From the Desk of Mr. V #132
August 12, 2011
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 coffee, a cold beverage (I know I am, Pittsburgh is in a major heat wave this week), and buy some peanuts and/or cracker jacks. I hope you enjoy the 132nd installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Enjoy some music as well. Here’s another classic. If it ruins my credibility as a columnist, I don’t care. Here is some Barry Manilow.
Quote of the Week
“Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you ” – John Wooden
The Teacher’s Lecture
WWE and TNA cleaned things up a bit
This past week, TNA released one of their wrestlers that drew a small backlash with their loyal fanbase. The WWE released a handful of talents on their main roster as well as one name on their developmental roster.
I am going to look at each wrestler that was let go by their companies and I will also mention where I see them best fit. I will give you all my best effort because the easiest answer is “they will go to TNA”. In reality, I don’t think TNA should open their checkbooks for anymore additional talent. Some of the answers I have won’t make all of you happy, but this is where I think each released talent should be placed at (if placed at all).
Amazing Red announced that TNA released him because “they had nothing for him”.
Well, Red is a great lightweight wrestler and I give him credit for coming back from knee surgery to make a splash back in TNA. He was featured in their X Division in late 2009 when he became the X Division Champion after defeating Samoa Joe with some help from Bobby Lashley. He had Don West as a manager for a couple months, but that broke off without a reason. Since his X Division title run, he was rarely seen on Impact. He was involved in something brief in 2011, when he introduced his little brother who is known as Crimson. After that storyline, he wrestled under a mask as “Sangriento” and wrestled on the Destination X 2011 card.
Should he had been let go? That is an easy, but unpopular answer. When Hulk Hogan signed with TNA, I had a bad feeling about what would happen with the X Division. I thought I was right. In this X Division, you have to speak to go along with wrestling talent. Red had a lot of talent and could do things very few in his class can accomplish, but his weakness was the lack of mic skills that could have elevated his character so well. It was the right call for both to part ways.
Where will Red arrive next? He is still pretty young at 29 years old and can go with other lightweights. He had some experience in ROH, winning a tag title in 2003. However, while I could see Red going to ROH for a iPPV show or a live event I don’t think he is there long term. As for the WWE, there is no chance he could be over on their main roster. I think he will be on the independent scene in the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He is a high-flyer and I just don’t think that the more public companies see that as good business.
Lucky Cannon announced that he was let go by the WWE.
He was signed by the WWE in 2008 and was assigned to FCW where he competed for a couple years. I read that he was involved in the tag team scene in FCW during his run there, and teamed up with more experienced wrestlers like Colt Cabana and Johnny Curtis (listen to this week’s Art of Wrestling with Cabana, Curtis has been around the scene for a long time).
He started his WWE run on NXT Season Two as a babyface who was “lucky” to be alive. He had Mark Henry as his pro and he showed some promise on the wrestling side, but was not good on the mic as a babyface. When he was voted off on Season Two, he cut a bit of a heel promo and in the finals of that season he was the first I believe to attack Season Two winner Kaval. Things started to look up for Cannon in 2011, as he looked like he improved in the ring and cutting promos thanks in part to the heel turn. When he returned to NXT during the “Redemption” season, he might have been the best character. However, he was again voted off but he did have a good story going with Maryse prior to his elimination.
Should he had been let go? With Cannon, I do not understand why the WWE made this decision. He was the only one to get a consistent reaction on NXT: Redemption during the entire season and things looked up for him when he won the FCW Heavyweight Championship this year. He only debuted as a professional wrestler in 2008, so there was room to grow for Cannon. If I was in the WWE and had to make cuts, I would have considered looking at other guys before Cannon’s name came up.
Where will Cannon arrive next? It won’t be ROH. ROH would be too fast paced for him and he would look more lost in that company than he would in the WWE. TNA could be a possibility, but I just don’t think he has the experience to compete (I get the jokes, but this one is an easy choice). I will say if anywhere he will wrestle on the independent scene under his “Mr. Steal-Your-Girl” gimmick and I think the window may still be open in due time to return to FCW. His character was impressive, but his wrestling was just basic.
Melina was the first name to be released on “Black Friday”
Melina was a household name in the WWE since her days with MNM in 2005. As the manager for Johnny Nitro (now Morrison) and Joey Mercury, Melina played the role perfectly as she was booked to do anything to get her team to the top. And MNM was a very successful tag team in 2005-2006 in WWE.
When Melina broke off with MNM and went on her own, she was featured in a storyline in which Mick Foley saved her from attacks and termination. Melina thanked Foley by delivering a low blow and thus being a mega-heel diva. She was solid as a heel; she was involved in a decent feud with Ashley Massaro. She turned face in 2008 and during that time had what was praised as her best match against Beth Phoenix during the 2009 Royal Rumble. Over the course of the last few years or so, she has battled some serious injuries to her heel and knee. She turned heel in late-2010 and since she competed infrequently and thus probably led to her release among other things.
Should she had been let go? There was speculation about what she did outside the ring. If any of these speculations were true (I can’t judge if they are or not), then the WWE should have let her go a long time ago. I read that she was visibly upset when she was drafted to Smackdown, how she would be involved with John Morrison’s run (not in a good way), and of course who she fooled around with. After her injuries, she never got back to being at the top of the women’s division for an extensive period of time. In my opinion, I think she had this thing that she was better than her fellow women in the WWE. Like HHH said in a storyline recently “no one is bigger than the WWE”. It was probably best that both parties separated.
Where will Melina arrive next? I think this may be the last time Melina appears in the WWE as an active competitor. She was a 5-time champion (3 times Women’s, twice Diva’s) and really she hit her peak years ago. I would not be surprised with TNA, but their division is already overflowing with Knockouts and there is no room for her to be featured every week. I think she is going to just take time off and do an independent show every now and then. SHIMMER might be a place for her, but who knows how much she would ask for. Melina is talented, but not the best thing since sliced bread.
Gail Kim “quits” the WWE.
Gail Kim arrived in the WWE for the second time in her career after a very successful campaign in TNA Wrestling where she was the first ever Knockouts Champion. In 2003 during her initial run with the company, Kim was a WWE Women’s Champion. She was released in 2004 and signed with TNA in 2005. While in TNA, she was involved in a big feud with Awesome Kong (now in the WWE as Kharma) as well as Miss Jackie and The Beautiful People.
After her contract in TNA expired, she went back to the WWE. Her first tenure was good, but the second one did not make much of an impact. While she demonstrated some good skills inside the ring, she lacked chemistry with most of the inexperienced divas. She contended for the WWE Divas Championship on a few occasions, but failed to be booked as the champion. In 2011, things looked alright when she was paired with Daniel Bryan. However, once Bryan was sent to Smackdown the WWE had nothing left for Gail Kim. The last memory of this run for Kim was the Divas Battle Royal. She did a spot, then rolled out of the ring and walked away. She quit the company four days later.
Should she had been let go? Well, this was Kim’s decision and it appears that it was not a storyline. One can understand that she was frustrated because in my opinion she was a great hire a couple years ago for the WWE. However, she was mired in a slump of sorts in 2010 as she had been very inconsistent in the ring. I am not surprised that she was let go, but with the likes of AJ and Aksana being promoted up to the WWE roster the company had to let someone go. Kim is unfortunately the one to go.
Where will Kim arrive next? Gail Kim is a very bright woman. This may be her curtain call. Apparently she was not happy with her pay in TNA and the WWE would not use her correctly. SHIMMER could be a possibility, as I think a woman like Gail Kim can thrive in that promotions because she will have women that want to compete in wrestling. She can return to TNA, but if hired they would have to retool that entire Knockouts’ division once again. I may be wrong, but I think this was the last time we will see Gail Kim compete on television.
Vladimir Kozlov will be “hailed” somewhere else
Kozlov was renowned as a champion in Sambo, Grappling, and kick boxing before he signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2006. He started off in developmental in Deep South Wrestling and then did his “I love Double Double E” shtick in 2006. While doing that, he got more training in Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2007-2008 where he aligned himself with Michael Kruel. He went to Smackdown in 2008 just “crushing” his opposition and was pushed pretty heavy for a guy who was already in his upper-30s and still weak in the ring.
However, in those years on Smackdown he defeated some of the main event superstars and was involved in the World Title Picture. He did have a winning streak at that time on Smackdown, and his only losses were not one-on-one matches until The Undertake beat him in March of 2009. Once drafted to the ECW brand, Kozlov just mowed down enhancement talents until he was aligned with William Regal and Ezekiel Jackson. The Ruthless Roundtable dominated for much of 2009 until Jackson and Regal took out Kozlov.
After a brief heel turn (and very unnoticeable) in 2010, he finally turned face with the help of Santino Marella. We saw a much more pleasant side of Kozlov, someone who was successful and showed a funny side. Kozlov and Marella had good chemistry, and Kozlov’s brute force helped them win a Tag Team Championship. When Marella was experimenting with different tag team partners and Kozlov mired in a lackluster feud on NXT, the writing was on the wall.
Should he had been let go? I know this will upset some WrestleView students, but yes it was time. The WWE invested so much money and years on Kozlov and he was pretty one-dimensional in the ring. Kozlov’s gimmick was a bit undated as well. If this was the 1980s or 1990s, I think Kozlov would have been a great Cold War heel. But this is 2011 and while he is still in strong shape, it was time.
Where will Kozlov arrive next? His look is still strong and his wrestling is getting better. Kozlov could possibly compete in Japan for a few years because I think he would be pretty good in their lineup. ROH works way too fast for Kozlov, and there are only a few power guys on that roster that could work a match with him. A lot are already saying “Kozlov to TNA”, but I just don’t think Kozlov would get a push in that company. He may get paid a good bit in TNA, but he won’t be booked frequently. I think a tour overseas would re-energize his career. Look at what it did for MVP.
David Hart Smith is taking his cowboy hat and riding into the sunset.
Out of anyone on that roster, no one has been more disappointing than Smith. He started training at a very young age by two wrestling legends and competed as a teenager in New Japan Pro Wrestling and did a tour in England before agreeing to be a part of the WWE in 2006. He started off a young, but very strong professional wrestler. After working in the tag team rankings, the developmental territory FCW booked him as the first FCW Champion in a Battle Royal.
He debuted as “DH Smith” and wrestled for a brief time in 2007 until he was suspended by the WWE in violation of the wellness policy. For over a year after that, he was rarely seen or heard from. It was in April 2009 when he was drafted to ECW and reunited with Tyson Kidd to form “The Hart Dynasty” with Natalya. As a team, they showed promise because Kidd was the speedy technician while Smith was a powerful body. Together, they defeated the likes of ShoMiz (Miz and Big Show) and The Usos. Smith and Kidd were tag team champions for over four months until losing them to the makeshift team of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Later in 2010, Kidd started to branch out of the Dynasty and then left altogether. Since then, Smith was pretty much only competing on Superstars and still looked very sloppy in the ring. I don’t think he appeared much on WWE programming after WrestleMania, and it led to his ill-fated cowboy gimmick getting the ax.
Should he had been let go? For now, it was the absolute choice. He was one of the worst workers on any roster and he was given time to improve. I think there were a couple spots where he was very careless with the opponent. So for now, I think Smith needs to get back to working on the basics and find some places to work.
Where will Smith arrive next? Since he is related to The British Bulldog and Bret Hart, he will be around the world. He could go back to New Japan or even compete in Mexico and Canada (where in Canada he still has a following). But also, here is the thing about David Hart Smith. He is 25 years old and can improve in the right company. TNA should be interested in a talent like Smith, as I think right now he would be an upgrade to Matt Hardy in the Immortal faction (if Matt Hardy is still with the company). Smith can also be used in ROH as well. ROH needs some young, powerful wrestlers after they signed a deal with a bigger network. Smith could fit the mold in ROH. As much as we want to deny this, Smith could be a hot commodity and I won’t be surprised if Smith even returns to the WWE in a few years.
The Masterpiece was let go last.
The WWE announced that Chris Masters was released on this “Black Friday” for pro wrestling fans. This was Masters second run in the WWE after a strong first run with the company that ended in two wellness violations and his release in 2007. After the initial WWE run, Masters wrestled around the world in Japan, The United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Austrailia under his name Chris Mordetzky.
After a couple of strong years in the independent circuit, with the recommendation of Randy Orton the WWE brought back Masters and he was not nearly as pushed as where he was in the middle part of the 2000s. But here was the difference. The Masterpiece version 1.0 looked bloated and a wellness violation waiting to happen. Masterpiece 2.0 looked leaner and, get this, a much better worker this time around. His match against Drew McIntyre in March 2011 is still regarded as one of the best matches in the WWE this year. He also showed off his humor side with the moving his pectoral muscles to a musical beat (via songs by Queen or Black Eyed Peas). Even though Masters was praised for his work ethic by the likes of even John Cena, he was released last Friday probably because creative had nothing left for him.
Should he had been let go? One word, NO! But there were shockers in years past. Last year, it was MVP and Shelton Benjamin. MVP, as I typed before, is going strong in Japan and Benjamin is a ROH Tag Team Champion right now. Independent wrestling feds should be salivating at the fact that he is now available. I think maybe a couple of appearances at PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerilla) would be possible. Heck, he can wrestle in Chikara and be admired. Masters could go to Japan or Puerto Rico to compete. As for the other two larger promotions, here is my advice. Master should not go to TNA because it is not a good fit. While Masters is established, he would never be a focal point for the company. Now ROH would be a much better fit. I could see him debut to fight a Michael Elgin in a great babyface debut vs. strong heel match. Heck, he could foil the plans of The House of Truth or even The Embassy (or even join The Embassy). If this is promoted on an upcoming ROH iPPV, I will be first in line to purchase the show. Also, Masters is still only 28 and has yet to reach the prime of his career. There are many gates that Masters can open, but if he goes to TNA it would be a dead end. I don’t think anyone can persuade me otherwise. If Masters wants to keep his face around the U.S., ROH is the place to go.
So, there you have it class. It was about time that I spent a lot of time on a topic. I think you deserved my best and I think I gave it to you. Take my opinions if you would like. If you hate them, so be it. Remember, WrestleView hired me to be an unbiased voice.
Quick Notes from “The Notebook of Mr. V”
– One name that did not get the chopping block on “WWE Black Friday 2011” last week was Sin Cara. Last week, there were some sources stating that Sin Cara would be released because of his violation of the WWE Wellness Policy. Well, now I guess the WWE now have something for the exciting luchador.
I knew all along that they would not release Cara simply because of business. He has a loyal fan base and is one of the most exhilarating wrestlers in the world. Sin Cara masks are numerous at Smackdown events and he adds marketability. All in all, Sin Cara made a mistake and hopefully moved on. If he works a bit slower in the WWE ring, it will be a great investment for the WWE. So “students”, please remember this: Don’t believe EVERYTHING that you read. They are called rumors for a reason.
Sure, it appears that someone else will appear under the Sin Cara mask. My thought is that it could be the start of a high-flying storyline that can spark the Smackdown brand for a bit.
– If you are not excited to watch SummerSlam, you are crazy! After the end segment on Monday Night Raw with the contract signing between John Cena and CM Punk, it got me hooked and I will be splitting costs with a few friends to watch this show. As of the time I typed this out, there were only four matches. But all of them have a question and a story to them. We will have two solid world title matches, a women’s match that has some true potential to being one of the better showings in that division, and one match that is promised to be an all-out brawl between Mark Henry and a rejuvenated Sheamus.
Though only four matches were announced, this card should outdraw SummerSlam from 2010. Just look at the card when you get a chance. Since last year’s performance, there were a few (Melina, Luke Gallows, and Michael Tarver) released. Also, Kane and The Big Show are currently injured (storyline to those that will try and say I am wrong), Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston are still on the mid-card (though Ziggler can breakout very soon), a few left the company from active competition (Edge, Chris Jericho, Bret Hart), and one (Skip Sheffield) is still out of action with a serious injury. The matches in 2011 proves that it should be a better show. With Cee Lo Green performing on this show, it makes it more marketable as well. So please, give this show a chance. I am predicting that it will be a very good show.
– I watched TNA Hardcore Justce this past weekend and I felt that it was a very long edition of “Impact Wrestling”. I gave it a “D+” because there were only a few highlights, but it will not be remembered for years.
The matches that I really enjoyed was the X Division Championship because once again it told a good story and had some good in-ring chemistry. Adding Austin Aries to the match was exactly what they needed. Devon vs. Dinero was a pretty good brawling match that actually carried their feud a bit more.
Bully Ray is probably the best heel right now in the company, and I seriously mean that. Every time we all think he will get his “just desserts” for all the scams he pulls on other people (Devon, AJ Styles, and now Mr. Anderson), he always cheats his way to victory and feels like a million bucks.
The rest of the show to me lacked a good ending, especially the World Championship match. To leave people hanging after Angle clobbered Sting with a chair was just unsatisfactory to those who paid to see the product.
– Last Week after Mr. V #131, the WWE reported their 2nd quarter results to the public. Compared to the WWE’s previous 2nd quarter results in 2010, they posted a profit in revenue, operating income, Live and Televised revenue, PPV revenue, Television Right Fees, Venue Merchanise, Digital Media, and WWE Studios revenue. The only saw a very slight decrease in Consumer Products revenue. I slightly mention this because we all see the comments, complaints, and other harsh negativity brought by a select few people. The WWE as a business (and I think wrestling-wise) has been really solid, especially this summer.
Sure, WrestleMania drew great buyrates and sales and that is something to factor into the financial results. But if a company is making money, that means they can do things to better themselves. Honestly from wrestling and business I think this has been a very triumphant 2011. And the only negative is mainly a drop in home video and magazines. With today’s technology and the way to gain access to anything, only losing under $2 million is actually a success. They made up for that loss thanks to the sensational WWE film “That’s What I Am”. Take THAT to the papers (if you want to).
– I read over the weekend that Rey Mysterio may have injured his knee. I just hope that it is nothing serious and it looks like it is just a minor injury. Mysterio is not the high flying lucha that we remembered, but he is a huge part of the picture for Monday Night Raw. He has wrestled better than almost anyone and may be their best storyteller on the babyface side. Mysterio is not done yet.
– I will admit that I was not huge on Sting acting like “The Joker”. But the more I watch this character, I will admit that I incorrect. I do like the gimmick, and this is the most entertaining Sting has been in years (maybe ever). What I fear is that he may fizzle out before Bound for Glory. We will find out probably next month whether or not this is short or long-term. Personally, I would like to see Sting use this gimmick until his career is over. Then he goes back to being the “calm-down” Sting that we remembered for years.
– Jay Lethal signed a contract to compete in Ring of Honor. This has nowhere to go but up for Lethal, who will add athleticism to an already impressive ROH roster. Plus, Lethal can still work a few other shows. I thought TNA was crazy to just let Lethal leave the company because he was over with the audience and could hold his own with some of the best in TNA. I wish Lethal the best of luck, because he deserves it.
Any Questions?
There are times where Mr. V gets questions for the column and there are times where Mr. V does not get questions. This week, I did not get any questions. So please, if you have any questions you would like me to ask, send them to mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Detentions
Johnny Ace – For wishing Chris Masters the “best in his future endeavors”.
The Hardys – You both earn a detention to go with Eternal Detention time because instead of entertaining the fans these guys refuse to go to rehab and resume with their careers. For once, TNA is doing the right thing regarding these brothers. I just don’t think they get it anymore.
TNA – I have a question for this company. Where’s Robbie E? Seriously, he was here awhile ago, but where did he go? He is still in TNA, and they are just letting him rot. I hope that he did not quit his teaching position to stay with the company, or there will be a detention in the future.
Eric Young’s “Trip to Hollywood” – At first, this had a humorous moment. However, right now with Young taking acting lessons and rolling up D’Lo Brown is just awful. Young is a good in-ring performer. He should not be doing this for TNA.
Michael Cole – Eh, he deserves to be walked on again this week in detentions.
Mark Eckert (nominated by Scottie Poindexter) – What you did was wrong for the people of Belleville, “mayor”. Don’t let those people pay for your mistakes. Oh yeah, and fill in that d@mn hole!
WWE NXT – Enough with Redemption already. It seems like they are out of ideas since Matt Striker is wrestling again.
The Time Out Chair –Mr. Anderson. Seriously, he made “fart noises” during his interview segment at Hardcore Justice. It’s flat out embarrassing to see someone fall so far down from grace.
Eternal Detention
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Michael Cole (As posted on Facebook, he will be in here until Mr. V #200)
2010 French Soccer Team
Jeff Hardy and “The Other” Hardy
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
Westboro Baptist Church
Toni Morrison
“Roggio”
GLAAD
“The Brody” (goes to the WORST comment under WrestleView articles)
Well, this week I do not have a Brody because there is a new way to look at the WrestleView comments. And with the change it appears that all the comments from this week were mostly vanished. So next week I may do Double the Brody.
I ask my readers to be “nosy” and search under the postings for some ridiculous or borderline brainless comments from some of the trolls that lurk under the bridge.
This week’s winner is Bryan Duane. Not many people checked the “Notes on upcoming WWE DVD releases”, but there are going to be some good movies regarding the Top 50 Incidents in WWE History and a Bret Hart/Shawn Michaels DVD, but Mr. Duane is not quite up with the times.
Here is the comment that was truly “Brody-Worthy”
“I want to know when they are going to come out with a Randy Savage DVd, he is the one that deserves it the most. D@mn you Vince, get your head out of your @$$ and give the fans what they want for a change! Also when is Randy Going to be put in the hall of fame, nobody deserves it more than the Macho Man!”
Mr. V’s Thought: Now class, I do agree with Mr. Duane that Savage should be in the WWE Hall of Fame (get the title right next time). Savage is one of those best all-around performers that was one-of-a-kind.
Now Mr. Duane, let me share a link. I do not want to have one of those “u r a giant douche” comments that led us to have a Brody portion in the first place. The link is below:
http://www.amazon.com/WWE-Madness-Savage-Ultimate-Collection/dp/B001UDS4CC
It’s pretty cheap now, at $15.59 and if you spend over $25 you can get free shipping on your order. If you ask this teacher, I would suggest you buy this book.
It’s called “Facebook for Dummies” and it is $12.09. Let me do the match. It would be $27.68 and you get the free shipping charges. The books would arrive to you in a week.
You need the Macho Man DVD. I got it as a gift and I love the collection of matches and backstage segments. As for the “Facebook for Dummies” book? Perhaps you need it so you can post a more intelligent comment under these articles.
Take it away, Tony Atlas!
Should I pay for these books, Mr. Atlas? I feel generous.
You are right. I will spend it on something else, like some V8 Fusion.
Oh yeah, P.S. Mr. Duane. Vince McMahon gave you what you wanted. He gave Daniel Bryan a Money in the Bank case. CM Punk is your Champion, and so is Christi…well you can read it in the archives. It is there somewhere.
I also take suggestions for “The Brody”. Send your picks to mistervwv@hotmail.com. Subject: The Brody. Thanks.
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll For the Week of August 1 – August 7, 2011
8/01 – WWE Monday Night Raw
8/02 – WWE NXT
8/03 – OFF DAY.
8/04 – WWE Superstars and Impact Wrestling
8/05 – WWE Friday Night Smackdown
8/06 – This was the day you enjoy “The Teacher’s Lounge”
8/07 – This was the day we all should have celebrated “National Sidney Crosby Day”.
Distinguished Honors – Jack Swagger vs. Chris Masters, WWE Superstars, August 4.
How did it end? This match told a great story but just missed its mark on the finish. Just when Masters was about to apply the Masterlock on Swagger, Swagger rolled through it and applied the Ankle Lock. Masters tapped out and Swagger won via submission.
Grade: B (leaned toward B+).
High Honors – Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd, WWE Friday Night Smackdown, August 5.
How did it end? After a big kick by Bryan, he ended this highly competitive contest with a Guillotine Choke hold to win via submission over the underrated Kidd.
Grade: B (leaned toward B+).
Honors – Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelly, Impact Wrestling, August 4.
How did it end? After loads of high-speed work by Shelley and the slowed down segments by Aries, the match ended when Aries blocked Sliced Bread and connected with The Brainbuster to win via pinfall.
Grade: B- (leaned toward C+).
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the week of 8/01/11 – 8/07/11
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: None to Report.
B: Jack Swagger vs. Chris Masters (Superstars); Daniel Bryan vs. Tyson Kidd (Smackdown)
B-: Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley (IMPACT); Christian and R-Truth vs. Randy Orton and John Morrison (Smackdown)
C+: R-Truth and The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio and John Morrison (RAW); Titus O’Neil and Matt Striker vs. Derrick Bateman and Darren Young (NXT); Hernandez vs. Bobby Roode (IMPACT)
C: Vladimir Kozlov vs. JTG (NXT); Alicia Fox vs. Kaitlyn (Superstars); Vladimir Kozlov vs. Primo (Superstars); Crimson and Rob Van Dam vs. Gunner and Scott Steiner (IMPACT); Sheamus vs. The Great Khali (Smackdown)
C-: Alberto Del Rio vs. Evan Bourne (RAW); Devon vs. AJ Styles (IMPACT); D’Angelo Dinero vs. Samoa Joe (IMPACT); AJ vs. Natalya (Smackdown); Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder (Smackdown)
D+, D, or D-: David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty vs. Santino Marella and Zack Ryder (RAW); Brodus Clay vs. Pat Silva (Superstars); Miss Tessmacher vs. Madison Rayne (IMPACT); Mark Henry vs. Vladimir Kozlov (Smackdown); David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty, and JTG vs. Trent Barreta, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso (Smackdown)
F or INC: Diva’s Battle Royal won by Beth Phoenix (RAW)
Current WreslteView Prediction Standings (As of TNA’s Hardcore Justice)
REMINDER: WWE SummerSlam is THIS Sunday! If you are a “WrestleView Reader”, you want to fill your card out this weekend.
2011-2012 Predictions from the Faculty
1) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings/The Eye Gouge)……………60-34 (5-4)
2) Dave Stephens (Raw Recaps/That’s a Wrap/Teachers Lounge….60-35 (6-3)
3) Ryan Rivera (ROH on HDNet Recapper)…………………………..59-36 (5-4)
4) Greg McNeish (The Velvet Room)………………………………….58-37 (8-1)
5) Wrestleview Students (The Readers of the article)………………57-38 (4-5)
6) Nicholas Gray (The Velvet Room)…………………………………..57-38 (4-5)
7) Gregory “Grash” Walek (WWE NXT Recapper)……………………57-38 (5-4)
8) Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown Recapper)……………………..56-39 (5-4)
9) Josh Boutwell (TNA Impact Recaps/Viva La Raza)………………53-36 (3-6)
10) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/Teacher’s Lounge)…..52-43 (4-5)
11) Darragh O’Connor (WV International Desk)……………………..51-33 (5-4)
12) Evan O’Brien (WV International Desk)……………………………51-44 (4-5)
13) Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds)……………………….50-45 (4-5)
14) Andrew Hayman (WWE Superstars Recapper)…………………..48-34 (5-4)
Tie-Breaker Points – Which are based on Championship matches correct
27: Jose Marrero; Ryan Rivera; Dave Stephens; Nicholas Gray; Gregory Walek; Mike Tedesco
26: Greg McNeish
24: Anthony Valvo
23: Josh Boutwell; Evan O’Brien
21: Evan O’Brien
19: Darragh O’Connor; Andrew Hayman
18: Matt O’Brien
All the matches for the TNA Hardcore Justice PPV was counted.
Greg McNeish scored the best among the WrestleView staff with an 8-1 record, only missing the Mexican America/Beer Money match.
Joe Divine will be the NEW Student of the Week. In a show that was very difficult to predict, Mr. Devine went 7-2 to easily beat out the competition.
The previous students of the week did not retain their spot. Wade Bradford went 3-6 and Sean Mcnally went 2-7 for the Hardcore Justice show.
Jose Marrero is still on top of the leaderboard. However with only three wins separating first from seventh, it is anyone’s game still.
There were 24 predictions collected by the WrestleView Students and they averaged out 3.5 wins. I estimate the predictions of the students under these standings, and I had them at 4-5 for Hardcore Justice.
Who’s in line for the Predictions Prize?
See the latest Predictions article for details on how to compete.
First Place will win a wrestling DVD.
Second Place will win a T-Shirt.
Third Place will win a Coffee Mug.
Last Place will win TNA’s Victory Road 2009 (or now even 2011 whichever costs less), as it was as bad a PPV as what potentially someone’s picks will be.
I will just type out the Top five or six readers at this time. The first set of parentheses is the W/L record for WWE’s Money in the Bank. The second parentheses are the Tie-Breaker points.
1) Paul Meade……………………………………………………..62-33 (4-5) (28) – #1
2) Nick Latham…………………………………………………….61-34 (2-7) (28) – #2
3) Jordan Benterman…………………………………………..61-34 (3-6) (27) – Tie #3
4) Goose Oberstar………………………………………………61-34 (5-4) (27) – Tie #3
5) Michael Fox……………………………………………………60-35 (4-5) (27)
6) Jason Namako…………………………………………………60-35 (2-7) (25)
The person with the most picks incorrect is currently 39-41. There are a few others with 41 picks incorrect, but this reader got to 41 with the fewest matches.
The next PPV that we will be keeping score on will be WWE’s SummerSlam 2011 on August 14th.
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 Beef Jerky you can consume. Look at his blog and maybe buy a product or two.
Finally, some Gold Stars! These are the people, teams, and many other things that I think did a great job in wrestling, sports, news, and even charity. So, here is who I am giving a Gold Star to.
James Lacerenza – My good friend is once again trying to win the “Pepsi Refresh Everything” grant that will help kids with muscular dystrophy attend a camp free of charge (aka the parents/guardians will not pay a dime). So far, this dream can be a reality. Please vote and help make a difference for these children.
http://www.refresheverything.com/mda (This is the link. Do NOT let me down. He has a great chance at winning after months, maybe a year, after frustration.)
John Cena and CM Punk – They earned one for having probably the best “contract signing” segment I have ever seen in my years as a pro wrestling fan.
Matt Carlins – He is a producer for KDKA in Pittsburgh. He is also a pretty cool guy on Twitter. My readers should add him.
Jim Lokay – He does the traffic for KDKA, and does pretty much everything for KDKA. I think he is the “Zack Ryder” of the station. They need to make “Loski” shirts for him.
KDKA – It is the only station that I will watch for Pittsburgh news. I met a few talented guys there over the years and they all are pretty professional.
Winter – She is the New TNA Knockout’s Champion.
Kurt Angle – He won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and gives Pittsburgh another world championship.
Austin Aries – For simply being “The Greatest Man that Ever Lived”.
Jack Swagger – Swagger and his wife Catalina White are expecting their first child. I wish them both well on their journey to parenthood.
Living Colour – The band gave CM Punk a shoutout as well as their fan base. They even knew that they now have a growing fanbase because “Cult of Personality” is making a comeback. It is refreshing to see that happen.
Stan Sheetz – The CEO of “Sheetz, Inc.” is flat out awesome and a classy guy. I was a guest at a recognition dinner at Seven Springs last weekend and it was just a perfect getaway. This is a CEO that treated all of these recognized employees and guests on their dime and trust me, everything was not cheap.
The crew at Seven Springs – This place is more than just snow, and all the activities they have at their resort in Champion, PA is remarkable. If you live on the east coast, please consider visiting there. It is lovely.
Sheamus – He earned one for appearing on “Conan” on August 11.
Cody Rhodes – I think the readers will know that I really like the gimmick, and that I see something really good going for him in the mid-card area on Smackdown.
Mike Tedesco – He has been hard at work all week on WrestleView. I decided that call this week “Mike Tedesco Week” because he appeared on the TNA PPV post-show, Talked on WrestleView Radio, taped the Friday Fishbowl, recapped Raw AND will recap Smackdown, and will end it by taping The Teacher’s Lounge. This week folks, I am not the hardest working columnist in pro wrestling. Mike is.
Tom Van Stone – For having a “cup of coffee” in the big time. But the coffee mug should be the “Mr. V” coffee mug. Just throwing an idea lol.
Japanese professional wrestling – On August 27 All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH will share the spotlight in a once in a lifetime show to help the victims of the tsunami that hit Japan earlier this year.
To the readers – Thanks for reading. It arrived a bit later than I hoped, but I hope it was not disappointing.
Claudio Castagnoli – He gets one for staying “Very European”.
A Bright Gold Star goes to JT Lightning, and independent wrestler from the Cleveland area who passed away at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with cancer. My thoughts go out to his family and from what I read in reports and from people that live the business, he will be missed by man. RIP JT.
And that is all for now. If you want me to give out a Gold Star let me know at mistervwv@hotmail.com.
This Week’s Homework Assignment (Due August 19th – one more week)
Look, we know that CM Punk is the best man in professional wrestling right now and he is pretty much the “center of the universe (and not just the WWE). There are also some “rumors” that he is not alone. Does CM Punk have back-up?
Let’s say CM Punk has backup. Obviously, we don’t know who his reinforcements are but let’s have fun. Please “class”, if you can pick four guys to form a faction with CM Punk who would they be? I will share your answers with the Mr. V classroom if completed.
Fill in the blank: If Vince McMahon made Michael Cole _____________________, Cole would easily say “yes, sir”.
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 like it, tell a friend! My classroom has many desks inside. 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 (I changed it because the readers wanted it)
E-Mail: mistervwv@hotmail.com or lounge@wrestleview.com
To Send Predictions for “Predictions of the Faculty”: mistervwv@hotmail.com or Private Message via Facebook.
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Along with WrestleView’s Raw Recapper and Columnist Dave Stephens, 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 one to two-hour program. We even have a few games, a detention segment, as well as interviews.
Most Recent Guest (appeared on the 8/6 edition of The Teacher’s Lounge)
WrestleView Smackdown Recapper Mike Tedesco and WrestleView VIP member Frank McMahen!
With Dave Stephens still out due to computer problems (blame Best Buy, not him) that will be fixed in due time, the August 6th edition of “The Teacher’s Lounge” featured a guest host! I welcomed WrestleView Smackdown Recapper Mike Tedesco in The Teacher’s Lounge and we talked about various topics in WWE, TNA, ROH, and other important information. We also welcomed Mr. McMahen (our “intern”) on the show and we recapped the WV mid-year awards voted by the readers. Games were played as well. It will be a fantastic episode that you don’t want to miss.
Already on the archives we interviewed WrestleView.com staff members, including:
Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings and FYB Radio host)
Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds)
Josh Boutwell (TNA Recapper and Viva La Raza columnist)
Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown recapper and two-time guest host)
CJ Bowman (The Velvet Room and one-time guest host)
Nicholas Gray (The Velvet Room)
Adam Martin even guest hosted an episode (find out which one) (Editor-In-Chief)
Paul Nemer (Site Owner)
Evan O’Brien (WrestleView International Desk co-host and one-time guest host)
Darragh O’Connor (WrestleView International Desk co-host and one-time guest host)
But wait, here is plenty more!
The Teacher’s Lounge also interviewed professional wrestlers and amazing writers, including:
Ring of Honor Wrestler and Former NWA World Champion Colt Cabana.
TNA Superstar Hernandez
Isis The Amazon (formerly Aloisia of WWE)
Lori Carrington (Author of “The Cruiserweight)
Crystal Mai (from Diva-Dirt.com)
ROH, SHIMMER, and Chikara Professional Wrestler Sara Del Rey
As always, Dave Stephens and I thank all our listeners as well as our readers. 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. 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.