From the Desk of Mr. V #102
December 30, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Mr. V Note: Next week will be the start of my Golden Yardstick Awards (Rotten Apples to those who were the worst of the bunch). During that time, my column will be different as I will reflect on 2010 in the world of professional wrestling. If you want to be a part of the action for the column after my awards are completed, please check the Homework Assignment. I have spent the last three weeks now picking a top three for each category and now all I got to do is type out the winners. I look forward to all of you reading my next few columns. Now enjoy Mr. V #102.
Introduction
The introduction comes from my good friend Marc “Ahm” Sandlin.
“Welcome class to the final column of 2010, this is my year in review so pay attention cause there going to be a pop quiz.”
Yes class, this will be my final column of 2010. The Year in Review ceremonies will begin next week and go on for the next couple weeks. Actually, the quiz will be a part of the Homework Assignment.
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 coffee (A K-Cup of Green Mountain is always a good choice), a hot cup of cocoa (Hey! It is cold outside), or whatever your choice of beverage may be this week. Relax as you read the 102nd Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
I won’t do a “Quote” this week, but rather a couple songs that I think you will enjoy that is from one of my favorite music groups. This will shock many of my readers and I may even lose a couple readers, but my music taste is much different to what is playing now.
Let the cat out of the bag…..
Mr. V is a huge fan of Chicago! Not the city (though it is beautiful), but the music group that I actually attended a concert or two. Though their 80s stuff was legendary, I was a fan of their older work when it was full of sound.
Teacher’s Lecture
Now I have a few questions that I want to answer, so I will keep this portion to a few topics.
1) Kaval is out of the WWE.
Thoughts: There has been big buzz on this topic. Kaval, the winner of WWE NXT Season 2, lost most of his matches, got “buried”, and then released just mere days before Christmas. The Internet crowds were saying that Vince McMahon was a “Scrooge” for doing something that “heinous” and never gave Kaval a chance.
Here is my opinion. Even though perhaps the timing was wrong but I think Kaval realized that the schedule is very difficult for a guy of his size and style of wrestling. Now please, don’t get me wrong because I thought that the WWE should have given him a longer tenure. But we must realize that he spent a couple years in FCW. He had some setbacks, but he overcame them to compete on NXT. Once NXT was over he did a fine job in the mid-card level. But after constantly watching his work in the WWE I remembered what WrestleView radio host Clinton Bowman said.
Kaval’s style is just not what the WWE is looking for. Again, he is very talented. But he was very one-dimensional because he was all about quickness and kicks. He had a submission move, but I feel that Kaval would be best fit in longer matches that involve his style. In the WWE, one only gets about five minutes in a mid-card match to showcase their talents.
It is not fair that Kaval was released after just months of debuting, but maybe there is something that we do not know that the WWE knew. But in the WWE I feel one must display a wide range of wrestling styles as well as above average speaking ability. Kaval lacked that.
Also, the WWE likes to “test” some wrestlers mentality by not giving them that instant big push to see what their reaction would be in that time span. Kaval may not have enjoyed being on losing end too much and he just wanted out of the WWE contract. The WWE did the same “test” with Daniel Bryan, and Bryan passed with flying colors. Bryan is the WWE United States Champion now, defeating The Miz (who happens to be your WWE Champion now).
What disappoints me is that Kaval’s release got more feedback than the release of MVP. MVP was a far better wrestler than Kaval during his run in the WWE. Kaval had a nice run in the WWE. He won less than he lost, but at least he showcased his talents in a WWE ring and that will lead to many independent bookings because his work could headline say a Dragon Gate show.
So, now there is much talk around the Internet community on where he will go next. TNA? ROH? Others? Well, long-tenured TNA wrestlers would love to see him back. However with the new regime, I just worry about Kaval going back to TNA. ROH would fit his style very well, as their top stars are his size and he could show great chemistry against a guy like Roderick Strong or Davey Richards. Dragon Gate USA is a possibility as well, and other federations that I don’t know the names of are sure to fill Kaval’s schedule.
So, to my wrestling “students”, I say we celebrate Kaval’s run in the WWE and not just grow frustrated. There were even rumors that Kaval just could not live up to the schedule. With his skills, that would not surprise me. The WWE has a schedule unlike many other professions, and some just can’t commit 100% to that work load.
2) Awesome Kong hired by the WWE?
Thoughts: I don’t know a whole lot than what I saw on WrestleView, but if that is correct than good for Kong!
She went through a lot in TNA. Let’s be honest, she was one of the biggest names in TNA for the past couple years and they way they treated her near the end was (no other way to put it) disrespectful. They sided with some talentless hack in Bubba the Love Sponge and gave Kong a release. Also, Love Sponge went a whole new low to insult Kong after her release, which proves to me that Bubba the Love Sponge is nothing more than a loser that happens to have a good following (which surprises me). Kong did the right thing and just stayed silent. What happened would mentally cripple someone, but Kong is stronger than your normal human being.
One highlight was seeing her compete in ROH’s Final Battle, where she teamed with Daizee Haze in a losing effort to Sara Del Ray and Serena Deeb. After watching Kong, I thought she did not miss a beat and looked like she had fun in the ring.
Then a few days later, she was arrested for driving without a license. I know it was a big deal to some sites, but I think there were more crimes to worry about. Kong made a mistake, paid for it, and moved on to better things.
Which takes us to this week. If she gets that WWE contract (as rumored that she got it), then talk about a full circle!
Everything happens for a reason in life, students. Awesome Kong again was at the top of her game in TNA, then it all crashed down because of one ignorant human being. Kong could have went on every show and complained or suffered serious depression, but she persevered and had a solid independent 2010 and now her dream will come true. She is going to be in World Wrestling Entertainment. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think the WWE would make an “Awesome” signing if it happens.
So, where will Kong go? Raw? Smackdown? FCW? Wherever she goes, it will be best for that brand. She should spend at least three months in FCW to work the style of the WWE, but when she gets to the WWE she can be either a face or a heel. I can see all the possibilities, but that is for another time.
I hope my readers can share my excitement. This is a pro wrestler’s dream coming true. Even if it is for a cup of coffee (mmm…coffee), then she can still look in the mirror and say “I wrestled for the WWE.”
Congrats to you, Awesome Kong.
3) CM Punk is Nexus.
Thoughts: Note to my readers, never spill a diet soda.
In all seriousness, on Monday Night Raw John Cena and CM Punk had a war of words. CM Punk said that we were to have a huge surprise and that everyone should be alert.
Long story short, David Otunga said (in his terrible acting voice and positioning) that the Nexus is under “new management”. Actually, maybe Otunga was the only Nexus member that could pull that off because no one else in the Nexus can talk.
I collected data to prove that I might be right:
Otunga asked for a truce, Cena refused, and Nexus attacked Cena in a 5-on-1 Power Play. After the beating ended, CM Punk came out and hit the Go To Sleep on Cena. After teasing Cena with a chair, Punk sits on the chair and puts the Nexus armband around his bicep.
Now, what do I think of this? I am not too sure. So far, I think this is what The Nexus needed more than anything to make us believe that they are a dominant force. They needed an experienced leader that was a World Champion and Punk fits the mold of The Nexus perfectly.
Now wait! Didn’t Punk get beat up by the Nexus at one point? Yes, but that was when Darren Young (his NXT Rookie) was in the faction. That is my answer to that. Without Young, CM Punk joining makes sense to me.
What worries me is the future of Wade Barrett. Barrett is a guy that I feel could be a big star for the next eight years in the WWE. Perhaps Barrett sits out and does commentary like CM Punk did (if you listened to him in FCW, he was the best of the bunch there). Maybe Barrett brings in some bodies from NXT Season 2, and the WWE brings back Michael Tarver and Skip Sheffield. Or, he could even “join forces” with SuperCena and create a Justice League of WWE Superstars.
(Grash, if you are reading this you have to superimpose faces of WWE Superheroes with the bodies.)
Seriously, no matter what the WWE does to Wade Barrett it is a step in the wrong direction to Barrett. However, with CM Punk leading the Nexus it makes the group stronger and that is good for the WWE business. The WWE might have sacrificed Barrett to make the group a lot stronger, but I think the WWE did this because Barrett can carry himself while the other members of Nexus just simply can’t do it.
So, in conclusion adding CM Punk as the leader of Nexus could potentially be an amazing thing. Barrett will suffer a small bit, but I think he will be able to either accept a secondary role or even a power struggle with Nexus or be his own guy. As for John Cena, many complain that he get too many title shots. Many complain when he faces main event-level talent like Punk. To those fans, make up your minds?!?!?!
4) Dixie Carter talks more announcements.
Thoughts: TNA President Dixie Carter mentioned in an interview with AOL Fanhouse’s Brian Fritz that there “will be more announcements on Impact”.
I have to be honest, ever read the story “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”? Well, she has cried “Wolf” so many times that it is now irreverent. If I was not a columnist in the business of professional wrestling, I probably would not watch TNA (I do to keep my column unbiased to all).
Dixie, Hogan, and others cried wolf too many times. I want to see these changes to believe them and I hope that TNA turns it around. As a wrestling fan, I want to see it.
Any Questions?
This is the portion where I check my e-mail and answer any question from my WrestleView Students. I do this because I do have a bit more free time. However, the next few weeks I will get to them through e-mail only as I will begin my 2010 Awards next week.
So, let’s see who has a question…
I got two questions from Deni Danny Sahbegovic.
After the constant beatdowns of the entire roster, taking out main event wrestlers, and even headlining PPVs, I ask you this – how can WWE possibly keep the Nexus relevant?
You have these upcoming rookies who have dominated the landscape of WWE for several months, so what will happen to them now? I can see Barrett, Otunga, and Gabriel do something, but after EVERYTHING that WWE did for these rookies, it would be a colossal waste to just not follow up on their careers. Obviously WWE is going to have to do something else with the Nexus (obviously when they break up they need something to do in singles careers).
Answer: Well Deni (he posted these questions before the latest Nexus twist), I think we may have gotten our answer last Monday. To keep The Nexus relevant, they needed a face that is recognizable. Adding CM Punk to Nexus adds loads of credibility and will now make that faction a more believable force in the WWE.
I agree, it would be a waste if the WWE does not follow up on their careers. But I think we are talking about a lot of wrestlers and not a lot of them will “stick on the wall”. Barrett is a potential main-level star and I really think that Gabriel is a good, mid-card level guy that could be exciting once he breaks out of Nexus in the future. Husky Harris is a big, agile guy that can really go full force. Otunga can talk, but his ability in the ring is very subpar (but has improved a bit). As for the others, I just see them where Darren Young is right now. Those guys will have a “Superstars” career or will be gone within months.
I think the WWE will do their best to see (when the time is there) their full potential, but it is real tough to have long-term plans with everyone (i.e. Kaval).
Here is Deni’s second question.
What do you think WWE will do with the Nexus?
I have to say by adding CM Punk, the Nexus will be a full-force in the WWE at least past WrestleMania. I think The Nexus will have their quest on making John Cena’s life miserable and in the end we all know that the Superhero always wins.
As for Nexus, the WWE will do all they can to make Nexus dominant. I think when NXT slowly goes away, so will Nexus. There is no time-table, but if I was on the spot I think Nexus will disband in the middle of 2011 (being very conservative).
Thanks, Deni for your questions.
Next Question comes to us from Wade Bradford.
Hey, V. We all know WWE brought back DX after a long hiatus to get a boost from the crowd reactions they got, both from the nostalgia and their comedy routines, and they returned several times over before HBK retired. Now that WWE can’t go to that well again, at least let’s hope not, is there any chance that they’ll go to another team to do the same thing somewhere down the line to give a boost to the crowd and bring back thoughts of the good old days? The teams I’m looking at are Miz/Morrison and Edge/Christian. I mean, both teams were known for their comedy skits, better than anything DX did a lot of the time. Do you see any team filling the “DX nostalgia reunion” role for the WWE somewhere in the future, and if so who?
Thanks for your question, Mr. Bradford, here is an answer.
To answer this briefly (I hope, I type as I go along), I don’t think there will be a reunion of anyone soon. The only one I can see is Edge and Christian, but only if Christian turns on Edge and fights for the title when he gets healthy. However, since I don’t see that happening I just can’t see any nostalgic acts.
Besides, the WWE is so dominant after 2010 that they just don’t need to do it. Look at WrestleMania. They don’t have an idea what the card is going to be, but we will buy it no matter what.
I am sorry that I can’t go deeper, but I just don’t see a nostalgia reunion happening anytime soon. Edge and Christian is a possibility, Miz and Morrison won’t happen anytime soon, and nothing else really stands out to me at this moment.
However, one faction I really liked (but the WWE did not debut it) was the South Beach Boyz team of Darren Young and Percy Watson from Florida Championship Wrestling. I think they could really take off in front of the WWE cameras because Watson was getting over with his humor and Young is improving. Young is not there yet, but if they are patient there is a chance.
I say let’s just enjoy the current product in the WWE. Though so many are drawn away from the “PG” stuff, to me it is still very entertaining and I think their formula is working very well for them.
Thanks for the questions, now stay tuned for Detentions!
Detentions
I usually scrap detentions until my Christmas Vacation is over, but I must this week:
Jeff Hardy – For just pleading guilty for your charges. After over a year of this drama, it finally came to an end. I seriously hope that Jeff Hardy cleans himself up, because his role in TNA is very important.
MMA Writers who bash Pro Wrestling (and vice versa) – I am probably out of my element, but these are two different business and some think of the other as competition. Look, Pro Wrestling is an entertainment business and the UFC is a sport. That should end the debate now!
LeBron James – He earned one this week for his “contraction” remarks, then backing away because he did not understand the meaning of contraction. This is why it is so important to go to college, people.
Mike Tenay – Because not one ring commentator got worse by the week than you.
Michael Cole – Or the WWE for the remarks on Kaval on the 12/28 edition of NXT. I hope they don’t rub more salt to the wound.
Nicholas Cage – I give this actor a detention because he is such a CRAPPY ACTOR!!!!
Sean Combs (by: Travis Thomas) – He gets one for changing his name every month (i.e. Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, etc.)
TNA – How lame does it speak of your company when you consider 15 minutes to be an “Ironman” match? How pathetic. (By: Wade Bradford)
WWE – For releasing Kaval. The humiliating treatment he got from being on NXT, being everyone’s punching bag on Smackdown, and being released right before Christmas just showcases how much of a stigma Vince puts on anyone who used to be in TNA. Just ask Christian. If he was booked right, he could’ve been a great asset to WWE, but now it looks like he’s headed back to TNA. He’s probably better off there. (By: Wade Bradford)
That is all for detentions. More to follow in the later weeks.
The Eternal Detention Rundown
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Ryan Clark
Bubba The Love Sponge
Jeff Hardy
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
Matt Hardy (yes, even YOU “Matthew”!)
Mark Cuban and/or HDNet
Hulk Hogan
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll for December 20, 2010 – December 26, 2010
12/20 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw Matches
12/21 – Graded WWE NXT Matches (This grading period I graded the Smackdown matches)
12/22 – Column Writing. Watched ROH and WWE Tribute to the Troops.
12/23 – Graded WWE Superstars and TNA Impact Matches.
12/24 – OFF DAY
12/25 – OFF DAY (MERRY CHRISTMAS)
12/26 – OFF DAY (HAPPY BOXING DAY)
A friend of mine told me to keep this segment simple. So unless my column lacks substance, I will not add a detailed reason as to why I liked each match. But right now, I will give you a simple top three of the matches this past week.
Keep in mind when you read this portion, I go strictly by wrestling and rarely go with storylines. Though it is called “sports entertainment”, they are trained and are famous by wrestling.
This week’s Honor Roll had some very good matches. To be honest with all of you, when I averaged out all the matches grades it was the best of the year. Funny that it happens near the end of the year. I just hope that this keeps up for 2011.
Note: I know in the Honors section I called it “Friday Night” Smackdown, even though it aired on Tuesday. It showed the replay on Friday, so I went with that.
Distinguished Honors – Douglas Williams vs. AJ Styles, TNA Impact, December 23.
How it ended – After both men battled in a 20-minute “Ironman Match”, there was no winner as both wrestlers had one pinfall during the time limit. Styles got his during the commercial break (why?) with the Styles Clash. Williams hit his Rolling Chaos Theory finisher at the 14-minute mark to tie it up at one fall each. After a five minute bonus, no one could get another pin or submission. With the time limit draw, Williams retained his TNA Television Championship.
Summarize in two sentences: Though TNA can be very boring at times, I think wrestling fans would enjoy it for its back and forth action and the desire both had to winning the match. Both wrestlers came out strong in my opinion.
Grade: B+.
High Honors – Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Friday Night Smackdown, December 21.
How it ended – Miz’s associate Alex Riley interfered in the match by attacking Orton. The referee announced at the end that Orton won via disqualification.
Summarize in two sentences: It was one of the best matches I have seen in the WWE this year. Both transitioned well and there was so many tactics in the ring that I will watch again after this column is completed.
Grade: B+.
Honors – Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger, Friday Night Smackdown, December 21.
How it ended – The match ended when Rey Mysterio hit the 619 to Del Rio and Swagger at the same time. Mysterio then went for the Springboard Splash after Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise kick and pinned Swagger for the pinfall victory.
Summarize in two sentences: All four wrestlers performed at a high level. Though the first half of the match was average, the second half picked up well and the finish was just right in the match before Smackdown’s main event.
Grade: B (leaned toward a B+).
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: Randy Orton vs. The Miz (Smackdown) and AJ Styles vs. Douglas Williams (TNA).
B: John Morrison, Jerry Lawler, and Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Alex Riley, and King Sheamus (RAW); Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger (Smackdown); and John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero (Smackdown).
B-: Christopher Daniels vs. Rhett Titus (ROH); Davey Richards vs. Chris Hero (ROH); Daniel Bryan vs. William Regal (RAW); John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW); 15-Man Battle Royal won by Mark Henry (Tribute to Troops); Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio, Wade Barrett, and The Miz (Tribute to Troops); Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly vs. Michelle McCool and Layla (Superstars); and Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Rob Van Dam, and Matt Morgan vs. James Storm, Robert Roode, Abyss, and Jeff Hardy (TNA).
C+: Davey Richards vs. Christopher Daniels (ROH); Davey Richards vs. Claudio Castagnoli (ROH); Christopher Daniels vs. Jay Briscoe (ROH); Byron Saxton, Chris Masters, and Natalya vs. Brodus Clay, Ted DiBiase, Jr., and Maryse (NXT); and David Hart Smith vs. Zack Ryder (Superstars).
C: Jay Briscoe vs. Steve Corino (ROH); Jacob Novak vs. Johnny Curtis (NXT); Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. Yoshi Tatsu and Darren Young (Superstars); and Angelina Love and Winter vs. Madison Rayne and Tara (TNA).
C-: Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards (ROH); Santino Marella and Tamina vs. Ted DiBiase and Maryse (RAW); John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW); Santino Marella vs. Chavo Guerrero (Smackdown); Kofi Kingston and The Big Show vs. Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler (Tribute to Troops); R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. (Tribute to Troops); and Kazarian vs. Max Buck vs. Jeremy Buck vs. Robbie E. (TNA).
D+, D, or D-: Melina vs. Alicia Fox vs. Eve Torres (RAW) and Kelly Kelly, Natalya, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella vs. Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, and Melina (Tribute to Troops).
F or INC: Drew McIntyre vs. Kaval (Smackdown).
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings
Here is the latest update. All records and rankings are finalized.
2010-2011 Season (As of WWE’s TLC PPV 2010)
1) David Stephens (That’s a Wrap and RAW Recapper)………….100-55 (6-0)
2) Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza and TNA Recapper)……………….96-59 (5-1)
3) Students of the Week (The Best from Prev. PPV)………………92-63 (6-0)*
4) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V)…………………………….91-64 (4-2)
5) WrestleView Students (The Loyal Readers)………………………..90-65 (4-2)**
6) Daniel Browne (For Queen and Country)…………………………….89-66 (3-3)
7) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings)……………………………………89-66 (4-2)
8) Matt O’Brien (Notes From The Nosebleeds)…………………………87-68 (2-4)
9) Jeff Springer (WWE Superstars Recapper)……………………………77-52 (4-2)
10) Mike Tedesco (Friday Night Smackdown Recapper)……………62-46 (3-3)
11) Doug Lackey (Reality From Ringside)…………………………………..52-42 (0-0)
12) Sean Hurley (The Sharpshooter)………………………………………..37-39 (0-0)
13) Enzo Mendicino (WWE NXT Recapper)………………………………….24-18 (3-3)
14) Joe Baiamonte (Baiamonte’s Casa/2009 WV Champ)………24-20 (0-0)
15) Ryan Rivera (ROH on HDNet Recapper)……………………………….20-9 (4-2)
16) Clinton Bowman (Velvet Room Co-Host)……………………………….9-4 (3-3)
17) Nicholas Gray (Velvet Room Co-Host)……………………………………6-9 (2-4)
Marella/Kozlov vs. Nexus did not count in our standings
The next PPV will be TNA’s Genesis on January 9, 2011.
Ken Konarzewski will be the Student of the Week for TNA’s Genesis.
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. Look at his blog and maybe buy a product or two. I know I will when shipping is free.
So many Gold Stars, so little time. Here are people, places, things, or ideas that I thought earned a Gold Star this past week.
Deni Danny Sahbegovic and Wade Bradford – Thank you for the questions in the column. Deni, my apologies for not answering them sooner.
Wade Bradford and Travis Thomas – For taking part of my column, thank you very much.
Marc “Ahm” Sandlin – Thank you for the introduction. Means a lot to see one from you.
Kiss – The rock band, I found out, donates a dollar of each ticket sale to the troops of the United States. They also perform live once in a while overseas for the troops, and therefore earn my respect. (By: Travis Thomas)
Awesome Kong – I finished my lecture portion of the column after finding out about a potential deal (or official) deal with the WWE. I say congratulations to Kong on this opportunity.
R-Truth – He earns one for coming off a serious injury and back on NXT being the pro to Johnny Curtis.
Brodus Clay – He may be the only one to make Michael Cole look great in the ring.
EA Sports – Gold Star for producing NHL Slapshot for the Nintendo Wii. Multiplayer mode is simply fantastic.
Barclays Premier League – Usually I am not into watching soccer (or football), but since watching it in HD on the NEW V-Tron 3000 it is something that I can follow. I just don’t have a favorite team. Any suggestions?
Ken Konarzewski – He gets one because he gives us e-mails on “The Teacher’s Lounge”, while the rest of you are slacking! VIP Members, give us some homework, please? Send your questions to lounge@wrestleview.com.
Josh Boutwell – He is the man to follow on Twitter. ROLL TIDE!
Douglas Williams – He is one of the few that really stepped up for TNA in 2010. I thought he improved and might be their best wrestler.
Claudio Castagnoli – He gets one for staying “Very European”.
Mike Tedesco – This Gold Star goes out to you, buddy! Hope Counterfeit Sally has a successful 2011!
Jose Marrero – Because we both drive each other into doing a column every week.
To all my WrestleView Readers and Staff – I wish you all a Happy 2011. Things should be getting bigger and better.
Sorry for the lack of Gold Stars, I am slowly getting into my “Golden Yardstick Awards” mode.
Homework Assignment
The assignment is due in the next few weeks. (January 14, 2011)
Next Week, I will present my 2nd Annual Golden Yardstick Awards. I pick the top three (or worst three) in each category and choose who I think deserves a Golden Yardstick or, worse, the Rotten Apple.
Categories for the Golden Yardsticks are the following: (In the parentheses will be the 2009 Winners)
Not looking back, why did I give some the Yardies when I look back one year later.
Best Gimmick (Chris Jericho)
Best Finisher (The Young Bucks)
Best Weekly TV Show (Friday Night Smackdown)
Best Guest Host (Jesse Ventura) **CATEGORY RETIRED THIS YEAR**
Rookie of the Year (Sheamus’ first year in the WWE) **CATEGORY RETIRED THIS YEAR**
Best Television Commentator (Matt Striker)
Most Hated (Chris Jericho)
Most Popular Wrestler (Jeff Hardy)
Match of the Year (HBK vs. Taker WrestleMania 25)
Most Underrated (Daniels)
Best High Flying Wrestler (AJ Styles)
Best Brawler (The Big Show)
Best Technical Wrestler (Chris Jericho)
Most Charismatic (John Cena)
Best on the Microphone (Chris Jericho)
Most Improved (Dolph Ziggler)
Comeback of the Year (Mick Foley)
Feud of the Year (Jericho vs. Mysterio)
Woman Wrestler of the Year (MsChif)
Lifetime Achievement Golden Yardstick (Paul Nemer)
Tag Team of the Year (The American Wolves)
Most Outstanding Wrestler (Christian)
Wrestler of the Year (Randy Orton)
Also, please cast a vote to determine who was the “worst” of wrestling with the 2010 Rotten Apples. Here are the categories. (2009 “winners” are in parentheses)
Worst Gimmick (Cody Deaner as a southern stereotype)
Worst Feud of the Year (ODB vs. Cody Deaner)
Most Appalling Storyline (LayCool picking on Mickie James’ weight)
Worst Television Commentator (Michael Cole)
Worst Woman Wrestler (Lacey Von Erich)
Worst Match of the Year (25-Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25)
Most Overrated (Booker T)
Worst Wrestler of the Year
The Fans Awards will be called:
THE GOLD RULER/ROTTEN APPLE SLICE AWARDS!
I think we all can have a good bit of fun for this. I will dedicate a Mr. V column on your votes. Also, please have a reason for your choices if you would like. No “I vote ____ as Worst Wrestler because he stinks”.
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 lounge@wrestleview.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!!!!
Facebook: Add me if you want. I am Anthony J. Valvo in the Pittsburgh, PA network
Twitter: @TheMisterV
E-Mail: mistervwv@hotmail.com or lounge@wrestleview.com
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
The Teacher’s Lounge gives the WrestleView Radio Network Audience a complete rundown of the past week’s events in professional wrestling all in a two-hour program. We even have a few games, a detention segment, as well as interviews.
Most Recent Guest: WrestleView Columnist Jose Marrero returned and discussed ROH’s Final Battle.
Already on the archives we interviewed Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings), Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds), Crystal Mai from Diva-Dirt.com, CJ Bowman and Nicholas Gray (co-hosts of The Velvet Room), The YouTube Sensation who had choice words to CM Punk, ROH Wrestler Colt Cabana, and Former WWE Diva Aloisia! 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. Soon, we will plan on more guests.
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 lounge@wrestleview.com. To sign up, click here!