From the Desk of Mr. V #63
April 8, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
This week, I did not get an introduction from my loyal students. So I guess I can start off by saying this. If you want create an introduction, offer a gold star or detention, or want me to discuss anything involving pro wrestling as well as anything for that matter you can e-mail Mr. V at mistervwv@hotmail.com or teacherslounge@hotmail.com.
Welcome once again class to “From the Desk of Mr. V”. I am your resident teacher of WrestleView and I will provide you with the good and bad of pro wrestling. This column will be much shorter than last week’s, as I don’t have much to talk about on PPVs. However, each week I will keep the predictions records up. Inside today will be a lecture on a few buzzworthy wrestling stories, detentions, Honor Rolls, and of course some freshly painted Gold Stars. Also, I would like some more takes on your thoughts from WrestleMania a few days ago. So students, have a seat and grab a beverage of your choosing. School is in session for the 63rd time “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
“Be positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren’t worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life” by Ron Clark
I looked through many of my past columns and was surprised that I never used a Ron Clark quote. This is Clark’s Rule #50 in his book The Essential 55. To anyone that is, was, or is currently studying to become a teacher should pick this book up. You can find it here. In my honest opinion it is a must for anyone in the education field. Instead of complaining and creating hardships we must be positive. We get upset over the small things (myself included), but is it really worth it? Is it worth the stress? Is it worth sprouting a few grey hairs? Instead, focus on the good things in life. Focus on what makes you happy. Then ask yourself: If you are not happy, is it worth continuing it?
Teacher’s Lecture
Here are the latest headlines on WrestleView that really caught my eye this past week. If you have thoughts on my topics as well please give them to me at mistervwv@hotmail.com.
1) Rest in Peace Chris “Chris Kanyon” Klucsaritis 1970-2010
First off, I don’t think my words would do justice for this man. I read tributes, watched tributes, and read articles about Kanyon. I will show you what Ricky Langston and WrestleView showed me featuring a very emotional YouTube Clip with the lone member of the Jersey Triad, Diamond Dallas Page.
Also, this is pretty sad when DDP is the only member left in the Jersey Triad faction. I just wish that we would not have another wrestler death during the rest of 2010. However, I just don’t see it happening.
Kanyon was a former WCW Tag Team Champion, a former WWE (though labeled WCW) United States Champion, and a former WWF World Tag Team Champion. I remember Kanyon being declared the WWF/WCW United States Champion, as it happened in Pittsburgh. He had a unique style that was rarely seen. In my view, he was truly one of the most underrated wrestlers in our time. He was college educated (per DDP’s speech) which made me respect Kanyon more. He lived his dream, but the dream really did screw him over. He gave up a lot to wrestle in WCW. He had the size and some gimmicks that really got him over. He helped some guys become more mainstream, as per DDP’s tribute.
Kanyon’s biggest fame probably happened in WCW, and his career in the WWF/E. Unfortunately, his career was hampered by injury and hard luck. It is kind of sad to know that Vince McMahon months ago said in his “Mr. McMahon” persona that he disposed wrestlers “like gum that lost its flavor”. Seemed like after Kanyon’s injuries, McMahon spit the gum out. I think about then was where the demons started for Mr. Klucsaritis. He was once a proud college graduate with a $60,000 job and now a man with a severe case of bipolar disorder. Was that the reason why he ended his life way too soon? We will never know.
I can’t say that Kanyon was one of my favorites of all time, but I really enjoyed his work. Again, it is a shame that someone so talented and intelligent left this world before it was his time. To the Klucsaritis family, my heartfelt condolences to all of you. Again, an entertainer closes his book with another clich?d “unhappy ending”. I pray I don’t have to write this again.
2) Lance Storm will NEVER watch TNA again!
I won’t copy word for word what he said about last Monday’s Impact, but to see the interview go here.
Though I did not agree with everything, I will quote some of his comments that I really agree on.
“I’m genuinely concerned for the well being of people in this business and after the incredible number of deaths this industry has suffered over the years someone has to say something.” – Lance Storm, Paragraph 5.
“Thankfully WWE is taking steps forward with their wellness policy and the banning of chair shots to the head, but TNA seems content to seek short term, shock value ratings and ignore the horrific long term writing on the wall.” ? Lance Storm, Paragraph 9.
Storm is very concerned about the well being of these supreme athletes today, and I am sure a lot of people agree. There was many a wrestler who died in one way or another. We lost some from drugs, suicide, and cancer. These top pro wrestling companies need to do something about using weapons right at the cranium.
I give the WWE a lot of credit right now more than ever. The WWE banned the chair shots to the head and that is a great start. Coming from one that has suffered a few concussions in his day, it is a big step in the right direction. A few years ago I would have been upset, but now it is a different story. A company must do their best to make the workers compete in a safe environment. TNA is failing big time on this. Case in point Homicide’s chair shot to Rob Terry’s head that made him legitimately bleed the hard way.
I have been negative towards Terry in the past, and I still don’t think he should be a champion in TNA. However, what does this tell you about TNA right now? They are not giving a care about their talents, they only care about the ratings…their bottom line. Usually, those companies fail.
They are trying to capitalize on what the WWE no longer will do (stripteases, blood, etc), It seems forced and unhealthy. They are not generating the current wrestling fan base because some, but not all, gone past that. I hope that TNA does clean up their act. They don’t need to do such foolish deeds for a small ratings boost. Is it worth it to kill one of your wrestlers just for a boost in your ratings by a tenth of a point? No, I don’t think so.
That said I am relieved that Rob Terry is alright, or that is what it appeared.
Finally, Lance Storm compiled a list of all the wrestlers, 41 in all, that we lost due to unfortunate circumstances. Please take a look at the blog, it may really shock you. I actually shed a tear after reading that. I think we as fans should really worry about the well being of wrestlers. Sure, a table’s match or a hardcore match can end a great story. But to do it every week? I for one think this is excessive.
3) Cryme Tyme is over!
Honestly, is anyone surprised by this? It finally may help JTG become a solid, mid-card babyface. JTG probably felt that he lost almost 300 pounds when he heard that he is going solo now. Remember, he did beat Chris Jericho in 2009 on Smackdown.
4) ROH’s Big Bang!
This is the spot where I would talk about ROH’s latest Pay-Per-View, The Big Bang. However, tonight I am going to actually purchase the PPV on gofightlive.tv and watch the show and take notes on it. I will give you a review sometime later this week
Detentions
The Sports Media: the media declares our joy as “fake”. Yet when a wrestler dies unnaturally, it is right there near the top story. Either cover professional wrestling both ways, or don’t cover the thing at all!
WWE Diva booking team: where now this is a joke. An absolute joke.
TNA Knockouts booking team: see above. What a shame that this was once a strength in TNA. Now, it is goofy.
Vickie Guerrero: I can no longer think of “cougar” as an animal and I am none too happy about this.
HDNet: not surprised that they put ROH on the back burner for a third-tier basketball tournament. I wanted to recap some wrestling, but had no choice but to be on a two week hiatus.
Eric Bischoff: for losing your faith in Daniels. Now he is in Ring of Honor and I hope they use him well.
Bubba the Love Sponge: do I need to explain why? He took two punches to the face, being embarrassed on all occasions, yet he is still in TNA.
Chairshots to the head: look, there is more concern over this than ever. What TNA allowed Homicide to do to Rob Terry was sheer stupidity on their part. It is not proving that Rob Terry is tough.
Praxis and the ETS Series: don’t think I forgot about you.
Dancing with the Stars voters: I refuse to watch until the soccer mom is gone. Enough said.
Orlando Jordan: what……was……that? I have an idea on who will win the “Rotten Apple” for Worst Gimmick in 2010.
DUNCE CAP OF DOOM goes to…Once again, Michael Cole. He called Daniel Bryan a tool? A TOOL???? Funny, because I think if you looked up wrestling tool in the dictionary you would see this. If you do not get this link, please think of Cole getting rammed by a poet (it may be a little small, sorry). Seriously, I don’t know if he is being legit with his comments and ripping on Josh Mathews but if it is I don’t know why we have to suffer. Cole is usually on TV way too much anyway. I know that Daniel Bryan is now 0-6 or 0-7, but I would really enjoy seeing win #1 against Cole. If WWE booked that, it could be a ratings win. So Mr. Cole, once again you give Syracuse University a bad name, as well as wrestling commentators. Call me a nerd all you want, but at least I have a larger vocabulary than you! Wear the custom-designed Dunce Cap of Doom and stand in the corner.
Past Dunces in Mr. V’s classroom: Kate Gosselin, Bubba the Love Sponge, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Michael Cole (who got this once already).
Mr. V’s Honor Roll for the week of March 29 ? April 4, 2010
Here was Mr. V’s schedule in regards to grading these matches.
3/29 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw and TNA Impact matches
3/30 – Graded WWE NXT Matches
3/31 – Column Writing. After that, I watched ROH on YouTube and recap the show.
4/01 – Graded WWE Superstars.
4/02 – Graded Smackdown Matches
4/03 – OFF DAY
4/04 – Graded FCW Matches (If I ever find a stream for it). It not, it is an OFF DAY.
Once again, I don’t know if they don’t post them online anymore but I did not get FCW. If I ever get them I will post the grade on this column.
ROH on HDNet was on a two week hiatus because of a couple college basketball tournaments. I will grade their April 5th shows next week.
Distinguished Honors: AJ Styles vs. Jeff Jarrett, TNA Impact, March 29.
How did it end? This contest ended when AJ Styles hit Jeff Jarrett with the Styles Clash.
Grade: B.
Thoughts: This was the 0.6 rated Impact. However, there were some bright spots. WWE talents were pretty safe after some put on a great show at WrestleMania. So this was a chance that TNA could have done to generate some additional viewers. Though it may not have done a great job overall, this match was pretty good. I enjoyed the hold-for-hold exchanges in the beginning of the contest.
Both men told a solid story, as it was a battle between the arrogant champ and a wrestler who wanted to prove something after being an afterthought to Eric Bischoff. Styles did a phenomenal job, as he changed the pace of the match to meet the needs of an older Jarrett. Jarrett showed some bright moments as well. Jarrett was able to display some surprising power for a guy who did not really wrestle much of the past couple years.
Overall, the match was pretty good. I was a little confused of the finish, but at the end of the show the story will continue to their pay-per-view, Lockdown. Yes, they are building stories for the PPV (Jarrett now hates Ric Flair as well and is on Team Hogan). At least that is refreshing.
High Honors: The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and DH Smith) vs. The Dudebusters (Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta), WWE Superstars, April 1.
How did it end? The match ended when Tyson Kidd applied the Sharpshooter on Barreta.
Grade: B (leaned towards B-)
Thoughts: I have a feeling I will get the Mr.V-what-are-you-thinking comments. However, in a slow week of pro wrestling I thought both teams really established themselves in one way or another. I was impressed with the way that Kidd and Barreta exchanged blows to start. You could see some enthusiasm in both teams, especially Tyson Kidd. It just looks like Kidd is enjoying this push (you can actually see him smiling in the ring).
The Dude Busters have a good chance at being something other than jobbers on the Smackdown brand. Croft needs some work, but Barreta is a very sound wrestler despite being only 23 years old. He sold well and his gimmick was done well. He is able to execute the basics. Barreta played his role real well, as Croft still needs a bit more work.
The Hart Dynasty’s stock is at an all-time high, students. They generated the majority of the offense and this really showcased the pure power of Smith. However, I was more impressed with the pure, natural wrestling ability of Tyson Kidd. Kidd flew around the ring effieciently, was able to execute an array of holds, and showed great emotion. The face turn was a great thing for this team. I am hoping in a few weeks when the WWE Draft occurs we will hear that this team will wrestle on Monday nights. Smith may not be ready, but if Kidd is in the ring more it should not be a problem.
So, in conclusion this was probably the best showing by both teams. It was great to see a smaller wrestler control a tag team match and I can see nothing but good things from both of them.
Honors: John Cena and Randy Orton vs. Batista and Jack Swagger, Monday Night Raw, March 29.
How did it end: The match ended when Randy Orton hit the RKO on Jack Swagger for the pinfall victory.
Grade: B-.
Thoughts: First off, when Cena was told he would “have a mystery tag team partner” I thought it would be MVP since he had a history with Swagger, then the Money in the Bank winner. However when Cena said that his partner had “a history with Batista”, I said to my wife “holy cow it is going to be Orton!”. In a world where we are not surprised as much anymore it was a shocker that Orton and Cena would team up to face their opponents.
I enjoyed the start of this contest. It featured the young and foolish Swagger getting straightened out by both Cena and Orton. The transitions were quick and effective as well. It was a quick match (they needed Shawn Michaels to have all the time in the world, well deserved), but every wrestler hit their marks well. Batista made his presence felt with a Spinebuster and taking cheap shots at Cena. Swagger was perfect with his athleticism and was perfect with his Corner Springboard Splash.
Cena and Orton actually worked pretty well as a team. Sure, Cena has the five moves moniker, but he executed those moves very well and there is no denying that he is the face of Monday Night Raw. Orton generated some smart offense, as he picked parts of the body and worked a great program with Swagger.
Overall, I thought it was a great showing by all four involved. I saw really nothing wrong in this match except for how quick it ended. Sure, Swagger may have been the weakest link here. But on that Friday, he shocked the world and become the World Heavyweight Champion. I think Swagger will fit that role nicely. Cena and Batista continued to get on each other’s nerves, while Orton goes back and fights another day.
And now, for my overall weekly grade book:
A+, A, A-: None to Report.
B+: None to Report.
B: AJ Styles vs. Jeff Jarrett (TNA) and Tyson Kidd and DH Smith vs. Caylon Croft and Trent Barreta (Superstars);
B-: Tyson Kidd and DH Smith vs. The Miz and Big Show (RAW); John Cena and Randy Orton vs. Jack Swagger and Batista (RAW); CM Punk, Matt Hardy, Wade Barrett, and R-Truth vs. Christian, Carlito, The Miz, and William Regal (NXT);and Kofi Kingston and MVP vs. Zack Ryder and Carlito (Superstars).
C+: Christian vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. (RAW); Kazarian and Shannon Moore vs. Doug Williams and Brian Kendrick (TNA); Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, and Eric Young vs. Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Syxx-Pac (TNA); and Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal (Superstars)
C: Desmond Wolfe vs. D’Angelo Dinero (TNA) and David Otunga over Wade Barrett, Skip Sheffield, Darren Young, Michael Tarver, Heath Slater, Daniel Bryan, and Justin Gabriel in the NXT Rookie Battle Royale (NXT).
C-: Tara vs. Daffney (TNA); Tiffany and Beth Phoenix vs. Layla and Michelle McCool (Smackdown); and Kane vs. All 8 NXT Rookies (Smackdown).
D+, D, D-: Jay Lethal vs. Robert Roode and James Storm (TNA); R-Truth and John Morrison vs. Shad Gaspard and JTG (Smackdown); and Dolph Ziggler vs. The Great Khali (Smackdown).
F or INC: Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, and Eve Torres vs. Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Maryse, Michelle McCool, and Layla (RAW); Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho (Smackdown); and Drew McIntyre vs. Matt Hardy (Smackdown).
BONUS: PREDICTIONS FROM THE FACULTY STANDINGS
**As of WrestleMania XXVI** (Our WM record in parentheses or question marks)
1) Daniel Browne (For Queen and Country)……………………………..19-11 (6-4)
2) David Stephens (That’s a Wrap and RAW Recapper)………….18-12 (5-5)
3) Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza and TNA Recapper)……………….18-12 (6-4)
4) Students of the Week (The Best from Prev. PPV)………………17-13 (5-5)*
5) Matt O’Brien (Notes From The Nosebleeds)…………………………17-13 (6-4)
6) WrestleView Students (The Loyal Readers)………………………..16-14 (5-5)
7) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings)……………………………………16-14 (6-4)
8) Joe Baiamonte (Baiamonte’s Casa/2009 WV Champ)………16-14 (6-4)
9) Sean Hurley (The Sharpshooter)………………………………………..15-15 (4-6)
10) Mike Tedesco (Smackdown and NXT Recapper)…………………14-16 (5-5)
11) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/ROH Recaps)……….14-16 (5-5)
12) Doug Lackey (Reality From Ringside)………………………………….13-17 (4-6)
13) Jeff Springer (WWE Superstars Recapper)……………………………12-6 (7-3)
Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment
Well, there won’t be as many Gold Stars this week since, well, it is not WrestleMania week! Still, a lot need to be accounted for, so some congrats are in order right here.
Enzo Mendicino: For completing a really nice list on how Edge was a part of each Money in the Bank cash in. I think it is somewhere on the site, and it is short and to the point.
Angelina Love: Your NEW TNA Knockouts Champion.
Tara: At least you got your “Poison”.
Ricky Langston: For providing me with some great information this past week.
Suzanne Abshire and Jeremy Samples: For completing the homework assignment for their thoughts on WrestleMania.
Doug Lackey: I am going to give him one for his work on the 4/6 edition of 3R Radio. I for one actually enjoy this latest edition to the WrestleView Radio Network.
Tom Van Stone: He played some Dean Martin during our episode of The Friday Fishbowl. I was called in at the last minute and I hope I did not let them down on that one.
Diamond Dallas Page: (from many students) His tribute to Chris Kanyon was very good. You could see the emotion in his face when he talked about his “brother”.
Skip Sheffield: I hope that he drops the “cowboy” gimmick and goes to the one he had in OVW. That would be superb.
Jose Marrero: I will give you one for being The NEW Gold Standard.
Daniel Bryan: His comments on Michael Cole was just amazing. I really hope that we see a match between those two. Can you picture Cole crying like a baby when Cattle Mutilation is applied?
Evan Longoria: For being a better actor than Eva Longoria. Check out his New Era commercial.
Pittsburgh Pirates: YES!!!! 1-0!!!!!! WE DID IT!!!! If this is the start of what we will see, the Zack Duke will be the Cy Young Winner and Garrett Jones will be a 342-Home Run hitter. Ok, maybe I am over exaggerating just a bit. Well, as of the time I sent this to Adam and Hunter they were 1-0. I am sure they will have a losing record before my next column.
Dave Stephens: He admitted that he likes to be on the list. So, he gets a spot.
To all that read my columns and talk to me on Facebook. I do my very best to meet all my students needs and I thank you all for your continued support.
Kurt Cobain: Well, it has now been 16 years since he left us way too soon. When I was a teen, Nirvana was by far my favorite band. Still, their music can never be copied. The style was original and creative.
The Hart Dynasty: Still benefitting over this push. They are a great team and the hard work is paying off.
Kurt Angle: He made Ken Anderson look very good on Monday.
Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli: NEW ROH Tag Team Champions.
Eric Carle: He is a long-time author and illustrator of Children’s Literature. I bet most of my students have read at least one of his readings. From “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to “The Grouchy Little Ladybug”, all his books provide a meaning and a lesson. If you are a parent, please pick up one of his books or borrow one at the local library. It has been long overdue for Carle to get a Gold Star in a pro wrestling column.
David Otunga: I was really impressed with his work as the guest host on Monday Night Raw.
David Hasselhoff: Because he will be the guest host next week. Here’s hoping that he sings us a glorious tune and does not have a Raw’s got talent again. Of course, if he does…then we may see Vladimir Kozlov and Santino Marella sing a duet.
Homework Assignments
(From Mr. V #62)
Homework Assignment
I have three assignments for all of my loyal students. If you have some free time, you can do one, two, or all three assignments. I am not really picky.
1) Tell me your grade for WrestleMania XXVI? Provide some thoughts. It does not have to be long, but you can add whatever you want after you post a grade. If you want them posted on Mr. V #63, please keep it PG. I know you are all tired of PG stuff but I keep profanity in my columns to almost zero. Inappropriate comments will either be deleted or sent to detention. DON’T BE IN DETENTION! **As of last week, I got only two students thoughts on WrestleMania. I hope to get more by the end of the week. Thanks to the two of you for completling this assignment.
2) Dave Stephens and I started up a new show on The WrestleView Radio Network and we need your assistance once again. If you have a question regarding wrestling, sports, music, or even Orlando Jordan’s expose send those questions to the Professors at teacherslounge@hotmail.com. Yes, we DID get that e-mail!
3) Also, I would like some “Good Idea Bad Idea” comments from the students as well. I am sure we will get a few really good ones this week. Gold Stars who complete this as well.
Dismissal
Well, that does it for me this week. I thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed this column as much as I typed it out. If you want to get a hold of me during the week, please e-mail me at mistervwv@hotmail.com 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 my next Ring of Honor on HDNet recap (which should arrive on Thursday), you are all……DISMISSED!
Mr. V does read e-mail, so drop the teacher a line: mistervwv@hotmail.com.
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THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW PLAYING ON SATURDAYS!!
David Stephens (That’s A Wrap and Raw recapper) and I have a new show only on the WVRN. 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.
For $4.99 you can listen to the likes of Hunter Golden, Adam Martin, Tom Van Stone, Doug Lackey, and so much more!! I will be honest to say that we do offer the best value in paid content. So for a couple bucks less than a bag of Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee, you can get all of the above.
Finally to end this column, I would like to thank those who read all of my work. My ROH Recaps are still among the most viewed and my Examiner page is among the top 5 among all examiners in the Pittsburgh Area. This is the most motivated I have been in writing in some time, so thanks to all of you.
If not for the students, there would be no Mr. V. Thanks for reading my column.