From the Desk of Mr. V #118
April 30, 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, cider, or bottle water. Relax as you read the 118th Installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Quote of the Week
“You can never plan the future by the past.” – Edmund Burke
Teacher’s Lecture
1) The 27th WWE Draft thoughts a “student” probably read this week
Last Tuesday afternoon concluded the WWE Draft (from Raw and the Supplemental on wwe.com) and there are thoughts about who won, Raw or Smackdown? What the students are about to see are my unbiased thoughts on if the change was “good” or “bad”. I will also provide a grade because, well, I am a teacher and I love to hand out the grades.
Pick #1 – John Cena to Smackdown (but later he goes back to Raw with the #8 pick)
This will be the only time that I will not grade a draft selection because, well, John Cena is back where he previously was, on Monday Night Raw. With later draft picks moving around it clearly was to show to Monday Night Raw is still (and in the future will be) the home for John Cena. Whether people like it or not, Cena is the man that sells the most merchandise at the booths and on the website. Cena is also the top of the card (if one wrestler is to go up against Cena they will be the main event). Based on the new Raw roster, I think this will add a little freshness to some storylines for Cena and the viewing audience will not suffer. So, Cena going to Smackdown to represent them for a few minutes was not a bad idea, but putting him back on Monday Night Raw on the same night was a GOOD idea. Cena is the head honcho.
Pick #2 – Rey Mysterio to Raw
With Triple H only working the part-time schedule as an active wrestler (or superstar), Monday Night Raw needed another top-level babyface to get the crowds in attendance fired up. Mysterio was a very popular choice to move because he has natural charisma when he enters the ring. I think any mid-card wrester that will face Mysterio will get some much needed time on live television. Also, if a wrestler would have a bad match vs. Myseterio, then that wrestler should not be in the WWE, let along Raw. I can see feuds aplenty for him (some old and some new), and with the adrenaline rush a show gets from Mysterio it is a GOOD idea to place him on the Raw roster. (Grade: B)
Pick #3 – Randy Orton to Smackdown
This move needed to be done. Randy Orton has accomplished everything on the Raw brand and still would not be the top babyface on the roster (hate to say it, but it is Cena’s show and there is nothing wrong with that). If Orton stays face, there is the top attraction for Smackdown and I don’t think the viewers will complain one bit. Even if he turns during his time on Smackdown it would do wonders on a very thin main event roster for the show. Orton will have a lot of mid-card heels to feud with overall and could easily be the man that destroys The Corre or even Cody Rhodes. There is nothing but positive opportunities with this “draft pick”, and for that it is a GOOD idea. (Grade: A)
Pick #4 – Mark Henry to Smackdown
I did not think this was a win for Smackdown at first, but then I thought of a good potential for a feud with Ezekiel Jackson (have the two most powerful guys on that brand battle). When Mark Henry turned on Cena and Christian this past Monday, this definitely puts him in the top half of the roster. He was in mid-card purgatory on the Raw brand, and this intensity could carry on to a main event or two on Smackdown. That said, the window is very small for Henry. This is really his final shot at earning an opportunity for the World Heavyweight Championship. If he does not get one in the next few months, I think he will remain on the mid-card until he retires or is released. Short term, I will go with GOOD idea only because there is hope for a top-level push for Henry. Long term, we will see. (Grade: C+)
Pick #5 – Sin Cara to Smackdown
I watched highlights of his matches when he was in CMLL as the dazzling “Mistico”. I was hooked and he drew my attention with the high-risk (yet perfect) spots he would execute. If the WWE makes him the next “Mysterio”, I will have no problems. I asked Josh Boutwell (Viva La Raza, in English, columnist) and he said the WWE stole one of the best wrestlers in Mexico. The signs lead to that, but after watching him on Raw for a couple weeks I just thought he would be a terrific addition to Smackdown. I got my wish on Monday. Cara can work his way to the main event after a couple brief feuds with the likes of Tyson Kidd (who was drafted to Smackdown Tuesday) or Chavo Guerrero (who would be a perfect opponent). Once Cara slows his pace down in the WWE, he will be fine. To those who are impatient, I say meditate. The best wines in the world are not created overnight. Sin Cara to Smackdown is a GOOD move for Smackdown. I can’t wait to watch him in action. (Grade: B)
Pick #6 – The Big Show to Raw
It seems like every year, The Big Show moves to a different show. When Show was drafted to Raw, I had a feeling that Khali was going back to Smackdown (which did happen). Show is still a draw and since his face turn he has had marginal success. Show ended the Straight Edge Society, so be certain that a new storyline with CM Punk will be in the works. He is also a WWE Tag Team Champion, so we have not seen the last of him there. He will mainly be used Raw as an entertainment piece to the brand. I think adding The Big Show is a GOOD idea for Raw. He has charisma and is pretty solid in the mid-card. Will he be a World Champ? No. However, he does add experience and a positive attitude to the brand. (Grade: C)
Pick #7 – Alberto Del Rio to Raw
I am very surprised that the WWE made the move, as I thought keeping Del Rio on Smackdown would have been the better decision until he was a World Champion on “The Blue Brand”. However I am not going to complain about this move at all. In a short span, he went from going nowhere in FCW to a main event superstar on Monday Night Raw, and he has earned it. He has the looks, charisma, and moveset to become an established main event guy for years. My only concern is on live TV he struggled when on the mic. I don’t think that is a problem because The Miz is higher in the main event (and CM Punk may be the best overall guy when it comes to mic work and inside the ring). Del Rio will get his time on Raw, don’t worry. Del Rio will probably get the advantage against the mid-card babyfaces on the Raw Roster, but may not be there yet as a WWE Champion. Still, the move to Raw is a GOOD move long-term, but where he will be on the pecking order determines how well he performs. (Grade: B)
Pick #8 – John Cena to Raw
See my thoughts on the 1st Pick. I won’t be typing another paragraph with the same material.
Overall, I really enjoyed the WWE Draft on Raw this year. It far exceeded my expectations and I thought the moves for each wrestler were the right choice. Smackdown got their proven main event guy in Randy Orton, a work in progress with Sin Cara, and a mid-to-top level heel in Mark Henry (I think Smackdown gives Henry a chance as a main level heel).
On the Raw side, they kept the top superstar in Cena after a tease to Smackdown. They have proven stars in Mysterio and Del Rio as well. Mysterio will do wonders for the younger heel wrestlers and Del Rio will get his chance to shine on live television. They also get a big attraction with The Big Show who is a hybrid type character.
So, all of the draft choices were good. Some were surprising, but all were needed to “shake things up” in the WWE. I applaud the WWE this year by switching the household names a bit rather than just random mid-carders and divas.
Supplemental Draft Results
Since they did not announce them on Raw, I will just do a quick grade on each superstar and a couple thoughts as well.
Pick #9 – Daniel Bryan to Smackdown
Raw is very segment-heavy and Bryan does not attract the crowd by talking, he does it with wrestling. On Smackdown (the wrestling-heavy show), I think this is the place Daniel Bryan shines. Whether it be Superstars or Smackdown, you will get a top-notch match with Daniel Bryan. (Grade: B-).
Pick #10 – Jack Swagger to Raw
This was not a surprise because Swagger’s stock took a huge tumble after losing the World Heavyweight Championship last year. They tried so many things and never let Swagger run with them. It took Michael Cole (of all people) to build him up as a potential top heel. Since Cole is on Raw (will should be only on Raw), Swagger follows. I like the move (Grade: C+)
Pick #11 – The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh to Smackdown
Since The Big Show will be that giant presence on Raw, it was obvious that Khali moves to Smackdown. We won’t see quality out of Khali anymore and what you see is what you get when he enters the ring. Personally, I think his time in the WWE should soon be ending. (Grade: D)
Pick #12 – Jimmy Uso to Smackdown
He won’t be featured without his brother next to him (which Jey does get drafted later). The Usos were really coming along as a tag team, but sadly the WWE does not emphasize on that division much anymore. However, if they revive it on Smackdown The Usos could go places. If not, then I only see them on Superstars. (Grade: D+)
Pick #13 – Kelly Kelly to Raw
This pick worries me. She was involved in a storyline with LayCool and Vickie and actually was a top babyface diva for a short time on Smackdown. On Raw, I rarely saw her perform. However, now that Vickie Guerrero and McCool or Layla (just a thought) are in the Raw picture that means we see Kelly as well. It is a huge gamble that I hope benefits both. (Grade: D+)
Pick #14 – JTG to Raw
Best case scenario is that he is paired with R-Truth and they make a run as a team. Worst case is that he is going to squshed by the likes of R-Truth, Drew McIntyre, and Dolph Ziggler. He was going nowhere on Raw, but if done right he may have some staying ground on Raw. (Grade: D)
Pick #15 – Alicia Fox to Smackdown
Let’s face it, Fox was not a good diva on the Raw roster. The move to Smackdown could not come at a better time. Right now, she could make a name for herself on Smackdown because there are not many heel divas (LayCool are the only heels I counted and they are in split up mode). The WWE will give Fox another chance, but if she fails then I think Naomi gets the call. (Grade: D)
Pick #16 – William Regal to Smackdown
Let’s face it. The Smackdown roster is very young and most inexperienced in the WWE level. I mean since I started with WrestleView a couple years ago, some of these names on the brand were still in FCW. I like the veterans though that were picked up, and Regal is the best thing for anyone looking for a battle. I don’t see much potential, but I can picture good wrestling when Regal is on the card. (Grade: C)
Pick #17 – Yoshi Tatsu to Smackdown
I currently have him placed on the mid-card level of talent for Smackdown (would obviously be lower on Raw). Tatsu will add a little electricity to the show and has a strong work ethic (see his matches on ECW). I am sure you can put him on any part of the card or show and he will deliver. I see serious upside with his character. (Grade: C+)
Pick #18 – Drew McIntyre to Raw
I was very hard on McIntyre for most of last year, then everything just clicked during the fall and despite the losses he accumulated on Smackdown he gained on his wrestling. McIntyre had a good angle going with Kelly (wonder why that never really ended and could be something to look for on Raw) and I could see him getting a look in the main event in the distant future. But for now, he can relax on the mid-card and his stock should rise because he is pretty good when he has to talk on the mic. (Grade: B-)
Pick #19 – Natalya to Smackdown
I don’t know what to think about this selection. Natalya is a total force and may be the most powerful diva when working with the right women. She is very talented, but the more I look at the divas division on Smackdown I just don’t think this was the right move. Unless there are changes on Smackdown (or if Awesome Kong/Kharma debuts), I just don’t get this pick. (Grade: D)
Pick #20 – Curt Hawkins to Raw
This pick was very questionable. I thought Hawkins had some solid matches on the Smackdown portion of Superstars (his matches with Trent Barreta were pretty good), but I just see a program where he will succeed. And to those that will comment, he will not be pairing back up with Zack Ryder. If he appears on Raw, his matches won’t last more than three minutes. (Grade: D)
Pick #21 – Chris Masters to Raw
What you see on the card is what you are going to get with Masters. On Smackdown, he improved a lot in the ring pretty much on all levels. Maybe the move to Raw is a promotion for him and I think he can work some good in-ring programs with just about anyone on the roster. Will he be pushed? Probably not, but when he is in the ring it should be competitive. (Grade: C-)
Pick #22 – Jey Uso to Smackdown
This was pretty obvious that in a matter of time he was going to be with his brother. I don’t know what they would be like as singles’ wrestlers. However as a team they have potential to really branch out. If the writers over at Smackdown find a good program with The Usos, this could be quite a decent move. But the chance to succeed as a tag team is very slim. (Grade: D+)
Pick #23 – Kofi Kingston to Raw
With John Morrison being elevated and Big Show pretty much solidified, this could be a tremendous spot for Kingston. He’s already been in a top storyline on Raw and it was moderately successful. The move to Smackdown last year was good, and now he got the experience (and fanbase) to be back on Monday Night Raw every week. The stories with Kingston involved are too many to think of. (Grade: B)
Pick #24 – Ted DiBiase to Smackdown
If he was not drafted, I would have worried about his status with the company. In my opinion, no one fell harder last year in terms of momentum than DiBiase. He went from pinning Orton to being in a somewhat forgettable storyline with Goldust. The move is very refreshing because I believe that the creative team on Smackdown will find some good uses for him. Though his chances to be where he was at early 2010 are slim, this is a good start to be a bonafide mid-card heel. Is it just me, or would he be a good babyface for Smackdown to feud with his former partner Cody Rhodes? (Grade: C+)
Pick #25 – Tyson Kidd to Smackdown
I like this move. Usually the lighter guys get a chance to shine on Smackdown, and Kidd has the opportunity to work some very good programs with the likes of a Trent Baretta, Chavo Guerrero, or even a Sin Cara and Daniel Bryan. With this move, he easily has staying power on the mid-card on this show. He is a very underrated WWE superstar. (Grade: C+)
Pick #26 – Tamina to Smackdown
Just like some members drafted to Smackdown, I am a bit confused. I guess the romance with Santino Marella is over. I can see a reunion with The Usos to help them build up steam. Also, because she has wrestled very rarely I can see an FCW visit to gain some experience (like they did with wrestlers in the past). If patient, I think this could be a good move for Tamina long-term. (Grade: D)
Pick #27 – Tyler Reks to Raw
With tons of low-level talent on Raw (most of Nexus, Primo, Zack Ryder) this could be the end for Reks. It would be a shame too, as I thought this heel turn he got was not bad. The matches he had with Masters on Superstars were pretty good and his movement in the ring has improved greatly since his days on ECW as a “surfer”. He is either going to be that monster style mid-carder or he will not be around. (Grade: D+)
Pick #28 – Alex Riley to Smackdown
Here is the potentially good pick to Smackdown. Though not too experienced in the WWE ring I see a lot of potential in Riley. In my opinion, he was the best wrestler on NXT Season 2 and had great heel heat when paired with The Miz. While short-term the results won’t be there I want my readers to check on his progress. If he wrestles carefully, we can see him on Raw again next year. (Grade: C)
Pick #29 – Beth Phoenix to Raw
The only babyface divas on Raw before this selection were Kelly Kelly, Eve, and Gail Kim. None of them feature a dominant presence like Beth Phoenix. If she stays healthy all year, she could give the Divas Division on Raw a great boost and more air time. Honestly, I think she might be the next Divas Champion that could foil the plans of the Bella beauties. (Grade: C+)
Pick #30 – Sheamus to Smackdown
Sheamus was expected to be drafted and this was a superb way to end the draft. Sheamus can be a great character (either good guy or bad guy) on Smackdown and his value will go nowhere but up. Right now, I have him as the only main event level heel that Smackdown got after this draft. Last year, he was one of the most improved WWE Superstars. This year, he is going to be one of the best thanks to the writing team on Smackdown. (Grade: A)
Let’s see the Grade Point Average, shall we?
Raw – 2.1
Smackdown – 2.04
I just averaged them out as I typed this column and I am very shocked with the results. While Smackdown is a very interesting cast now with over 50% turnaround, The Raw roster managed to pick up some top guys like Mysterio and Del Rio, and added a couple solid mid-card guys in Kingston and McIntyre. Smackdown usually gets robbed of talent and I think adding Orton and Sheamus will do wonders for both. The WWE Draft really shook up the rosters and I think this is a good chance for the writers to create some fresh stories with the wrestlers.
2) Jay Lethal is out at TNA
Last week, TNA agreed to part way with former X Division and TNA World Tag Team Champion Jay Lethal. Lethal was a decorated wrestler for the company who was featured at times on TNA Impact doing a spot-on Macho Man impression that carried him to a surprisingly good feud with Ric Flair for a few weeks last year.
Was this the right move? I for one am real skeptical about the decision. I thought that after his feud with Flair ended perhaps we would see Lethal on television regularly. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. While it is a shame that a guy like Lethal is now gone from the company, there is will be opportunities for Lethal to wrestle elsewhere.
I don’t know of much of his work outside of TNA, but when I seen while watching him on an occasional Thursday is that he is pretty exciting. However, if they were not going to do more than have him spontaneously enter a match it may have been best for both parties to just let him go.
Now, the one big question is “Will WWE sign Lethal”? As a wrestling fan, it would be great to see him perform weekly on their programming. A couple things to look at with Lethal is that he is still under 30 years old (26 to be exact) and has the experience to wrestle a short program (something the WWE does a lot with their lightweights). However, the WWE is a business, not a place where they just pick up people who were released of recent contracts. Lethal’s size does not do him any favors and probably would be in the middle and potentially lost in a shuffle if he just goes to the WWE.
However, (and I am sorry for doing this) putting on the WWE thinking cap and one that scouts wrestlers when writing my column makes me believe that it would not hurt the WWE to sign Lethal to a developmental contract. The WWE did the same thing with Lethal’s former tag team partner Consequences Creed and Creed has done wonders with his in-ring work in FCW. It would be a low-risk hire for the company and who knows, Lethal could surprise some with his personality and ability to adapt with the wrestlers in FCW. So, why not give Lethal a chance?
So, I am not one of those writers that think it was blasphemy for TNA to let Lethal go. They might as well release him while he was still young and TNA had nothing for him. It’s a blessing in disguise and I with Lethal the very best.
3) Chris Jericho no longer “Dancing”
As a fan of the show “Dancing with the Stars” it pains me to type this. Chris Jericho danced an average Tango and scored the lowest out of the active dancers last week. With a modest score of 22, he was eliminated fifth in the intense dancing competition.
I for one am sad to see him go this early. I ask my readers to give him a ton of credit, as he was doing this competition to honor his mother, who he lost and she loved dancing. Jericho did a great job proving his doubters wrong, but on “Dancing” one bad week and a small fanbase will not garner votes.
While it is disappointing, Jericho had nothing to be disappointed about. Until last week, I would have considered him as a favorite to win. But with names like Hines Ward, Chelsea Kane, and Romeo it was difficult to defeat them who are improving every week.
Now, another question that has been asked was “Will Jericho return to the WWE”? Remember class, he does not need the WWE right now and the WWE is fine without him at the moment. Jericho still has a book to promote (which I heard is nothing short of amazing) and he is still touring with his band Fozzy.
So if Jericho wants to go back, the WWE will still welcome him with open arms. But don’t expect anything anytime soon. Both are fine without each other.
Any Questions?
No questions this week. Now that I am on a lighter schedule I can answer questions. Just send them to me and I will try and answer them accordingly. Thanks.
Detentions
Detentions are few and far this week (and not much wrestling). However, I think we can all agree on some of these detentions.
England – This is complete speculation, but why do the public have to pay for part of this “Royal Wedding”. Seriously, don’t the royal family have millions or am I just typing false material.
Minnesota Vikings – Seriously? Christian Ponder with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft?
The Angelina Love/Winter storyline – Not a fan of it. All three are talented knockouts in the division, but this story needs to end very soon.
Roger Goodell – The NFL Commissioner, oh boy! I am watching this 2011 NFL Draft and wow he is doing his darndest to earn brownie points with all this nostalgia.
The Time Out Chair – Jeff Jarrett
Just read this, it needs no explanation as to why Jarrett is in “time out”.
Eh, let’s rundown the Eternal Detentions so next week all I have to do is copy and paste it.
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Ryan Clark
2010 French Soccer Team
Jeff Hardy
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
Mark Cuban and/or HDNet
Hulk Hogan
Activists
SPECIAL!! TWO sets of Mr. V’s Honor Rolls (because I missed out on them)
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll For the Week of April 11 – April 17, 2011
4/11 – WWE Monday Night Raw
4/12 – WWE NXT
4/13 – OFF DAY.
4/14 – WWE Superstars (first on WWE.com) and TNA Impact
4/15 – WWE Friday Night Smackdown
4/16 – This was the day you listened to the “The Teacher’s Lounge”
4/17 – OFF DAY.
Distinguished Honors – Rey Mysterio vs. Drew McIntyre, WWE Friday Night Smackdown, April 15.
How did it end? After Mysterio hit the 619 on McIntyre, he went up to the top rope and connected with a splash to win the match by pinfall.
Grade: B (leaned toward B+).
High Honors – 20-Man Battle Royal won by Christian, WWE Friday Night Smackdown, April 15.
How did it end? After an intense battle royal, Christian came out the winner when he pulled the ropes on an attacking Jack Swagger. The tactic caused Swagger to go over the top rope and Christian is a contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Grade: B (leaned toward B+).
Honors – Chris Masters vs. Curt Hawkins, WWE Superstars, April 14.
How did it end? Hawkins tried to do a move towards the ropes, but Masters applied his Masterlock finisher and lifted Hawkins to the ring. Masters won the match by submitting Hawkins with the Masterlock.
Grade: B-.
Mr. V’s Grade Book for last week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: None to Report.
B: Rey Mysterio vs. Drew McIntyre (Smackdown); 20-Man Battle Royal won by Christian (Smackdown).
B-: Chris Masters vs. Curt Hawkins (Superstars).
C+: Sin Cara vs. Primo (RAW); Jerry Lawler vs. Jack Swagger (RAW); R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW); R-Truth vs. John Morrison (RAW); R-Truth vs. John Cena (RAW); Natalya and Gail Kim vs. Maryse and Melina (Superstars); Matt Hardy vs. Kazarian (TNA); Mr. Anderson vs. Gauntlet of Murphy/Rob Terry/Gunner/Bully Ray (TNA); Ezekiel Jackson vs. Kofi Kingston (Smackdown).
C: Wade Barrett, Justing Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Santino Marella, Evan Bourne, Daniel Bryan, and Mark Henry (RAW); Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton (RAW); Jacob Novak vs. Byron Saxton (NXT); Yoshi Tatsu vs. Lucky Cannon (NXT); Abyss vs. James Storm (TNA).
C-: Brie Bella vs. Eve (RAW); Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young (NXT); Orlando Jordan vs. Crimson vs. Douglas Williams vs. Jesse Neal (TNA); Jeff Jarrett, Hernandez, and D’Angelo Dinero vs. Kurt Angle, Matt Morgan, and Samoa Joe (TNA); Kelly Kelly vs. Layla (Smackdown).
D+, D, or D-: The Great Khali vs. Zack Ryder (Superstars).
F or INC: None to Report.
Mr. V’s Weekly Honor Roll For the Week of April 18 – April 24, 2011
4/18 – WWE Monday Night Raw
4/19 – WWE NXT
4/20 – OFF DAY.
4/21 – WWE Superstars and TNA Impact
4/22 – WWE Friday Night Smackdown
4/23 – This was the day you listened to the “The Teacher’s Lounge”
4/24 – OFF DAY.
Distinguished Honors – Randy Orton vs. CM Punk, WWE Monday Night Raw, April 18.
How did it end? Just when CM Punk was about to finish off Orton with a GTS, Orton rolled up CM Punk for the victory.
Grade: B+.
High Honors – Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes, WWE Friday Night Smackdown, April 22.
How did it end? Rhodes was about to hit the Alabama Slam on Mysterio. However, Mysterio rolled up Rhodes to steal a victory via pinfall.
Grade: B.
Honors – Lucky Cannon and Tyson Kidd vs. Byron Saxton and Yoshi Tatsu, WWE NXT, April 19.
How did it end? With Yoshi Tatsu distracted by Cannon’s flirtatious attitude towards Maryse (who was at ringside), Kidd hit a modified neckbreaker to defeat Tatsu and earn a win for his team
Grade: B.
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the past week
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: Randy Orton vs. CM Punk (RAW).
B: Lucky Cannon and Tyson Kidd vs. Yoshi Tatsu and Byron Saxton (NXT); Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes (Smackdown).
B-: Mark Henry vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. (Superstars).
C+: John Cena and Sin Cara vs. The Miz and Alex Riley (RAW); Sting vs. Matt Hardy (TNA); Drew McIntyre vs. Chris Masters (Smackdown); Wade Barret vs. Kofi Kingston (Smackdown).
C: John Morrison vs. R-Truth (RAW); Dolph Ziggler vs. Evan Bourne (RAW); Tyler Reks vs. JTG (Superstars); Natalya vs. Maryse (Superstars); James Storm and Robert Roode vs. Rob Terry and Murphy (TNA); The Big Show and Kane vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater (Smackdown).
C-: Sheamus vs. Santino Marella (RAW); Conor O’Brian vs. Jacob Novak (NXT); Abyss vs. Rob Van Dam (TNA).
D+, D, or D-: Eve vs. Nikki Bella (RAW); Hornswoggle vs. Darren Young (NXT); Sarita and Rosita vs. Madison Rayne and Tara (TNA); Jack Swagger vs. Trent Barreta (Smackdown).
F or INC: None to Report.
Current Predictions from the Faculty Standings (As of TNA’s Lockdown 2011)
1) Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown and WWE Superstar Recaps)……….23-12 (5-3)
2) Josh Boutwell (TNA Impact Recaps/Viva La Raza)……………………………22-13 (5-3)
3) Dave Stephens (Raw Recaps/That’s a Wrap/Teachers Lounge)……….22-13 (4-4)
4) Ryan Rivera (ROH on HDNet Recaps)…………………………………………………22-13 (5-3)
5) Nicholas Gray (The Velvet Room)……………………………………………………….21-14 (5-3)
6) WrestleView Students (The Readers of the article)……………………………..21-14 (4-4)
7) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings/The Eye Gouge)………………………….19-15 (3-5)
8) Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds)…………………………………………19-16 (3-5)
9) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/Teacher’s Lounge)……………….19-16 (4-4)
10) Evan O’Brien (WV International Desk)………………………………………………..19-16 (5-3)
11) Gregory “Grash” Walek (WWE NXT Recapper)…………………………………….19-16 (5-3)
12) Greg McNeish (The Velvet Room)……………………………………………………..18-17 (3-5)
13) Clinton Bowman (The Velvet Room/Tough Enough recapper)…………18-17 (4-4)
14) Darragh O’Connor (WV International Desk)……………………………………..17-13 (5-3)
Tie-Breaker Points – Which are based on Championship matches correct
10: Mike Tedesco
9: Josh Boutwell
8: Nicholas Gray; Ryan Rivera; CJ Bowman; Anthony Valvo; Dave Stephens
7: Josh Boutwell; Jose Marrero; Evan O’Brien; Gregory Walek
6: Matt O’Brien
5: Greg McNeish
4: Darraugh O’Connor
Who’s in line for the Predictions Prize?
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, as it was as bad a PPV as what potentially someone’s picks will be.
I will just type out the Top Readers at this time. The first set of parentheses is the W/L record for TNA Lockdown. The second parentheses are the Tie-Breaker points.
1) Brandon Ewing………………………………………………25-10 (5-3) (9) – #1
2) Jason Namako…………………………………………………24-11 (6-2) (9) – Tie for #2
3) Travis Thomas………………………………………………….24-11 (5-3) (9) –Tie for #2
4) Paul Meade……………………………………………………24-11 (4-4) (8) – #3
Others may be tied with Mr. Meade in the standings, but he is the one with the most tiebreaker points at this time. Still over a half a year, so the standings can change in the blink of an eye.
The Next Pay-Per-View we will predict is WWE’s Extreme Rules. It is time to place the thinking caps on and send your predictions to mistervwv@hotmail.com or message it on Facebook.
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!
The WWE – I loved the draft from start to finish. Easily my favorite draft covering for WrestleView. There will be some fresh storylines on Smackdown and Raw still has their star power. It is a win for both brands.
Tampa Bay Lightning – I am sad that my Pittsburgh Penguins lost the series, but it proved to me that the Lightning are no pushovers and are great representatives to their city. I have a friend on the waves that cover sports for the area and with teams like the Rays, Lightning, and Buccaneers it should be a GOOD time to be a fan of sports in that area.
Randy Orton and Sheamus – Expect them to really rise up with these draft picks.
Brian Shields – If you haven’t picked up the WWE Encyclopedia, do so. The information in this book is truly epic. I felt that the years I missed of wrestling (2002-2005) are now in my memory bank.
Lori Carrington – Her book “The Crusierweight” continues to have an impressive run on Amazon.
Jack Korpela – Yeah, the Superstars commentator. He is from Pittsburgh. I am from Pittsburgh. So it is a given.
Scott Stanford – For being the admiral to “The Stanford Army”. Do you have what it takes?
His talent is unquestioned. New York is so spoiled.
Shiima Xion – So much upside, if you ever get to watch one of his matches you won’t be disappointed.
Logan Shulo – He gets one because of his awesomeness.
R-Truth – He should have been heel a year ago. This will be a true improvement for his character.
Mark Henry – Same thing. It looks like Smackdown is going to elevate him for a bit after he turned on two contenders for the world championships.
Gunner – TNA’s best kept secret. Every match I watched of his he gives it 100%.
Claudio Castagnoli – He gets one for reminding us to be “Very European”
To all my readers – I thank you all for your patience and time. It looks like the schedule is free once again and I will be working on more projects.
And that is all for now. If you want me to give out a Gold Star let me know at mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Homework Assignment (Due when I get ten assignments)
The WWE has changed things up. With 30 (make it 28 since Cena was drafted twice) WWE Superstars switching brands it make me think of a two-part question.
Say you are in control of the WWE Roster. If you can draft five to seven professional wrestlers outside of the WWE (TNA, ROH, Chikara, etc.), who would they be? Also, you do not want to overload your brand. Who would you release?
When I get ten unique replies, I will post them in a future column.
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!!!! (sorry for the cheap Austin “rickroll”)
Facebook: Add me if you want. I am Anthony J. Valvo in the Pittsburgh, PA network
Twitter: @MrVWrestleViewM
E-Mail: mistervwv@hotmail.com or lounge@wrestleview.com
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 two-hour program. We even have a few games, a detention segment, as well as interviews.
Most Recent Guest Guest (on the 4/23 edition of The Teacher’s Lounge)
WreslteView Smackdown Recapper Mike Tedesco
Mike Tedesco joined us to talk about the WWE Draft. Since Tedesco recaps Smackdown and Dave Stephens recaps Raw for WrestleView, we thought it was just right to have these guys plan what would be best for both Raw and Smackdown. Did the WWE agree with their picks? Check it out.
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 and Superstars recapper)
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)
But wait, here is plenty more!
The Teacher’s Lounge also interviewed professional wrestlers and amazing writers, including:
Ring of Honor Wrestler and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Colt Cabana.
TNA Superstar Hernandez
Isis The Amazon (formerly Aloisia of WWE)
Lori Carrington (Author of “The Crusierweight)
Crystal Mai (from Diva-Dirt.com)
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.