From the Desk of Mr. V #89
September 30, 2010
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
I want to first off thank the readers that sent me e-mails and Facebook messages stating that they enjoyed last week’s column. I can be honest; it was not my personal best work. But yet you enjoyed it and I appreciate all the support. I will keep writing if you all keep reading. Thank you very much and enjoy this week’s column! I have a lot of free time (I am not teaching until the latter part of the work week).
Welcome to the latest edition of “From the Desk of Mr. V”. I am Anthony “Mr. V” Valvo, your WrestleView resident teacher with the same material as last time, but different names, matches, and articles.
So sit back and grab some iced coffee. Relax as you read the 89th Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
“I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.” – Yogi Berra
Now that the MLB Playoffs is around the corner I thought right now would be a perfect time to use a quote from “The King of Quotes that make you scratch your head”. This quote made me do just that. But I loved it!
Oh, my World Series Prediction? Phillies vs. Yankees with the Phillies winning 4-2 (I like the pitching in Philly).
Teacher’s Lecture
1) Christian is out for six months with a pectoral muscle tear.
My Thoughts: Wow, where can I start. Ok, this may be my “mark” moments.
As many of my readers know, I am one of Christian’s biggest fans. Heck, I even own Christian’s TNA DVD (which was the best TNA DVD I have ever seen) and if anyone plans to buy a TNA DVD, this would be the one.
All I can type is that I feel terrible for Christian. He is a class act who never gets in trouble; he is an intelligent and sound wrestler who can give any wrestler a quality match. The man has charisma, character, and draws money (yes, I went there). In my opinion, he should main event a WrestleMania or be very close to it. He never got his due as a World Champion in the WWE and I fear that with an injury like this he will never see that elusive World Title in the WWE (I know he earned one in TNA).
That is disappointing. Not for Christian, but honestly shame on the WWE for not giving this guy even a World Title match on Smackdown when Swagger was the World Champion. Christian had an excellent program with him during their feud in ECW back in 2009 and Christian would have been an excellent challenger for the title. Now he was set to feud with Alberto Del Rio, arguably the one WWE stock that fans are buying right now. I don’t know exactly how Christian injured his muscle, but it is sad that we may never see the conclusion of the feud. Instead, we just got Christian in a quick injury angle and the rivalry was over without reaching its fullest potential.
Look, when it comes to Smackdown it seemed like the two good guys that would take the job for younger, fresher talents were Matt Hardy and Christian. But that is the only comparison. The differences are many.
Matt Hardy instead of just accepting the fact that he may be just about done decided to rant about his lack of push on YouTube, Twitter, or whoever wants to watch and listen to him. We, the media, are craving for more of the Matt Meltdown. I now refuse to watch his rants, as he is acting like a child who did not get what he wanted for Christmas.
Christian accepts the role, and does his best at it. Christian looked better now than he did when he got a satisfactory push in the WWE in the early part of the 2000s, yet struggles to get a push since ECW folded. Does Christian complain and cry about his physique? Absolutely not! That is why I have a ton of respect for what Christian does.
In conclusion, I wish nothing but the best for Christian. I hope that he heals quickly and comes back on Smackdown and just comes out swinging. Who knows, maybe he may get a push towards an Intercontinental Championship when healthy and on fire.
2) Mick Foley…the movie?
Thoughts: Ok, I have not truly heard much about this story right now so I will just go brief with this topic.
Mick Foley is a smart individual. I think his story can truly inspire, even though his run in TNA has been lackluster. He has done a lot for the pro wrestling business and his accomplishments are plenty. I am happy to see that this movie is going to be made believe it or not. Foley’s career should be celebrated in the ring. He has a long list of accolades, as well as being a face that many can remember.
If he was in the WWE, this movie would have taken off brilliantly. Foley’s life is much different than many of the legends that the WWE had once employed. However, with TNA as his employer I don’t know how this will pan out. I do hope for the best with Foley. Who knows, if this movie happens maybe they will do a scene in Freedom, Pennsylvania where he trained with “The Franchise” Shane Douglas.
3) Paul Bearer is BACK…AWWWWWWWWW YEEEEEEEESSSSS!
Thoughts: Behold the power of the urn! Again, since I think my time is up because my first topic consumed so much of the column I will say I am happy to see Paul Bearer back on television.
Just when Kane vs. The Undertaker’s feud continues to be great, they add the man who started it all in Bearer. Well, actually Ted DiBiase, Sr. was the man that brought in The Undertaker. But Bearer was the man led managed The Undertaker when he won his first WWF Championship (over Hulk Hogan). The Undertaker at the time was nearly invincible with “the urn”. It brought back memories of how creepy Bearer and Undertaker were in the early 90s and now that they are together, things got interesting.
Now the questions remain. Is Paul Bearer with The Undertaker or with Kane, the World Heavyweight Champion? No one knows for sure. All I can type is that we should all enjoy the feud some more now that we have Paul Bearer hoisting the urn again. Kane vs. The Undertaker as Feud of the Year 2010??? It is a possibility.
4) Aloisia joined The Teacher’s Lounge
This is just a cheap plug. Jose Marrero and I got to interview Aloisia on last week’s “Teacher’s Lounge” program. If you are a VIP member, please don’t miss it! It was pretty solid. Again, thanks to Aloisia for her time and to Jose for doing an amazing job recording the interview.
Detentions
Matt Hardy – Because of his pathetic rants on YouTube. I seriously think he may explode soon because his head has to be the size of the bump on Tara’s elbow (when you compare the elbow bone to her bump at least).
Maxine – She is brutal in the ring.
The Pittsburgh Pirates – Pirates fans…the pain is finally over! But HEY! We got the #1 pick in the 2011 MLB Draft.
Lacey Von Erich – She is so awful in the ring, but many of my students love the way she flops everywhere like a fish out of water.
TNA’s Treatment of D’Angelo Dinero – They better have something good. So Dinero goes from a main event level guy to now being aligned with Sting and Kevin Nash. I just hope Dinero does not become the next Eric Young. Speaking of which, where “is” Eric Young?
Parents that whined when Katy Perry showed “too much” on Sesame Street (From: Grash) – Grash, your wish is my command. Seriously, I thought it was very nice to see a pop star act so genuine in participating for a children’s program (and having to stand Elmo for more than two minutes). But the parents (not our household of course) complained and wanted to take it down. So, sadly Sesame Street had to take it down because parents were just finding Perry’s outfit “too low”. In other words, Perry “might of” showed too much goods. I still stand by what I said when I gave her a gold star. It was a good video. I laughed with it and the parents have to take that away. When will the world stop being so freaking insecure?
My WrestleView Fantasy Football Team – Well, I am 0-3 right now. If anything, I only lost by five points to my opponent. Out of my four teams, this is the only team without a win.
Matt Forte – For ruining my chances at victory!
Crunk – In just three weeks, the WWE has made this word officially “uncool”.
The Eternal Detention Rundown
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Ryan Clark
The Bee and Wasp family
Bubba The Love Sponge
The Pittsburgh Pirates Front Office
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Quizno’s
5-Hour Energy
I took off the 2010 French Soccer Team and that fan who was talking trash at the Miz. I need to free some space up. I have a feeling I will be adding more soon enough.
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll for the week of July 26 – August 1, 2010
9/20 – Graded WWE Monday Night Raw Matches
9/21 – Graded WWE NXT Matches
9/22 – Column Writing. After that, I watched ROH on YouTube and recap the show.
9/23 – Graded WWE Superstars and TNA Impact Matches.
9/24 – Graded Smackdown Matches
9/25 – OFF DAY
9/26 – OFF DAY
This past week was not a kind week for those who just wanted to watch the “wrestling”. Sure, there were some very good segments and even a storyline that prematurely ended with an injury. However, the wrestling as a whole was not booked well (except for a couple of matches). So, here are the top three matches for this past week.
Distinguished Honors – Delirious vs. Austin Aries, ROH on HDNet, September 20.
How it ended – Even though Aries’ associates, Kenny King and Rhett Titus, tried to run in it made no difference. Delirious was distracted for a moment, but applied the Cobra Clutch on Aries on top of the steel cage and made Aries tap out. After the match, King and Titus connected on a couple of Spike Piledrivers to knock Delirious off of TV. Aries declared the feud as “over”.
Grade: A-
Why it was distinguished honors-worthy? The start was pretty solid. Instead of going to the cage, Aries quickly went at Delirious’ manager Daizee Haze. Delirious saved her and told her to go before the match officially began. The first half of the match was excellent; you could see the intensity of this story. Delirious was very good, but it was Aries that slowed the match down and did a fantastic job at it. In the end, Delirious finally got the huge win (and at first I thought the payoff victory) in a way that was very original. Delirious, in his “red poison” attire managed to generate enough energy to get the finish. Though King and Titus interfered it was alright because they did not factor into the match until after the bell rang. Given Delirious’ situation he could have been written off better than what they did last Monday. Honestly, from a storytelling perspective, this was one of the best matches on HDNet. If you can on YouTube, please watch.
High Honors – John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho, Monday Night Raw, September 20.
How it ended – After a solid back and forth contest, Morrison got the upper hand on Jericho and connected on Starship Pain to win the match by pinfall. In a week with average wrestling, this did have good moments.
Grade: B- (leaned toward a C+)
Why it was high honors-worthy? The match started with Morrison getting some offense and Jericho bumped around very well. It was some very entertaining back and forth action and both wrestlers demonstrated some great quickness. Both were pretty aware, and I was pleasantly surprised with how well Morrison performed tonight. I gave credit to Jericho because even though he is going to be off WWE for a while, he is not afraid to help younger pro wrestlers out yet not lose any momentum.
Honors – Goldust vs. William Regal, WWE Superstars, September 25.
How it ended – Although Regal brawled like only Regal could throughout the Superstars main event, Goldust finished off Regal with The Final Cut and won the match.
Grade: C+
Why it was honors-worthy? Can’t you tell not other match really stood out? I gave this match a top three because of how fundamental this match was. Regal was of course at his very best with his strikes and technical work. Goldust sold his knee very well and the finish was out of nowhere, but I was impressed. It was not a bad match, but I felt like I saw this match before and also both guys don’t appear to be moved up or down the pecking order anytime soon. Still, it was a good performance to an otherwise lackluster Superstars.
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: Delirious vs. Austin Aries (ROH).
B+: None to Report.
B: None to Report.
B-: John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho (RAW).
C+: Daniel Bryan vs. Edge (RAW); Goldust vs. William Regal (Superstars); Chris Sabin vs. Jeremy Buck (TNA); Kane vs. Chris Masters (Smackdown); Chavo Guerrero vs. Kaval (Smackdown); and CM Punk vs. Luke Gallows (Smackdown)
C: Erick Stevens and The Necro Butcher vs. Jon Davis and Kory Chavis (ROH); Sara Del Ray vs. Taeler Hendrix (ROH); John Cean vs. Heath Slater, David Otunga, Michael Tarver, and Justin Gabriel (RAW); Primo vs. JTG (Superstars); Samoa Joe vs. D’Angelo Dinero (TNA); AJ Styles vs. Sabu (TNA); Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre vs. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith (Smackdown); and MVP vs. Dolph Ziggler (Smackdown).
C-: Layla vs. Melina (RAW); R-Truth and Eve vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. and Maryse (RAW); AJ vs. Maxine (NXT); Rob Terry vs. Abyss (TNA); and Taylor Wilde and Hamada vs. Velvet Sky and Lacey Von Erich (TNA);
D+, D, or D-: Colt Cabana vs. Jay Freddie (ROH); Kelly Kelly, Naomi, and Jamie vs. Layla, Michelle McCool, and Kaitlyn (NXT); and The Big Show vs. Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer (Smackdown).
F or INC: None to Report.
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings
2010-2011 Season (As of WWE’s Night of Champions 2010)
1) David Stephens (That’s a Wrap and RAW Recapper)………….70-38 (5-1)
2) Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza and TNA Recapper)……………….69-39 (4-2)
3) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings)……………………………………64-44 (2-4)
4) Students of the Week (The Best from Prev. PPV)………………64-44 (2-4)*
5) Matt O’Brien (Notes From The Nosebleeds)…………………………63-45 (4-2)
6) Daniel Browne (For Queen and Country)……………………………..62-46 (3-3)
7) WrestleView Students (The Loyal Readers)………………………..62-46 (3-3)
8) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/ROH Recaps)……….61-47 (2-4)
9) Jeff Springer (WWE Superstars Recapper)……………………………53-36 (5-1)
10) Doug Lackey (Reality From Ringside)…………………………………..52-42 (NR)
11) Mike Tedesco (Smackdown and NXT Recapper)…………………48-37 (4-2)
12) Sean Hurley (The Sharpshooter)………………………………………..28-32 (NR)
13) Joe Baiamonte (Baiamonte’s Casa/2009 WV Champ)………24-20 (NR)
The next PPV will be WWE’s Hell in a Cell on October 3rd. There will be four students of the week. They are Michael Phillips, Gregory Walek, Benjamin Phillips, and Chad Robbins. They all got a 5-1 record in WWE’s Night of Champions.
Mr. V’s Gold Star Segment
Once again, the stars are in my hand and those that got one clearly deserved them. Let’s see who is awarded a Gold Star this week.
Paul Bearer – AWWWWWW YYYYYEEEEEESSSSSSSS!! Glad to see you back, Paul Bearer.
Delirious and Austin Aries – Now THAT is how you end a feud!
Claudio Castagnoli – He continues to “stay Very European” and thus earned another gold star. I do have my eyes set on the Claudio’s Café T-Shirt just because it looks awesome.
To those that completed the homework assignment – Thank you. Your work will not be lost and it is awesome to see that much participation.
CM Punk – His commentary on WWE NXT was perfect.
Chris Jericho – Thank you for being the best in the world at what you do. Good luck touring with Fozzy.
Tony Kornheiser and Bill Simmons – Both meshed so well on Pardon the Interruption on ESPN. It was never a dull moment. To ESPN…MORE BILL SIMMONS!!! Nothing against Michael Wilbon, but Simmons would make a great back up.
Jose Bautista – Congrats on 50 Home Runs in a season! I had a feeling he had good power while he was in Pittsburgh and of course the Pirates trade him for a pack of peanuts to Toronto. Now look at him!
The 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates – They will be better. May not be over .500, but they will be better, will they?
Pittsburgh Steelers – 3-0! Charlie Batch did a fine job. Yes, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to our #4 Quarterback. That tells you how great our defense has been the past few weeks.
Soldiers in the WrestleView Civil War – It is kind of hilarious how this started and now one has many sides to pick from. There is one for Hunter Golden (my boss), David Stephens (my co-host), one for The Mountie, and one for even Matt Hardy. Kudos to all who have done their part in the Civil War.
Grash – Thanks for the banner of “I’m with Mr. V”. I find it hilarious that the pic on my banner is that of the Swiss Miss. There is nothing wrong with that, right? Haha.
Colt Cabana – For your wonderful merchandise on www.coltmerch.com! I am hoping for a shirt in the next few weeks. My birthday is actually coming up in a couple weeks and I think a shirt of Colt’s could be bought.
To all of you, the readers (my students) – Thank you for actively reading this column week in and week out. Believe it or not, I am planning what I am going to do for Column #100. It will be up by Christmas week if I keep pumping out columns every week.
Homework Assignment (Due Next Week)
I was very pleased to see many of you complete the homework so far. With that, I thank all of you that completed the assignment. For those that want to complete it as well, turn in your homework by Next Week!
Pretend you are the only wrestling organization in town after buying off all the wrestling companies (yes, even Vince McMahon because he won’t live forever). It may take a bit of homework, but here is the question.
Hire 10-15 wrestlers regardless of where they wrestled at. They must be living.
Hire 2-4 women wrestlers as well.
This is due next week. Have fun with this assignment. I will show you my roster then as well. You may not like mine, but I shall give you two of my choices as a treat.
This will be a tag team: Colt Cabana and Yoshi Tatsu (talent and entertainment, what more could you want).
Dismissal
Well, that does it for me this week. I thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed this column as much as I typed it out. If you want to get a hold of me during the week, please e-mail me at mistervwv@hotmail.com, teacherslounge@hotmail.com, or by leaving me a message on Facebook. I do get a lot of e-mails and may not reply in a timely fashion, but I will do my best to give you a quicker reply.
Now, students you are allowed to leave the classroom. Please push in your chairs, line up straight, and exit to the closest door around you. Until next week, you are all……DISMISSED!!!!
Look for Mr. V on Facebook under Anthony J. Valvo in the Pittsburgh Network
Mr. V FINALLY has Twitter. Follow me and my boring life at http://twitter.com/TheMisterV.
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Most recent guest: Former WWE and Current Independent Wrestler Aloisia (aka Isis The Amazon)
Dave was on assignment for this interview. So Jose Marrero and I had a very crisp, polite interview with a women’s wrestler who has gotten a lot of publicity over the past few weeks. Aloisia was a class act and we thank her (if she is reading) for being a part of the show this week. Her indie work, time in the WWE, and her future plans were discussed.
But wait class! There are more guests!!
Already on the archives we interviewed Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings), Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds), Crystal Mai from Diva-Dirt.com, and The YouTube Sensation who had choice words to CM Punk, and ROH Wrestler Colt Cabana! For $4.99, you get all of this along with many other hours of content from the other shows on the WrestleView Radio Network.
David Stephens (That’s A Wrap and Raw recapper) and I have a weekly Internet show only on the WrestleView Radio Network. It does cost a bit of money, but we will do our best to make it worth it. If you want to be a part of the Lounge for our “E-mails” section, you may drop us a line at teacherslounge@hotmail.com. To sign up, click here.