You might have noticed that I decided to forgo a Redux last week, as there was no match on the show, and analyzing a mere backstage segment with no real bearing on the women’s division would be akin to giving G.I. Joe a thorough character analysis–there just ain’t no point. However, this week’s SmackDown started off quite inauspiciously with what else but another MARIA-CENTERED BACKSTAGE SEGMENT!!!! *cue Psycho theme* Jump to the 1:00 mark to watch:
I feel silly for really “reviewing” this, but I figure it might lead to something eventually, so I’ll just go for it. Maria‘s gushing about Dolph, and Melina smiles, playing the supportive friend. It feels so strange to see her even care, since I’m so conditioned to her nasty heel attitude. At this point, I’d kill for her bitch side to take over–it’d keep segments like these to a minimum.
And just as I pray for daylight, Layla comes in to save the day. She plays the catty heel pretty well (“YAYYYYY FOR LOVE!”) and, like Melina did last week, warns Maria against Dolph, for for much different reasons. Apparently, the glorified Oompah Loompah twin is a hot commodity backstage, and Maria may not be hot enough to hold him. And shifting to more important matters, Layla delivers a message to Melina: Michelle will be back next week. It’s kind of funny, though, because it’s a minuscule version of what I suggested they do with Melina/Michelle/Layla earlier this week. Melina seems unenthused at the news, but I’m doing backflips. Melina tells Layla that she has a message for Layla to send back to Michelle, and she’ll give it to her in the ring. OH, IT’S ON NOW!
The match starts off all firey-like, with Layla going right for the attack. She full-on slaps Melina, showing her that even though she’s a heel, she doesn’t need to play the “scardey cat” routine. Oops, never mind, because Layla then turns and hauls ass, escaping from the ring, Melina giving chase. Melina has her by the hair, but Layla takes her down with a clothesline, slamming her down to the mat outside. She tosses Melina back into the ring and goes for a pin, but only gets two. Melina battles back, only for Layla to reverse an armdrag into one of her own, expertly flipping it into a pin attempt. Damn, that was cool.
She barely gets a two-count, and sends Melina to the corner, only for Melina to capture her in a leglock around the neck, topping it off with a chop to the head. She takes Layla by the hair, but Layla gets her right on the nose, causing Melina to fall back but catch herself on the ropes, ending up in a unique bent-over-backwards position. The fans oo-ed and ahh-ed like she was some sort of eccentric wire sculpture.
This sets her up perfectly (probably too perfectly, as it seems contrived, but it’s a pro wrestling match, so hush) for Layla to grab her hair and test her flexibility by pulling her like a rubber band against the ropes. She relents at the referee’s wishes, and Melina gains her bearings, trying to free her tangled boots and probably trying not to pass out from the headrush. Layla doesn’t give her much of a chance to do so, grabbing her by the head and sending her face-first all the way to the mat. Another pin attempt, another two-count.
Layla seems to have taken notes from the woman she’s playing carrier pigeon for, locking Melina into a leg-bending submission and making her tap-dance on her own head. Melina doesn’t just lie there, though, and attempts to free herself by grabbing a handful of Layla’s hair. Layla abandons the move, satisfied to just let Melina’s face eat mat. She grabs Melina’s prone leg and goes for a knee bash, but Melina gets free, going on an offense that’s extremely short-lived, punctuated by Layla laying the boot on Melina’s bum knee. Melina seeks refuge in the ropes, but Layla pounces on her, choking her with them. I’m going to just hazard a guess and say that Melina should steer clear of the ropes for a while–they don’t seem to be doing her much good.
Melina gets Layla off her back (literally), and puts her in a similar position, her throat draped over the second rope. Melina hops out onto the apron, kicking Layla in the head and then leaping to the top rope, taking Layla down with a high-impact facebuster. Surprisingly, this isn’t the end of the match, as Layla gets to her feet and is planted back down with a clothesline. A few bits of offense later, Laya finds herself in the corner, draped over the second rope. Layla’s midsection serves as a makeshift rope, as Melian stands on it to address the crowd before landing on it with both her knees.
Layla recovers a bit and wanders near the center of the ring, where Melina hits a sunset flip that Layla flips out of and nails Melina in the face with a dropkick. The fans seem to be getting into this. Layla goes for more offense, but Melina flapjacks her to the mat, going for a pin that doesn’t quite cut the mustard. Fast on her feet, Melina tricks Layla by hopping outside the ropes, ducking a blow, nailing her midsection, and sliding under her feet, catching her unaware as she traps her into the Primal Scream.
One ear-piercing scream later, Melina has the win in the bag. The three-count seals it. Melina celebrates her win for what seems like a long amount of time, but I can’t complain–the more screen time the Divas get after last week’s 3-second cameo the better.
For what seemed like an impromptu match, Melina and Layla kicked ass. They worked together quite well, and though Melina was clearly going to go over (Layla is only the messenger, after all), Layla put up a great fight. The match allowed Layla to look strong and intimidating, something she doesn’t get to do quite often when she’s stuck playing second fiddle in tag team matches. I can’t say I’d object to seeing more collaborations between Layla and Melina. One thing that struck me with this match was how it had shades of Melina’s matches with Michelle–high impact moves, back-bending submissions, quick footwork–and by the end of it, both looked wiped. That’s not to say they were winded or something, because it’s quite obvious that the intensity of the match simply took a lot out of them. It seems like Melina’s matches always exhaust both her and her opponent, and afterward they just need a good nap. I guess it’s becoming the signature of a Melina match–go for broke or go home.
I’m excited to see what becomes of Michelle’s return next week. We don’t know yet what her return will entail, as it’s possible that they’ll keep her out of in-ring action for the time being. Honestly, though, I wouldn’t mind. As long as Michelle’s there, that means that her feud with Melina is still going, and if they have to continue this rivalry outside the confines of the ring, I’m game. Just no more Dolph gossip, pleaseeeee.
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29 Comments
Decent match. I’m surprised WWE didn’t edit out the “Let’s Go, Oilers” chants because they were pretty loud, and there was no reason for the crowd to treat the match like that since it wasn’t bad .
Cringe at the backstage segment. Melina looked pretty in yellow, and the acting was okay (Melina was the best), but Melina as Maria’s BFF doesn’t sit right for me. What happened to ‘”BITCH!” *slap!*’?
The match was easily Layla’s best televised one yet, IMO. That’s one of the (many :P) good things about Melina…she always makes her opponent look good (unlike a certain skinny blonde champion, but I won’t get into that). Her matches aren’t purely about *her*, and it shows. She did the same thing with Jillian, and with Alicia Fox. Even though they were all practically jobbers, she gave them the chance to have a lot of offense. Anyways, a few sloppy spots (I really think Melina should stop using the Primal Scream to finish off Layla…it never quite works, tbh), but good, and the crowd were into it.
Side note: I don’t really like that outfit on Melina (the gold wrestling attire, not the yellow dress, which she looked stunning in). From the waste down in’s awesome, but the top half doesn’t quite sit well with her face…perhaps it’s the hair? I thought this last time she wore it, and it was the same today. She’s still stunning though.
I gotta be honest Layla was the highlight for the whole entire thing IMO. She kicked so much ass this week it ain’t even funny. She is improving so much in the ring and it is about damn time people start noticing it.:D
LAYYYYYYYLA!!!!!
What the hell was that in maria’s hand?
Awesome match, Melina continues to put her all into every match as you said, ‘go for broke or go home’. She brought a lot out of Layla too, who has shown a lot of improvement and she managed to hang in there with the intense Melina. Very good bout that elevated both Divas, even though Layla lost.
the backstage segment was iffy
i still cant see Melina and Maria being bffs lol
Layla really impressed me in her match as did Melina
oh oh and Layla looked aweosome in her attire
Layla impressed me, I knew she had it but this match just shows those bastards the awesome wrestler thats she is!! Melina is on fire, she deserves the title of “Diva Of The Year”, she had the best matches of the year!!
The backstage thing was pretty boring until LAYLA came in with that awesome attitude, miss El was BY FAAAR the best in the acting scene, Melina looks bored as hell with the whole thing and Maria…well she’s too busy beeing Maria…
GREAT WEEK FOR THE DIVAS!!
Layla was amazing in this match,she’s improved BIG TIME(I wish i could say the same about maria ugghh).When i saw this match,I was like “HOLY S***” GO LAYLA,lol.This is definitly layla’s best match to date:D
I don’t feel much for this whole michelle returning next week thing because it doesn’t even feel like she’s been gone
overall,great match and go layla,keep it up
i was in attendance in edmonton and ya i was hoping wwe was gonna edit out that oilers chant cause it was a good wrestling match .. i mean they edited out the 5 y2j chants in the match with jtg and show and the dynasty had a far better reaction then what came across on smackdown …..
Melina needs to win back the belt so she can feud with Layla next. That match was great
BWOOP!BWOOP!Melina comes out to one of her less big pops,probably cause of her fued with Trish in 06,lol,and Layla comes out to a super-fiesty outfit this week!This match was awesome,definitely Layla’s best match to date.The crowd was a little lackluster this week,but it doesn’t matter.Melina better become a four time women’s champ!So she can rank with the greats!!;p
I’m with you Christi84, Layla and even Eve may not be up to par with Melina & Michelle but that doesn’t mean they can’t be put in a title programme [just don't have them win the title] like Maria was last year. There is depth to the SmackDown women’s division even after they were raided in the ‘Trump Trade’, Eve & Layla can step up to the plate if given the opportunity.
The match was good! Layla should wrestle more often. I’m kinda pissed Eve was the only diva not used this week, she was there! uggggghhhh they better not be punishing her for Michelle getting hurt. It wasn’t her fault!
That backstage segment was pretty painful until Layla got there.
The match was pretty good. I found it to be entertaining. Layla continues to impress with her improvement. She is one of the girls who honestly does seem to get better every time you see her. Melina can always bring out the best in people. She is always great and really stands out in all her matches. It seems like there is always a memorable spot from Melina in her matches.
I say this every time but Maria’s acting really makes me cringe. The Melina/Maria friendship seems a bit weird to me… I watched a video on youtube and Melina totally like slapped the face off Maria so it’s a bit weird but I’ll deal. Some people have questioned the Mickie/Melina friendship but I thought that with Mickie protecting Melina when she got injured kinda sealed the deal on their friendship but it’s for me Melina and Maria just seems so random. Layla was pretty funny in the segment :) and Melina was good too [= I’m excited for Michelle’s return next week to see what creative have her do.
Anyway, I’ll quit talking about the Melina/Maria friendship… the match was great!! Layla’s really getting good! I’m pretty pleased with Smackdown this week :D
I just hope the feud doesn’t lose momentum.
ROFTL to Melina winning the title back for after feuding with Layla?!?!?!and what about giving a chance to Natalya?Breaking Point in Canada is in the 13th Setptember and it´s a perefct time to Natalya win the title back from McCool.
chrisP, for the life of me I couldn’t figure out what they were chanting. Thanks for deciphering it for me. :P I was trying to make it sound like they were cheering for Melina, but sadly, they probably weren’t that into the match.
It was a pretty good match, I agree with EVERYONE saying that this was Layla’s best showing yet. I just wished the crowd would have been better and had more respect for them, but oh well…WE respect what they did, and that’s all that matters. :)
redsoul-In case you haven’t noticed,for some reason the wwe LOVES making people lose in their hometowns!
Melina has quickly turned into the division’s HBK. She could have a decent match with a broomstick at this point. She sets the pace/tone for each and every one of her matches, regardless of the opponent, and sucks them into her intense style. What I love most about her is that she has a motor that never stops. It’s her everything or her nothing. Love love love Melina right now.
That being said, Layla has shown great improvement indeed. Compared to other diva searchers, I think she has been criminally underutilized. Similar to Melina, she gives 110% in everything she does (which is probably why she has a tendency to overact at times…).
Backstage segment was miles better than last week… I love how Melina delivers those lines. She says them perfectly, with matching body language to boot.
“Well we wish you would leave, unless you want us to make you leave,” with nice emphasision on ‘you’ and ‘make’.
“Oh really? Well I have a message for you to take back to Michelle McCool,” complete with the finger pointing. Sheer perfection. One more reason to love that chick.
For the match, it was a shame Edmonton wasn’t really all that into it. Obviously they were expecting Natalya to face Melina, not Layla. But oh well, it was a good match anyway. Melina has become an awesome carrier, I must say. And Layla has improved a LOT.
good match. layla definitely held her own. some of the crowd noise sounded like post-edit though. can’t wait for michelle’s return.
is there a diva clothing credit card mickie james doesn’t know about? every other diva seems to be using it to buy new outfits. mickie’s still rotating between her same two.
I was a little disappointed with the match, Layla has a long way to go. I was disappointed because, Melina wasn’t her usual super amazing great wrestler self, I felt like she was limited, because Layla is less experienced and she had to turn it down a notch.
I’m a huge fan of Layla, but she needs to step up. Natalya is and amazing wrestler, she should be wrestling, I can totally see her as Women’s Champion, I don’t like Michelle, she is simply boring.
Melina is the WWE’s top diva, she has come along way. She deserves to be diva of the year. Oh I’m really want Melina 2 win the Women’s Championship back from Michelle. Melina is an amazing champion. The 1st time she won the belt she defended it every single week, on RAW & PPV’s… I haven’t seen anyone so committed and more hard working then her.
Great match tonight! I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the arm drag that Layla turned into a pin, very nice move even if it didn’t ‘flow’ as smoothly as it could’ve. Layla seems to be channeling Melina’s aggression. She’s definately improved, at this point she could be a serious contender for the title if she keeps it up. Her and Melina have great chemistry, and Mel can make anyone look good (even though Layla looked impressive in her own right).
melina n layla can work a good match together…it was really cool i loved it alot
Melina makes me think of Molly Holly. I dont think I’ve EVER watched a Molly Holly match ad been unimpressed. And now I feel the sameway about Melina. She makes EVERYONE look good. Shes just amazing.
:)
Awesome,Awesome match Layla was so awesome. Im glad they gave her some time to really shine in singles matches. Her submissions were awesome.Melina did great as always thast why I love her and I guess Melina did deliver teh message after all. Truley’s Layla Best WWE match.
19.TrishMelinaFan on Aug 15, 2009, 1:18 am:
redsoul-In case you haven’t noticed,for some reason the wwe LOVES making people lose in their hometowns!
didn´t Maryse won the Divas title in Canada?and what´s got to do with it?i´m talking about giving a chance to Natalya and start putting her in the title path.
everyone´s talked about the boredom it would be a Mickie vs Beth feud,but in SD it seems to go in the same way with MCool vs Melina…..
I thought the match was good. The part where Melina was stretched out on the ropes was wicked lol.
Melina is simply one of the best divas that WWE has right now. Layla has improved vastly and it showed in this match, and the way she stayed with Melina was great, they do work well together. I agree with everyone else who said that this was Layla’s best match.
As far as McCool returning next week, I’m happy b/c as JR says business is about to pick up.