From the Desk of Mr. V #127
July 7, 2011
By: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
(Special Note: Mr. V will be on vacation from July 10th – July 17th. With that, there will be no “From the Desk of Mr. V” on those dates, as I will be spending some quality time up in the mountains. Sorry, but this vacation is long overdue. Please enjoy the column.)
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, and buy me some peanuts and/or cracker jacks. I hope you enjoy the 127th installment of “From the Desk of Mr. V”.
Enjoy some music as well. Here is a classic from The Presidents of the United States of America. The song is called “Peaches”. Enjoy.
The song has value to me, ask me why and I may tell you.
Quote of the Week
“The most complicated achievements of thought are possible without the assistance of consciousness.” – Sigmund Freud
(It was about time I added a quote from Freud in my column).
The Teacher’s Lecture
CM Punk, this time not in “kayfabe” hot water
CM Punk last weekend created a stir around professional wrestling again when he used a homophobic slur toward a fan during the WWE’s tour in Austrailia. I am sure this has happened in many parts of the world, but never documented.
What CM Punk was doing I think was riling up the crowd because he is a “heel” wrestler. A heel wrestler needs to do that to make the fans hate him even more. And boy, did the Aussies hate CM Punk in that clip.
Now I am not going to be completely 100% with CM Punk. He could have used his words better and he already apologized for his actions but vulgar media pundits (*cough TMZ cough*) created quite a stir into something that should have just stayed inside the arena.
I think we live now in a very insensitive world. We no longer can just “speak our mind” in front of the masses and not expect someone to “have their feelings hurt”. Let me use this as an example. This is just an informal classroom question.
How many of my readers at one point in school answered a question incorrectly and had the teacher say “that was a really stupid answer”? A generation ago, the kid would be hurt for a bit, brush it off. I had teachers say my answers were “dumb”, but I just laughed it off because teachers need a sense of humor, right? In 2011, the same comment can result in the teacher being reprimanded or suspended.
What CM Punk did was wrong, and I am not saying that he is right. But he is, along with many others, a victim of “the changing with the times”. I have a few friends who are gay and they watched the video and got a good laugh about it, knowing that it is entertainment. But when TMZ slanders one’s name, they are in a bit of trouble even though some media does not get all the facts in.
Maybe what I typed up are just random thoughts at this desk, but I think they offer advice to the reader. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. Because one never knows who is lurking or, in a way, trolling. CM Punk said something that offended a small group, and now the WWE had to do something before it got became a huge problem.
Quick Notes from “The Notebook of Mr. V”
I read the small article about how GLAAD is providing sensitivity training to on-air talents, and I think it is ridiculous. GLAAD should be worried about musicians, comedians, and other globally-known people instead of “bullying” a professional wrestling/sport entertainment organization. Yes, I am saying “bully” about GLAAD. I read on entertainment news and sports during my days off from work, and I don’t hear anything about GLAAD going after people for more popular in the viewers’ eye than the WWE. I just don’t think that training should be mandatory, but it should be optional for any place of employment. So GLAAD, “BE A * (that is the closest to a star or asterisk I got). Respect others and yourself.
It looks like Sin Cara has a very important ally in the WWE, Triple H. When Triple H has a wrestler’s back, they are safe from pretty much everything. It does give me reasons as to why Sin Cara has been climbing up the ranks, even though I feel that he really needs to slow it down in the WWE. What Sin Cara did in Mexico worked perfectly, but in the WWE it is a whole new ballgame that he will learn in the coming months. But learning the trade should begin with lesser-known talents in FCW, not the top talents in the WWE. It worked for Alberto Del Rio, and I think FCW for a couple months while touring with the WWE can work for Sin Cara.
There are many professional wrestlers coming out on Twitter stating that next year the WWE should induct Arn Anderson into the WWE Hall of Fame. I have seen him not as much as the typical “Enforcer” fan, but from what I saw he was a superb right hand man to the leader of “The Four Horseman”. Almost all the time he was very good in the ring and was very underrated when cutting promos. There are many cases that lead him to being a Hall of Fame guy, but I don’t think next year will be the year he gets in because I do expect Macho Man, Edge, and (finally) The Fabulous Freebirds to be inducted in 2012. Anderson will have his moment, just now next year.
TNA wants Jeff Hardy to enter a rehab facility. Jeff Hardy does not want to go. I say for the sake of his family and his career that he should suck up his pride and get help. When clean and healthy, he was a highlight reel. Besides, I really do not want my last memory of Jeff Hardy be what I saw on Victory Road this year. Look, the WWE will let any former on-air talent go on their dime. If I was Jeff (and I can’t speak for him), I would take that, get the help he very much needs, and try to help TNA Wrestling. What he did so far in 2011 hurt the company more than he realized.
Claudio Castagnoli in an interview said that he would prefer to go (to the WWE) as a package with his Kings of Wrestling tag team partner Chris Hero. I am completely for it. Hero is a very good promo cutter and Castagnoli is an impressive guy who could cut it in the WWE. I know tag team wrestling is not a factor in today’s WWE, but if they gave the ball to a team like The Kings of Wrestling it can help invigorate that division.
John Morrison is out until the fall. As popular as Morrison is on their mid-card, I think the WWE has done well on the Raw brand without him. It is a good move to keep him safe for another few months.
Any Questions?
I got a pretty tough questions from Rick Jackson this week. Mr. Jackson asks:
Why hasn’t Matt Bentley cashed in on the fact that he is Shawn Michaels’ cousin? I can understand wanting to do things on your own, but at some point u got to realize what you’re doing isn’t working.
Thanks for the question, Rick.
I don’t really have a concrete answer as to why he never took advantage of the success of Shawn Michaels. I do know that he did get a tryout with the WWE and it did not work, so sometimes even though Bentley is related to a legendary pro wrestler does not mean Bentley is an equally good wrestler.
While he is a talented wrestler, I just don’t think he would have been cut out for the WWE. I am sure that Shawn Michaels mentioned his name to the brass, but we don’t know how close they are as family.
So, it is a very difficult question to ask. But if I had to think it all over I will come up with this answer. Perhaps the WWE looked into his credential and could not see a spot in their main roster. That or Bentley may just not want to be a wrestler for them. I wish I can come up with a better answer.
To the rest of the “classroom”, if you want to ask me a question, then please send it to me at mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Detentions
GLAAD – Like I typed before, I have no ill will to this group. There are people who need to be informed, but don’t shove it down a company’s throat. They are joining forces with you to promote tolerance.
The Florida Judicial System (nominated by many) – I don’t like to put politics down in my column, but to the people who watched what happened on television this week know why its on there.
“Trolls” – I don’t truly (sarcasm) know what they are, but I bet they live under the many bridges that surround the great city of Pittsburgh.
Jinder Mahal – Although he did not appear on Smackdown this past week, his storyline did. And I don’t like it.
Michael Cole – I don’t know if his commentary is real when insulting Booker T, but it does sound like it. I agree that Booker is a bad commentator, but Cole has been a bad one for over a decade now.
Raw Roulette Wheel – Please, no more of that. I am not a fan of this gimmick.
Titus O’Neil – He has improved, but recently he needs to be placed here because he is “not making it a win” on his own.
Whoever thought it was a good idea to turn JTG heel – This may have been damaging to his career. I have never seen anyone fall flat as a mid-card heel in my life as a fan.
Roger Clemens – He gets one for costing the taxpayers (of the United States) money with his perjury charge. Just do what Andy Pettite did, admit that you took HGH and move on.
Jamoir Jagr – Way to do this whole “drama” bit with all these hockey teams just so you can sign a one year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philly, he is your problem. He’s going to kill the team.
The Time Out Chair – No One. I don’t think anyone earned a spot this week. Plus, I am taking a vacation this coming week and I really do not want to get frustrated. Wait, I still got the Brody…that is going to be good.
Eternal Detention
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Stinkbugs
2010 French Soccer Team
Jeff Hardy and “The Other” Hardy
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
Westboro Baptist Church
Toni Morrison
“Roggio”
“The Brody”
Scottie Poindexter, I thank you again for this song. I enjoy it. 100% Mr. V approved for this portion.
As previously announced on Mr. V #120, this is a feature to the column after given the blessing by Editor-In-Chief Adam Martin. This is not a direct insult to anyone, but more of a “warning” to those who post ridiculous, uneducated, and puzzling comments under articles, columns, or recaps on WrestleView.com. I have a team of scouts who will be looking around to see who truly earns a “Brody” as the dumbest comment poster of the week.
Well, we had many good “Brody-worthy” liners but I think (as well as four WrestleView readers believe) we got the worst of the bunch.
If there is one thing I can’t tolerate and find unacceptable, it is racism. This is not what we are raised to act. I get that we “have a freedom to speak our mind”, but we “also have a right to rip on idiots who violate that right”.
I will censor any profanity or slurs in my column, as I find them highly offensive and not right to post on any column or writing of mine.
So this week, the WWE traveled to South Africa and some of the WWE Superstars luggage was stolen. Pete Sandoval decided to “voice his opinion” in a very unprofessional tone. Again, I will censor this out because honestly this is a terrible comment.
Here is the “Brody of the Week”
This why WWE shouldnt visit these sand ****** countries. Americas the best
Why did this get the Brody? I do agree that America is a wonderful country, but it is comments like that one (no matter what forum) that are highly offensive. I am disgusted that some people in our country even comment like this. It is not right and earns it this week. Oh, by the way contractions are a wonderful thing. You should learn from America, Pete.
Let’s get the failure clips going.
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 June 27 – July 3, 2011
6/27 – WWE Monday Night Raw
6/28 – WWE NXT
6/29 – OFF DAY.
6/30 – WWE Superstars and TNA Impact
7/01 – WWE Friday Night Smackdown
7/02 – This was the day you planned on listening to the “The Teacher’s Lounge”
7/03 – OFF DAY.
Overall, this week was pretty solid. There were some matches that were below average, but I felt that every show had at least one match that got a B- grade. While nothing really stood out and could be a “Match of the Year”, some of them will not surprise me to be in consideration. It was tough to pick a top three this week, and I think some will be shocked at the results.
Distinguished Honors – Yoshi Tatsu vs. Tyson Kidd, WWE NXT, June 28.
How did it end? After Tatsu blocked an attack by Kidd, he struck him with The Roundhouse Kick to win the match by pinfall.
Grade: B (leaned toward a B+).
High Honors – Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Trent Barreta vs. Tyson Kidd, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel, WWE Superstars, June 30.
How did it end? Well, it definitely got a bump up from the Superplex spot (see Gold Stars). However, at the end of the match Jimmy Uso hit a Superfly Splash on Kidd to earn the pinfall for his tag team.
Grade: B (leaned toward a B+).
Honors – Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase Jr., WWE Friday Night Smackdown, July 1.
How did it end? Bryan applied a Guillotine Chokehold on DiBiase as a counter to the clothesline DiBiase usually hits. DiBiase tapped out and Bryan won by submission.
Grade: B- (leaned toward a B).
Mr. V’s Grade Book for the week of 6/27/11 – 7/3/11
A+, A, or A-: None to Report.
B+: None to Report.
B: Yoshi Tatsu vs. Tyson Kidd (NXT); Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Trent Barreta vs. Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, and Tyson Kidd (Superstars).
B-: Rey Mysterio and Alex Riley vs. The Miz and Jack Swagger (RAW); Darren Young vs. Conor O’Brian (NXT); Gunner vs. AJ Styles (IMPACT); Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase, Jr. (Smackdown).
C+: Sin Cara vs. Evan Bourne (RAW); Low-Ki vs. Matt Bentley vs. Jimmy Yang (IMPACT); Mickie James, Tara, and Miss Tessmacher vs. Winter, Angelina Love, and Madison Rayne (IMPACT); Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry (Smackdown); Christian vs. Sin Cara (Smackdown); Kane vs. Wade Barrett (Smackdown).
C: Kane vs. CM Punk (RAW); Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler (RAW); Alberto Del Rio vs. The Big Show (RAW); R-Truth vs. John Cena (RAW); Chris Masters vs. JTG (Superstars); Devon vs. Samoa Joe (IMPACT); Sting vs. Scott Steiner (IMPACT); Cody Rhodes vs. Ezekiel Jackson (Smackdown).
C-: Titus O’Neil vs. JTG (NXT).
D+, D, or D-: Kelly Kelly vs. Nikki Bella (RAW); Beth Phoenix vs. Gail Kim (Superstars); Alicia Fox vs. Kaitlyn (Superstars).
F or INC: None to Report.
Current WrestleView Prediction Standings (As of WWE’s Capitol Punishment)
2011-2012 Predictions from the Faculty Roster
1) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings/The Eye Gouge)………………………….48-24 (4-3)
2) Nicholas Gray (The Velvet Room)……………………………………………………….47-26 (4-3)
3) Ryan Rivera (ROH on HDNet Recaps)…………………………………………………46-27 (5-2)
4) Dave Stephens (Raw Recaps/That’s a Wrap/Teachers Lounge)……….46-27 (4-3)
5) WrestleView Students (The Readers of the article)………………………..46-27 (5-2)
6) Josh Boutwell (TNA Impact Recaps/Viva La Raza)……………………………45-28 (4-3)
7) Gregory “Grash” Walek (WWE NXT Recapper)…………………………………….45-28 (4-3)
8) Greg McNeish (The Velvet Room)……………………………………………………..44-29 (4-3)
9) Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown Recapper)…………………………………..43-30 (3-4)
10) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/Teacher’s Lounge)……………….42-31 (6-1)
11) Darragh O’Connor (WV International Desk)……………………………………..41-27 (5-2)
12) Evan O’Brien (WV International Desk)………………………………………………..41-32 (5-2)
13) Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds)…………………………………………40-33 (5-2)
14) Andrew Hayman (WWE Superstars Recapper)………………………………..36-24 (4-3)
Tie-Breaker Points – Which are based on Championship matches correct
23: Nicholas Gray
22: Gregory Walek
21: Josh Boutwell; Ryan Rivera; Mike Tedesco
20: Jose Marrero; Dave Stephens; Evan O’Brien;
19: Greg McNeish; Anthony Valvo
17: Darragh O’Connor
14: Matt O’Brien; Andrew Hayman
There will be eight NEW Students of the Week that will post their predictions for TNA’s Destination X. They are Travis Thomas, Jordan Benterman, Brian Czygan, Frank McMahen, Ken Konarzewski, Ricky Langston, Steven Horsecroft, and Brandon Glover. All eight earned a 6-1 record for the Capitol Punishment PPV.
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 readers at this time. The first set of parentheses is the W/L record for WWE’s Capitol Punishment. The second parentheses are the Tie-Breaker points.
1) Jason Namako…………………………………………………52-21 (2-5) (22) – #1
2) Michael Fox……………………………………………………51-22 (4-3) (23) – #2
3) Paul Meade……………………………………………………..51-22 (5-2) (22) – #3
4) Nick Latham…………………………………………………….50-23 (5-2) (23)
5) Jordan Benterman…………………………………………..50-23 (6-1) (22)
The person with the most picks incorrect is currently 43-30 with 16 tiebreaker points. Therefore, I deem that score the worst.
This Sunday, TNA will have their Destination X PPV. You can e-mail me your predictions when you feel comfortable, as long as it is before July 10th! Now I may not update them because I will be on vacation, but I will the moment I get back so no need to worry.
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.
Trent Barreta and Tyson Kidd – They earn one for the insane spot they did on WWE Superstars. See for yourself.
Tyson Kidd – He earned another one for being a part of two “honor roll” matches this past week. Sure he lost both of them, but he has performed very well in recent weeks.
Claudio Castagnoli – He stays “Very European”. Plus, this week’s Claudio’s Café was the greatest video about coffee since Randy Savage’s “Cup of Coffee in the big time”.
CM Punk – I like this loose cannon style delivery that he has going. He is someone that hooks the crowd with his actions.
Vince McMahon – It is always a fun Raw when he appears in it.
R-Truth – If anyone experienced a renaissance this year, it’s him.
The Miz – He is this year’s top young professional wrestler, as voted by WrestleView staff and readers.
Conor O’ Brian – He really improved every week on NXT. It was a shame that he was voted off, but he really made a name for himself.
The Usos –I have been real impressed with the work they have done the past couple matches.
TNA Wrestling – Thank you for this little nostalgic X Division PPV. I was not a fan of this Hardcore Justice bit, but I think (and I have been wrong before) this is the top selling PPV of the year for the company. It should be a very exciting show.
Gunner – TNA is once again doing things right by pushing this guy. He has never disappointed since he appeared on Impact.
The Pittsburgh Pirates – Since ESPN refuses to comment on this team I will. They are doing well for themselves and at the time I typed this they were in SECOND place in the division. Hunter Golden thinks this is the sign of an apocalypse.
Lori Carrington – Author of “The Cruiserweight”. She continues to have success with her book and I am glad to have read it.
Kristal McKerrington – She is a good friend of mine as well as Carrington’s and she is promoting a book call “Burning from Within”.
Mel Brooks – Because it’s Mel Brooks. Do I NEED a reason?
To all my readers old and new – It takes a couple hours each week to type all this out for your entertainment. Your e-mails and feedback keep me going every time I do this. Thank You.
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 July 14th)
The Homework Assignment are as follows:
World Championships. Since May, all World Championships have changed hands in the WWE, TNA, and ROH. What I am going to ask you is the following question.
Who will lose their championship first?
Raw – John Cena (defeated The Miz and John Morrison at Extreme Rules)
Smackdown – Randy Orton (defeated Christian on May 3rd for the May 6th Smackdown)
TNA (Impact) – Mr. Anderson (defeated Sting at TNA Slammiversary IX)
ROH – Davey Richards (defeated Eddie Edwards at ROH Best in the World)
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
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 (on the 6/4/2011 edition of The Teacher’s Lounge)
Ring of Honor, SHIMMER, and Chikara Professional Wrestler Sara Del Rey
Sara Del Rey joined Dave and I on June 4th, 2011 to discuss Ring of Honor’s sale to Sinclair, portrayal of women’s wrestling, wrestling in Japan, SHIMMER, Chikara, the BDK, and Starbucks. This is an interview you truly do not 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)
• 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 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.