw or Smackdown.
I see another hand up. Yes, Enzo Mendicino…WWE NXT Recapper for WrestleView.com?
If Cena “accidentally” gets knocked out during match at Survivor Series and another ref comes in and counts for Orton to win does Cena get fired?
Thanks for the question, Enzo.
That is a very good question, but I find it impossible since John Cena is actually Superman! However, if Wade Barrett found a bit if kryptonite and either he, Nexus, or Orton accidently threw it at Cena it would be a very good twist, as M. Night would say…
If that “did” happen, I would say that either Orton will make Cena smack the mat three times and Cena gets fired or that another referee comes in and tries to make a pin. When the pin is about to happen, Cena gets up and is angry. He A.A.s or FUs the ref and then gets back to calling the match.
I guess what I can type is that Cena will be impartial for the sake of his job in the WWE. He will award Barrett the title and maybe Cena is relieved from Nexus that night or Monday. No matter the scenario, expect the WWE Championship to briefly be held in the possession of The Nexus.
Are there any other questions? No? Well, I thank you for asking the questions. Keep them up by e-mailing me at mistervwv@hotmail.com. Keep the questions brief and I will provide my best answer.
Stay tuned for DETENTIONS!!
Detentions
Some WWE Divas – I won’t mention them by name (some may have an idea), but after watching the season of NXT I came up with somewhat of a conclusion. The NXT Divas may be better than the WWE Divas in the ring. Last Tuesday, each rookie told a bit of a story and the “Pros” had a forgettable match. It says something when the NXT Divas are doing a bit better than the pros.
Michael Cole – I am sorry if this offends anyone, but the Tuxedo T-Shirt has/is/never will be stunning on anyone! This is coming from a teacher, who always dresses in his Sunday’s best when on the job.
Minnesota Vikings – I am sorry I have to do this to those fans up there, but this team is bad. I hope things get better when the team’s QB and head coach leave town for good once the season is over.
Mike Tenay – Again, a downright bad performance again on Impact. I actually do feel bad for Taz, as he has grown on me as an adequate color commentator.
WWE – For absolutely destroying tag team wrestling. There is (and should be) a market for this division and the only tag team that is there now is The Usos…and they are on Superstars!
R-Truth and Ted DiBiase, Jr. – Please make the WWE get your old ring music back. Both themes are TERRIBLE!
That kid in the Nissan Highlander commercials – Honestly, I have some parents that read my column and I must ask this. What is one of the goals in being a parent?
Yes Mr. V! Mr. V says “To Be Lame”. That is correct. Well, at least be lame a few times for the good of your child. Seriously, this is a joke. But if I ever had a kid say “get this or you are a lame parent”, I would wear the lame parent badge in all its stunningness (I made this up and it does count as one of the seven)! I wish that someone grabs this kid and puts him up a flag pole. Ok, maybe that was wrong of me to type, so then grab a Nissan executive and tie him up by his underwear on top of a 25-foot high flagpole in a thunderstorm. There we go, no harm done on the children. Take THAT, Nissan!
Mark Cuban and HDNet – I decided that after three weeks of HDNet just suspending YouTube accounts for having their content on their channels, it was time to take action. Look, I like how ROH was accessible to those that did not have HDNet that even ROH wrestlers plugged an account that displayed the material. However, every time one clicks for some YouTube ROH Clips more than likely will see a “this video was removed” tab. HDNet I feel is for this and while they are doing a proper business decision, what they should do is possibly air it on their website or maybe cut a deal with a site to air the show. I say this to YOU, Mark Cuban. Bring HDNet to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (you know, the town that raised you) or be exiled from this great city. The choice is yours, Cuban.
Hulk Hogan – For showing your “no-nos” in front of people. That alone will be Eternal Detention.
The Eternal Detention Rundown
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
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
5-Hour Energy
Matt Hardy (yes, even YOU “Matthew”!)
Mark Cuban and/or HDNet
Hulk Hogan
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll for the week of October 25, 2010 – October 31, 2010
10/25 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw Matches
10/26 – Graded WWE NXT Matches
10/27 – Column Writing. After that, I watched ROH on YouTube and recap the show.
10/28 – Graded WWE Superstars and TNA Impact Matches.
10/29 – Graded Smackdown Matches
10/30 – OFF DAY
10/31 – OFF DAY
Distinguished Honors – Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler, Monday Night Raw, October 25.
How it ended – In a match that went stunningly long for a RAW match, Daniel Bryan countered a Dolph Ziggler Sleeper Hold with a LeBell Lock Submission. Even though Vickie Guerrero pulled Ziggler’s leg to the edge of the ring, Ziggler tapped out and Bryan won by submission.
Grade: B+ (leaned toward A-).
Distinguished Honors – Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio, Friday Night Smackdown, October 29.
How it ended – The match was an impressive main event for the Smackdown brand, as all the wrestlers involved worked tremendously. It ended when Edge speared Del Rio while Del Rio had Mysterio up on his shoulders. Edge then pinned Del Rio to secure the victory and Edge became the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Grade: B+ (leaned toward A-).
Honors – Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler, Friday Night Smackdown, October 29.
How it ended – In once again an impressive performance by both wrestlers, Daniel Bryan ended this match with a strong Roundhouse Kick to Ziggler’s head for the pinfall victory. Before the finish, Vickie Guerrero tried to make Ziggler the winner after the ref was out cold and Ziggler connected with the Zig Zag.
Grade: B+.
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW); Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler (Smackdown); and Edge vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio (Smackdown).
B: Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero vs. Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe (ROH).
B-: The Miz vs. R-Truth (RAW) and Zack Ryder vs. Tyson Kidd (Superstars).
C+: The Necro Butcher and Erick Stevens vs. Grizzly Redwood and Andy Ridge (ROH); Josh Raymond and Christian Able vs. Player Uno and Player Dos (ROH); and The Big Show and Kofi Kigston vs. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre (Smackdown).
C: John Cena vs. Randy Orton (Raw); Goldust and Aksana vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Maryse (NXT); MVP vs. Curt Hawkins (Superstars); Tyler Reks vs. Chris Masters (Superstars); Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley vs. Shannon Moore and Jesse Neal vs. Max Buck and Jeremy Buck (TNA); Douglas Williams and AJ Styles vs. Rob Van Dam and Raven (TNA); Jeff Jarrett vs. Matt Morgan (TNA); and Jack Swagger vs. Kaval (Smackdown).
C-: Naomi vs. Maxine (NXT); Brie Bella vs. AJ (NXT); Mark Henry vs. Jey Uso (Superstars); Robbie E. vs. Jay Lethal (TNA); and Madison Rayne, Tara, and Sarita vs. Mickie James, Angelina Love, and Velvet Sky (TNA).
D+, D, or D-: Michelle McCool and Layla vs. Natalya and Gail Kim (RAW); Santino Marella vs. Sheamus (RAW); and Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Kelly Kelly, and Melina vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, Rosa Mendes, and Alicia Fox (Smackdown).
F or INC: Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel vs. David Otunga and John Cena (RAW).
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings
2010-2011 Season (As of WWE’s Bragging Rights)
1) Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza and TNA Recapper)……………….78-48 (1-4)
2) David Stephens (That’s a Wrap and RAW Recapper)………….78-48 (2-3)
3) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings)……………………………………74-52 (3-2)
4) Students of the Week (The Best from Prev. PPV)………………74-52 (3-2)*
5) Daniel Browne (For Queen and Country)…………………………….73-53 (4-1)
6) WrestleView Students (The Loyal Readers)………………………..72-54 (3-2)**
7) Matt O’Brien (Notes From The Nosebleeds)…………………………71-55 (3-2)
8) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V)…………………………….71-55 (3-2)
9) Jeff Springer (WWE Superstars Recapper)……………………………62-45 (1-4)
10) Mike Tedesco (Smackdown and NXT Recapper)…………………55-40 (2-3)
11) Doug Lackey (Reality From Ringside)…………………………………..52-42 (NR)
12) Sean Hurley (The Sharpshooter)………………………………………..28-32 (NR)
13) Joe Baiamonte (Baiamonte’s Casa/2009 WV Champ)………24-20 (NR)
14) Enzo Mendicino (WWE NXT Recapper)…………………………………..6-7 (3-2)
The Students of the Week for TNA’s Turning Point will be Pat Lorang and Ricky Langston.
Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment
Gold Stars brought to you by: ColtMerch.com! Take a look at Colt Cabana’s merchandise and you won’t be disappointed
Also, while you are at it check out www.jrsbarbq.com. Jim Ross has some specials on all the BBQ Sauce you need. Now in some combos you can get a Free JR’s BBQ T-Shirt and even an autographed Kid’s Menu (though it may not do much good). Look at his blog and maybe buy a product or two. I know I will.
Ken Konarzewski, Robert Downing, and Enzo Mendicino – Thanks for the questions.
Dave Stephens, Paul Reich, Don McGrath, Ricky Langston, Benjamin Phillips, Rocky Dominguez, Zedrick Patterson, and in to those that sent me them in Facebook and accidently deleted them – Congrats on finding all seven “Ravishing” sightings in last week’s column. Did you find all the stunning words yet?
Luke Bartlett – You earned one for the introduction and quote of the week. Much thanks to you, my good man.
Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler – They both earn one for providing great wrestling all week.
The 11/2 WWE NXT Episode – Just when I almost gave up on NXT, they provided the viewers with a ton of entertainment. The show had it all, Maxine kissing Swoggle, Dolph with Kaitlyn, Vickie getting her cake, and Michael Cole in a T-Shirt Tuxedo. It had family (DiBiases and Rhodes), a crooked minister, a legit minister (DiBiase, Sr. IS an ordained minister), and a betrayal (Aksana slapping Goldust). To top it off, you had the boy (Primo) trying to have a moment with the girl next door (AJ). Honestly, whoever produced and created this show deserves this star because this was just a very good show.
The Vince McMahon Hospital Skit – That skit may not have been popular, but I thought that it was done very well.
Scott Stanford – Thank you for being the commentator for WWE Superstars and my ears were spared from a half an hour of Michael Cole. Then that same day I heard Mike Tenay (ugh). And look at how he presents himself? Scott Stanford, you sir are one stunning man.
Jack Swagger – He protected the Swagger Soaring Eagle this past week, and therefore should be awarded a Gold Star.
Mr. Anderson – I seriously hope he gets well soon. I watched reaction and saw that head wound and it did make me cringe. One has to have a concussion or two to realize how serious this is.
Zack Ryder – He earns one for picking up a win on WWE Superstars. Woo Woo Woo…You Know It!
Pee Wee Herman – You know, he was pretty entertaining on Raw. He interacted very well with The Miz.
Claudio Castagnoli – He gets one for…well…staying Very European of course!
Colt Cabana – If you have not listened to “The Art of Wrestling Podcast” on www.welovecolt.com yet, start listening. He had great guests on there, including last week with Jimmy Jacobs.
The 10/29 Edition of Smackdown – I was very happy to watch some good stories around the ring.
Matt Morgan – I think one thing that TNA did right was turn him face again. Sure, it was the umpteenth time they did this, but I think this time it is for the long haul.
Enzo Mendicino – He earns one for correctly predicting the Aksana/Goldust Wedding. Also, he is our NXT recapper on WrestleView and former NXT recapper (and current Smackdown recapper) Mike Tedesco told me to give him one. So here you go.
Ryan Rivera – I will award him one because he is the recapper of ROH on HDNet for WrestleView, taking my place as I can no longer watch the show. If you want to see all the ROH results from their HDNet program, please read his material.
Josh Boutwell – I am giving him one for his intense work on the TNA recaps.
Tom Van Stone – As I mentioned on the Friday Fishbowl, I think he earns one for all the work he does for WrestleView behind the scenes. I know I talk about underrated people on the site, but he may be the most underrated.
Adam Martin – Thanks for letting me a part of the Friday Fishbowl for October 29, 2010. If you have not checked it out yet, you should. It was a fun time, as always.
The WrestleView fan that gave me Cheetos while I went trick-or-treating – No lie, the guy is a friend of the family and found out that I was walking around with my family for candy. When he saw me, he said that he liked the work on WrestleView and gave me Cheetos for it. Hey, I got free Cheetos!
That wraps up the Gold Stars, and as I am finished the “Classic Alternative” channel on Music Choice is playing “Love Shack” by The B-52’s! Excuse me while I sing along. You can as well! Bonus points if your wife, girlfriend, husband, or boyfriend (yes students, there are females that read my column as well).
Homework Assignment (The Results will be up soon)
I won’t assign a homework assignment until the Create-a-Roster is complete. I have been very busy again with my job and I should finally get time to finish the assignment on my end. I am truly sorry that I could not complete it this week, but look for it. I promise.
Dismissal
Well, that does it for me this week. I thank you all for reading this column 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 or at 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. I noticed a lot of you “like” my columns and to all those, I thank you for reading.
Mr. V FINALLY has Twitter. Follow me at @TheMisterV. I have been getting better with my tweets recently. I promise once I get to 100 followers I may do a contest every now and then.
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Most recent guest: Former WWE and Current Independent Wrestler Aloisia (aka Isis The Amazon)
Dave was on assignment for this interview. So Jose Marrero and I had a very crisp, polite interview with a women’s wrestler who has gotten a lot of publicity over the past few weeks. Aloisia was a class act and we thank her (if she is reading) for being a part of the show this week. Her indie work, time in the WWE, and her future plans were discussed.
But wait class! There are more guests!!
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 a month, you get all of this along with many other hours of content from the other shows on the WrestleView Radio Network.
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.