From the Desk of Mr. V #136
September 26, 2011
By: Gregory “Grash” Walek of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
Hello Class, I am Professor Grash, Wrestleview’s NXT Recaper and Power Ranking Poll organizer. Mr. V is out this week and I am your substitute for this class. Turn off your cell phones. Get your notebooks and pens out. Pay attention to the projector. Time to get to work. This is serious business. So is the internet.
Quote of the Week
“What can I say about this move? Nothing. So I won’t.”
— Randy Savage on the Beverly Bros’ finisher
The Lecture
The Beginning of the End of WWE Superstars Show
If you have not heard yet, WWE Superstars Show no longer has a web presence on WWE.com. This Thursday’s Episode was also not put up on YouTube (as of yet). While the show will still be tapped, it will only air in international markets. Before you react, I want you to step back and remind yourself why Superstars exists in the first place.
When the deal with MyNetwork TV for Smackdown proved to be a bust, the WWE started searching for new venues to their products. Given that the WWE was familiar with the mechanics of local and syndication TV, they looked to work with WGN America. To provide that network a product, Superstars was born. What we know now is the deal with WGN did not pan out as either the WWE or WGN expected. As a result, WWE chose to abandon local and syndicated TV. The ultimate result of the issues with MyNetwork TV and WGN was that Smackdown found its new home on SyFy, a cable network in the NBC Universal Family. Superstars would be eventually dropped by WGN.
The reason Superstars is still in production is because contractually the WWE still needs to provide shows to fill out international contracts. With the show getting pulled from the WWE website and YouTube, the breaks on the show are getting pulled. This is now the beginning of the end of this show for when those contracts finally run out, the WWE will eventually put the show to rest.
As the recapper for NXT, I have to ask the question if this means the same for NXT? Possibly. There are two factors working in opposite directions here. The negative for NXT is that it gets much less viewership on the web than Superstars. We’re talking a very small viewership in comparison to Raw, Smackdown, or even TNA Impact. So on that basis alone, my role as a recapper for Wrestleview is questionable.
On the other side of this coin is that Superstars is a show that consists of matches and matches only. NXT on the other hand had developed into a full wrestling show of its own. Not only are there matches, we have in ring promos and backstage segments in the same style as we see for Smackdown or WWE’s ECW Show as it ended. And this fact is important because NXT is now a means to bring FCW students up to the arena to hone their skills in front of an arena crowd before going to the main roster.
The elephant in the room is of course is the WWE Network. The only thing that can be speculated is that when that network launches, it will change everything. The question which everyone wants answers of “How”, unfortunately is one no one can answer definitely.
The Muppets to be on the Halloween Monday Night Raw
Now, there are people out there whom do not approve of the WWE getting the Muppets to appear on raw. How can a bunch of puppets match up with the violence and ballet that is professional wrestling? Let me say this out right:
Do not underestimate’s Miss Piggy’s Karate Chop. It is nasty and destructive. Nor is she afraid to use it.
There are several different models of understanding (or misunderstanding in some cases) that you can take with the WWE. I’m personally a proponent of the Loony Toons Model. Hunter Golden has been pushing forward comparisons with the Muppets Show. And there’s the steaming pile anology by those who misunderstand and are still up in arms over the change to PG.
That tangent aside, One of Hunter Golden’s primary points in the analogy between the Muppet show and say Raw is at the core of what we see on each show is of the Variety. We get a segment in the ring, someone cuts a promo on Raw. Kermit the Frog comes out to the stage, and talks to the audience. There’s a match on Raw. We get Pigs in Space on the Muppet Show. HHH makes an appearance and says something that sounds important. Sam the Eagle makes an appearance and says something that sounds important. Vicky Guerrero comes out, is a super-diva, and causes a mess on Raw. Miss Piggy comes out… you get the point. The zaniness of which we come and love to know of the Muppet show is no less on Raw. It’s what makes the show to fun. While there’s an overlying structure to each show, how piece to piece of each show is constructed varies greatly each week. This week we have Miz saying he should be the champion. Next Week we got Miz complaining he’s not the champion. And Next week Miz will be talking about his experience with the Ohio State unemployment office.
The other factor in play here is that Raw will be Halloween Night. And that leads to any number of craziness. The Goobly Gooker, Swagger’s Soaring Eagle, The Great Kali dressed as Big Bird, and Sam the Eagle in a Fatal Four Way? Book it. Kofi Kingston, and Sheamus with Miss Piggy and Kermit(Team “it isn’t easy being green”) taking on Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, with Gonzo. Five Eyes from the Muppet Transmodifier Machine. CM Punk has a promo with the two old men from the balcony. Talk about your pipe bomb. We’re taking out the block on this one. Really, This show writes itself.
9/20/11 NXT Notes
For those who may not be watching NXT on a regular basis, here’s is short recap of the two major storylines which dominate the show right now.
The first deals with Darren Young and JTG joining together to fight and\or beatdown those whom they have feel slighted them. The first two on the block ended up being William Regal and Matt Striker. This week we say JTG and Darren taken on the team of Titus O’Neil and Showtime Percy Watson. Watson has since returned to NXT and has become a fixture on the show teaming with Titus. In the mix, which hasn’t been revealed is the involvement of the Uso brothers whom have come down at the end of the past two show to clear the ring and stand tall.
The Second major storyline deals with Hornswoggle of all people. The set up to where we are is that Hornswoggle has vaulted Titus O’Neil to the top and dominance of NXT. About mid-season A love story developed and AJ returned to NXT to be Hornswoggle’s girl. In the meanwhile, Derrick Bateman returned to NXT to compete against Darren Young and Titus O’Neil for a shot a redemption. Along with him however has been a return of Maxine to NXT. Together Bateman and Maxine have become NXT’s luscious and steamy power couple. Bateman being the muscle of the two and Maxine the brains. What is important to note with these two is they have been nearly unstoppable when both are at ring side. The goal of the two has been laid out simply. If the get rid of Hornswoggle from the mix, Titus and AJ have no chance. And from last week, the plan they have laid out is starting to work.
A minor storyline which is worth noting is that Yoshi Tatus has been a fixture on NXT all season long. After taking a significant beating at the hands of Tyson Kidd, Yoshi disappeared from NXT for a few week to return in what Yoshi Refers to as the “Dark Yoshi” costume. Yoshi now has an anime\Cloud Strife Leather look coupled with elements of Noh Theather and the kanji for pride. It is definitely a different look and feel and I suggest to you the reader to see it first hand for yourself.
Any Questions?
Unfortunately, I did not get any questions to tackle this week. If you have question you want answered by Mr. V, send it to him at mistervwv@hotmail.com. If you have any questions for myself, you can email them to grashuriza@gmail.com.
Detentions
Josh Boutwell (Wrestleview’s TNA Recaper): Actually, you can go now.
But your bus has already left, so you’ll have to call home for a ride
Facebook: Thank you for playing with the news feed. Again.
The Miz and R-Truth: Gentleman, time to take off your Tin foil hats. Thank you.
The Uso: Please do something more than come out and clear the ring at the end of NXT.
The WWE: Still no CM Punk Ice Cream Sandwiches?!? This is the second detention for this alone from me.
CN Pasta: Time to start making podcasts again.
Notch: “Thanks Again Notch!”
TMZ: Thank you for telling us that we’re getting worked by a wrestler. Keep it up and you’ll take the title of “Captain Obvious” from John Madden.
John Madden: For being Captain Obvious with famous sayings such as “Usually the team that scores the most points wins the game.”
Tom Brady Haters: He went from being the pretty boy selling Uggs to putting up over 900 yards in two games.
The Red Sox: You were in First Place, and now there’s a chance you won’t even make the post season.
Boston Sports Media: For hating the Pink Hat Fans who like singing “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park after the Sox lose the lead.
Lisa Chang: Sending me an email telling me that you tell kids at WWE shows that “Wrestling is Fake”. First of all, that’s mean. Second, it’s not going to get what you want back on TV. Also, time to take off your tin foil hat.
Lisa Chang: Double Detention for using terms and phases which I cannot repost in this column. If you do not like the WWE’s content, it is time for you to find other content to consume. With your Cheetos and Mt. Dew. Streamers are optional.
The Time Out Chair
In all honestly, when I started writing this piece, it was with an intent to justify placing TNA Wrestling in Eternal Detention. And by the length of it, it could have been a lecture piece. But ultimately, the time out chair is the best spot for what I am about to say about TNA…
Now. Why the Time out chair, TNA? Well let’s look at your talent issues: Kurt Angle is still wrestling beyond the point he should be. Nevermind the DUI he’s racked up lately. Jeff Hardy shouldn’t be on TV apologizing for his Victory Road Match. Nor should this be a storyline. Jeff needs a room at rehab next to his brother. He’s been convicted of drug charges. Ric Flair just had a match, and is injured. Why? Because Flair has been doing this for so long, his body is breaking down before our very eyes.
And then there is Hulk Hogan. In the bottom of my heart I am still the little kid running around wishing he could tear off a yellow shirt and pose like my hero. But I’m a grown adult, and icon of my childhood is now an old man. His body is broken down and beaten up. As much as Flair is in bad shape, Hogan is worse with multiple back surgeries. Recent surgeries, no less. It was annoying when Bret Farve retired and came back. (To Bret’s defense, he knew how to have fun with it.) However, seeing this is harsh. In the bottom of my heart, I know Hogan can no longer go. Yet “the company is on the line”. So this match with Sting is of huge importance.
The Greeks wrote some very dark comedies. The word Comedy in this situation is not being used in the ha-ha funny Adam Sandler meaning, but in an older dramatic meaning where a character’s problems are completely of his making. In comparison, tragedy is the result from the problems which are of no fault of the character. Again, the Greeks wrote some dark comedies, but TNA is right now giving the classics a run for their money.
Before I leave off, I know there are several readers whom are now fuming at the mouth with a white bubbly froth that I would approach TNA in this way. For this I recommend that you take this informational piece to heart:
Eternal Detention
Praxis and the ETS Series
Teachers that get arrested
Stinkbugs
2010 French Soccer Team
Jeff Hardy
“Undefined” Alicia Fox
Mike Tenay
Westboro Baptist Church
Toni Morrison
“Roggio”
I’ve pulled “The Other” Hardy aka Matt Hardy from “Eternal Detention”. It really looks like he’s hit rock bottom and announced that he would be getting help from the WWE to enter rehab. He’s doing the right thing for himself in a very long time, and as such I feel wrong to keep him in “Eternal Detention” this week. Next week? Mr. V might return him if this becomes a revolving door situation. We shall see. Right now I am going to give Matt the benefit of the doubt.
“The Brody”
Scottie Poindexter, Thank you for this song. 100% Mr. V Approved.
As previously announced on Mr. V #120, this is a feature to the column after given the blessing by Editor-In-Chief Adam Martin. Under the Watchful eye of MR.V, a crack team of scouts toil in search of those whom post the ridiculous, the uneducated, and the puzzling under articles, columns, or recaps on Wrestleview.com.
This week’s Brody goes to Byron Johnson, who is commenting on reports about the spoiler information that Hogan will eventually face Sting at Bound for Glory with stipulations about kayfabe control of TNA. For my thoughs about this matter, I refer back to the Time Out Chair section.
Its amazing how people seem to only point out negative about Hogan. It wasnt until Hogan got to TNA that they started doing some of these “Roadshows”. And by the looks of things this last one was almost SOLD OUT! Also I would like to point out that while Hogan is OLD and cant perform nearly as well as he once could, he has done something that 99% of the guys in TNA COULD NOT DO. He has made an emotional conection with the CASUAL fan. Good or bad this is what bulds a company, this is what gets people interested, this is what brings people to the show. Not trying to be a “mark” here I’m just tired of all the Hogan bashing.
If you see one whom has become worth of a “The Brody” then join the team of specialists and send our fearless Leader, MR. V, an email at mistervwv@hotmail.com. Use the Subject: The Brody.
Mr. V’s Honor Roll
Unlike the last time I wrote for this column. I did not get an honor roll from Mr. V. This was entirely intentional on my part as I did not want to interrupt Mr. V’s Vacation. Expect to see this week’s match grades next week.
Current Wrestleview Prediction Standings
(As of WWE’s Night of Champions)
2011-2012 Predictions from the Faculty Roster
1) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings/The Eye Gouge)……………71-43 (4-3)
2) Gregory “Grash” Walek (WWE NXT Recapper)……………………71-44 (4-3)
3) Ryan Rivera (ROH on HDNet Recapper)…………………………..70-45 (3-4)
4) Dave Stephens (Raw Recaps/That’s a Wrap/Teachers Lounge)…69-46 (3-4)
5) Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown Recapper)……………………..68-47 (5-2)
6) Wrestleview Students (The Readers of the article)………………66-49 (2-5)
7) Nicholas Gray (The Velvet Room)…………………………………..64-51 (1-6)
8) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/Teacher’s Lounge)…..64-51 (3-4)
9) Evan O’Brien (WV International Desk)……………………………64-51 (4-3)
10) Greg McNeish (WV International Desk)…………………………….63-52 (2-5)
11) Darragh O’Connor (WV International Desk)……………………..61-43 (4-3)
12) Josh Boutwell (TNA Impact Recaps/Viva La Raza)………………61-48 (2-5)
13) Andrew Hayman (WWE Superstars Recapper)…………………..60-42 (4-3)
14) Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds)……………………….60-55 (2-5)
Tie-Breaker Points
Based on Championship matches correct
36: Gregory Walek
35: Mike Tedesco
34: Jose Marrero; Ryan Rivera
32: Dave Stephens
31: Nicholas Gray
30: Anthony Valvo; Greg McNeish; Josh Boutwell
28: Evan O’Brien
27: Andrew Hayman
26: Darragh O’Connor
24: Matt O’Brien
All seven Night of Champions matches counted.
Out of the Staff, Mike Tedesco scored the best among the staff and readers by going 5-2.
Jose Marrero slightly held on to the top spot in the standings based on one less incorrect pick over Grash. Jose Marrero did in fact predict Cena to win the NOC WWE Championship match and it is credited to him in these standings. Ryan Rivera is one pick behind at three. The former Dean of Wrestleview, Dave Stephens is fourth. The top five is rounded out by Mike Tedesco.
Among the readers, Brandon Glover and Corey Nelson were the only readers to post a winning record for Night of Champions. Both went 4-3 and will post their picks for WWE Hell in a Cell. Paul Smith, the last Student of the Week was defeated as he went 3-4.
We had 28 different sets of predictions and the average wins were 2-42. So based on estimation I had them go 2-5 for Night of Champions, which may be the group’s worst record to date.
Gold Stars
Gold Stars brought to you by: ColtMerch.com! Take a look at Colt Cabana’s merchandise and you won’t be disappointed. Hi Colt!
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. If you’re adventurous, you might even buy the cookbook JR has!
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:
ROH: Welcome back to TV.
Antonio Cesaro (The Man formerly known as Claudio): Welcome to the WWE, I can’t wait to see you on TV soon. (He’s hoping I get you on NXT!)
Zack Ryder: The Internet Champion beat the Intercontential Champion this week. Woo Woo Woo, You Know It! Bro
Wolverine Anime Cartoon on G4: Anime action with Wolverine’s Claws. ‘Nuff Said.
Hugh Jackman: The Man plays Wolverine. Has a mean fist. Can Sing and Dance. Don’t belive me on that last one… here’s proof:
New York Yankees: Taking the AL East this year. “I Respect You”.
Hunter Golden: Got a Mention on WEEI Sports talk radio this week.
Neil Diamond: Good times never seem so good. So Good! So Good!
Brad Pitt: He’s Bill Beane in Moneyball. It comes out this weekend.
Mark Henry: For becoming the New World Heavyweight Champion
John Cena: For becoming the WWE Champion for the 10th time.
Matt Striker and William Regal: For the excellent work they have put in on NXT over the past few weeks.
Farmers Markets: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables make you grow strong and smart like your Professor. Also you’re buying local which means they’re fresher. Sometimes what you get was picked that day. It’s better for the environment because less fuel had to be spent storing or shipping the food. Also it’s good for your local economy.
And finally, the last gold star goes to Jessie.
And that is all for now. If you want to give out a Gold Star let Mr. V know at mistervwv@hotmail.com.
Homework Assignment
Send your Ballot for the WV Power Ranking Poll!
As I have mentioned before, I am the stats master behind the Wrestleview Power Ranking Poll. Every two weeks a Poll is released. I am currently accepting ballots for September 1st through the 14th. Results for this poll will be revealed this week, and a new ballot will open.
To take part:
1) Rank the top ten WWE Talents of these two weeks. This includes anyone on Raw, Smackdown, NXT, Superstars, or a PPV. Divas are fair game. The Talent doesn’t even have to appear in a match!
2) Email your ballots to grashuriza@gmail.com
Dismissal
Well, that is your class for this week. If you didn’t like it, well next week Mr. V will be back. And if you have to tell me how bad the column was, you can email me at liveshow@wrestleview.com. For those of you have questions and other comments about this week column, drop me an email at grashuriza@gmail.com.
You have your assignment. Class is over.
– Grash
THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE IS NOW AIRING ON SATURDAYS!
Note: Both Dave and V are on Vaction this week. Mr. V will return the next week with a new edition of the Teacher’s Lounge
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 V 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)
• 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 Mr. V thank all their 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 they 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..