You could say that last week’s confrontation between Maryse and Eve Torres could be described as wham, bam, thank you ma’am, but in a good way. It brought a sense of unpredictability to the feud, and packed more excitement into a few seconds than we’ve seen in this entire feud (save their intense fight at ringside two weeks ago). The feud seems to be building into something more than quick little matches and petty insults, and I’m glad for that. This week’s action, while not nearly as compelling, seems to be continuing in that same direction.
We see a video package reviewing Eve’s Divas Title win from three weeks ago. We don’t often see video packages for the Divas, so that’s cool, and it probably helped to refresh the memories of fans who don’t pay as strict attention to the Diva goings-on as we do. The package continues on to tell us more about Eve. Or, rather, illustrate what they’ve been repeating in every match of hers in recent memory. You see, Eve is Smart, Sexy, and Powerful™, has brains to back up her beauty, and has a background in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a bit ham fisted and obvious in its attempt to get fans to embrace Eve, but at least they’re making the effort. I only wish they tried to do something about it a few weeks ago when they initially decided to push her. That way, they wouldn’t have to pack it all into a video package like it’s some Miss America profile. But hey, at least they didn’t run down her turn-ons and turn-offs.
We then cut to footage from Maryse earlier in the day. She appears to be training in Jiu-Jitsu herself, but also appears to be dressed like she’s in a Britney Spears music video, so who knows what’s going on. She does pretty well at first, hitting a few take downs. Her trainer then instructs her to sweep his feet, but she can’t, and he tells her he doesn’t think she’s trying hard enough. Maryse takes the news as you would expect–she slaps him, kicks him in the knee cap, and departs, tossing out her trademark hand gesture for good measure.
The segment seemed a bit odd to me, given how rarely we see these types of segments for the Divas. Still, I like that they’re thinking outside the box. This feud seems to be developing into something more than just “Maryse thinks she is sexy and thinks [insert Diva here] is not”, and I’m so glad. It seems to be hinting at something of a “anything you can do I can do better” competition, which is definitely new territory for Maryse–she’s actually trying to be like someone else rather than being wrapped up in her own greatness. The segment could have been put together better and felt a little less awkward and forced, but I’m all for a new approach to a Divas feud. Let’s see if next week continues the trend, and if so, what part of Eve’s bio will she attempt to adopt? Rubik’s cube solving, anyone?
Earlier in the night we saw a bit of a different Diva feud developing. Alicia Fox and Gail Kim seem to have some sort of peculiar tease going on with Zach Ryder. Last week, they watched his match with Mark Henry, and when he lost, they left with the victorious Henry. This week brings up a similar set up, with Zach trying to impress Gail and Alicia by defeating Evan Bourne:
At one point, Alicia tries to interfere by knocking Evan Bourne off the top rope, but Gail stops her. Bourne wins the match, and Gail (a bit reluctantly, selling the unpredictability pretty well) hooks arms with him and leaves. Meanwhile, Ryder argues with Alicia. I think you and I can both smell a mixed tag match from a mile a way ,but will this develop into an actual feud, or just a one-off match? We’ll see, but I hope this becomes more about the physical feud between Gail and Alicia than them simply being arm candy for their respective men. The feud’s set up seemed weird, though, with Gail and Alicia being all hunky dory until Alicia tried to interfere. Its messy and sends a bit of a mixed message, but I guess I shouldn’t be complaining when there’s the possibility of a second Diva feud on Raw. Alicia and Gail work pretty well together, I think, so I’m looking forward to a match between the two. Let’s just hope this doesn’t mean that Alicia’s the “new Rosa”. That’s a legacy that doesn’t need to be followed, that’s for sure.
In a night of feuds being developed outside the ring, I think it shows that the WWE is starting to think outside the box with the Divas. Of course, they could always regress back to the 1-minute matches, but for now I’m glad to see a be of a variety in how they’re used on Monday nights. Let’s keep the streak going, shall we?
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36 Comments
Like I said before, hopeully this develops into a Gail\Alicia feud of some sort. Gail and Evan? HELL YEAH!!! Alicia and Zach? Um…O.K? Either way, its a huge relief that they werent stuck in the role of arm-candy to that huge sack of crap, Mark Henry. The Eve and Maryse video package seemed kind of pointless to me. I mean, are they going somewhere with the whole Martial Arts thing? On the other hand, at least they are trying to make the feud different and entertaining. An interesting….night for the Divas. Hopefully next weeks RAW has more substance.
I think the segment with the training video was pointless as well. But at least it is something different. And not some random one minute gimmick match. I guess we should be grateful that we did not see a live episode of flavor of love last night.
I hope they are going somewhere with Alicia/Gail. I think it would be great to have a second feud on raw. Gail and Evan are so great together! Alicia and Zack seems weird but since they are using Alicia, even in this way, I am not complanining. I would love to see a Gail and Alicia feud.
It was a good week for the raw divas. And I am suprised with how the divas are being used lately. Seems like the last few weeks, it hasn’t been that horrible to watch the raw divas. Maybe the raw writers are actually trying now? It sure seems that way.
There are many positives to this Gail Kim / Evan Bourne team and Alicia / Zack team.
- Both girls get more time when the men are in action, especially airtime, plus we could see them in action too. Evan is in a way a fan favourite and this could give Gail the crowd reaction and Alicia the heat.
- Both looked hot, but Evan is a lucky guy..
Also, Alicia IS heel, right? So Gail and Alicia talking makes little sense..
I also would like to see Evan get the US title and Gail get revenge on The Miz from when Timbaland was the Guest Host back in ’09. Then I would like to see Gail hold the title, or Alicia first and then Gail take it from Alicia.
You know, when I first heard that Flava Flav was going to be guest host, I wanted to cry in despair. Thank The Lord that we werent subjected to some sort of Flavour Of Love gimmick match involving the Divas! Is anyone else dissapointed that Vickie resigned as permanent GM RAW? Come on, Vickie! If Stephanie can survive a RKO, than so can you. Pussy!!
Regarding Vickie Guerrero resigning as GM, Dave Meltzer reported that WWE is planning on having a Raw GM, and that they decided last week to have Vickie do it for one night while they decided who would get the role. However, they were so impressed with the heat Vickie got that they might forget about finding someone else and just have her do it.
I dont know why Vickie’s heat surprises people. She’s massively over as a heel and has been for awhile.
Great Redux Erin!
I hope so. Her role in Lay-Cool has become lame.
I’m glad they didn’t do an actual match with the divas as the guest host is Flav. I guess this shows raw is taking there divas more seriously.
I think the Gail and Alicia thing made sense, they were talking at the start proberbly cause Gail was just being nice and polite. Zach called Alicia beautiful but not Gail so it kinda hinted.( oh did anyone like the way evan entered the ring?)
Alicia being the heel she is, tried to distract Evan but Gail being the face she is stopped her.
I think the couples suit each other well, Gail and Evan are such a cute couple but I’m afraid that Alicia and Zach might talk each other to death.
Liked the Maryse thing, I also liked when Natayla was up for fighting Miz. She reacted so well to everything he said.
Ok raw.
I think pairing Gail Kim up with Evan Bourne is a great idea. they are both high flyers and risk takers and it could be the beginning of a very good run for Gail. Is anyone else wondering what Vickie Guerrero’s moving to raw is gonna mean for the smackdown storylines? I think it is a good thing considering Vickie’s role on smackdown was beginning to get a little stale!
loved this week RAW it has been a while since they have gave divas good segements but what makes me wonder is why eve??? and when does maryse get her rematch probably next pay per view over the limit because from what ive heard and red there are time limits on the matchs so hopefully raw divas get a slot on that match card
I don’t think the segment was ‘awkward & forced’ at all. She did a perfect job! This just goes to show you how valuable Maryse is as a diva. You give her something new to do & she can do it. They just hadn’t been using Maryse right on Raw before.
With out a Divas Match, and yet we still got something out of this show. First off the Main feud Maryse and Eve, the little segment came off a bit strange, as it seemed as if Maryse was just trying to one up Eve, but I wasn’t really getting the same feel for the craft as I did with Eve. Also Evan Bourne and Gail Kim a mixed tag team made in heaven. They are both high flyers they don’t care what it takes to put on an amazing show and i really like how they are leading up to a mixed tag team match next week, Gail and Alicia work amazing together and as we saw from last night Evan and Zack can put on an amazing show as well, honestly i don’t know about you guys but I cannot wait till next week, plus Gail is from Canada so i really do think the divas and superstars will get seperate entrances to make Gail get a pop from the crowd. Also Natalya woo she is fierce so beautiful i just love those pink highlights lol if i had blond hair i would do the same. Anyways can’t wait till next week am loving Raw right now My favorites live Randy Orton, Gail Kim and The Hart Dynasty are getting major Air time and i loves it.
Maryse really is hilarious. She never fails to make me laugh.
i’ve seen people already likening the gail/evan pairing to what could be the next essa/lita. i’d quite like that.
I liked Maryse’s segment more than Eve’s, I think Eve’s was just a lame attempt at winning fans over because WWE knows that she’s not popular, Maryse’s on the other hand was something different and it highlighted her character.
Oh and I liked Alicia before she became all ghetto, not that I have anything against ghetto people I just thought it was fake and lame, anyway I really liked her when she was paired with DJ Gabriel, I hope that Alicia comes back.
I think Evan Bourne & Gail Kim are a match made in heaven. :D Can’t wait to see what comes of this.
Alicia Fox is ghetto? News to me…
The Eve video was kind of whatever. I think they waited until now to build her up because they probably didn’t have any footage of her doing much more than a dropkick or that senton splash to put her over as a credible wrestler, but now she’s done some neckbreakers and moonsaults. Eve’s just not my cup of tea but I’m all for them actually making a female talent out to be a big deal, so kudos to them.
Maryse was great, as always. I’m glad they’re allowing her to show more personality other than her just being sexy, because she really excels in that aspect. I prefer her as the title chaser, its as if she’s out to prove to herself that she’s really as good as she thinks she is.
Evan and Gail are precious.
Oops, let me rephrase that: she’s extremely ghetto.
Evan and Gail together? Epic dream team!!
You know you’ve arrived in the Wrestling World when you get Gail Kim holding your arm up victorious!
Damn! That’s great to see, I hope they both get titles!
GOOD TIMES!
Alicia is not ghetto. She has a chip on her shoulder, just like any good heel, and has a certain swagger about her. How does that constitute as ghetto? That is actually quite offensive.
I personally thought this week’s RAW was quite refreshing for the Divas, using several of them. I liked the Maryse training segment. The end of it where she kicked the instructor was hilarious.
Gail/Alicia was cool too as they sat ringside. Would like to see them get used as valets as it’d give them something else to do while they’re not in matches.
SClub7,
Alicia never played ghetto.
She actling like a heel supposed
to act like a bitch. Now Naomi Knight
is playing ghetto, but Alicia isn’t.
If Alicia character is ghetto that make Rosa,
Melina(heel), and Maryse all ghetto right?
Maryse looked amazing last night
but I don’t know why she was
doing the same moves.
I figure something was going down when Zack said
Alicia looked beautiful. I think her and Zack can be
a great team. The mix tag
team match can be great I hope they make it to a feud. You can tell
the writers was trying because the story was there last night.
Zack or Evan not doing nothing so is Alicia and Gail so they
can be in a feud all together.
I think they made Eve look totally “blah!” when they showed Maryse’s little thing.
Eve’s video package were just over her dropkicking, that flippy flip move and half of a moonsault. No personality. No charisma. Just some highlights from it looked like only three matches. haha
Maryse’s thing was just another feather in her character cap. Not only is she hot, arrogant, a little loopy and sneaky, but she also hates when people claim she doesn’t care. It is like they are given her all of these basic heel characters because they know the other heels can’t perform them like she does.
ebmich, Half of a moonsault? What’s a full moonsault suppose to be? A backflip?
It’s a shame we didn’t get a match, but superstars will be ok I guess!
Gail Kim teamed with Evan Bourne, that’s exactly what she needs!!!!
“ebmich, Half of a moonsault? What’s a full moonsault suppose to be? A backflip? ”
Eve hasn’t connected with a moonsault since trying them on Raw. The other chick always moved out of the way. So, why show the landing if there wasn’t one? lol That is what I mean by half a moonsault.
i dont know why but i always saw gail n Evan together since that “fake” accident by Breat Hart (yea remember that) when breat had finally said goodbye and superstars backstage were telling him “tank you Breat” and such didnt we saw Gail n Evan talking and then when he got “injured” in the limo boht of them went running togheter to help him and Evan had a hand around Gail or spmethin like that right there i said “oh dont they make a cute couple?” and they did i saw them n i was like “oh i hope wwe put them as an onscreen couple some day” i guess my wish came true lol they just make such a CUTE couple go ??? Gail and Evan ???
P.S. yea about that maryse thing i didnt saw any point on it so i just dont have any coment!
yea the ??? were suppose to be harts but i guess they dont appear here!!! ;)
I didn’t mind the segments. It feels like they’re building to something. I think if they gave Eve some mic time and a little character, she might just get over. As it is, the crowd barely cares about either of them. LOL
Why are people talking couples? If you’re not Lita, that’s worst thing that can happen to a diva.
“Why are people talking couples? If you’re not Lita, that’s worst thing that can happen to a diva.”
Hey, Trish had some good hook ups.. Outside of Carlito. But yeah, you are right. A lot of times, the couple is just put together so they can give divas that want to use before they decide if they want to keep them around.
1.Alicia Fox is not ghetto. Naomi Night in FCW is
2.What was the point of the whole Maryse Segment besides make her look like a bitch.
3.If this means Gail and Alicia will be nothing but managers who will we have to rely on for Raw matches? Jillian? yay Natalya? yay Everyone else? nay
Great redux Erin. I hope this feud between Maryse and Eve continues to have a buildup with segments such as these. It’s nice to see the effort and that they are “thinking outside the box” for once. Maybe it’ll build Eve’s popularity at the same time, she needs to be someone that the audience cares about to be a really effective champion.
I love the potential of Gail & Evan. They’re both fast and high flyers, she could manage him to a great career, even getting involved in his matches if necessary.
Gail and Alicia chatting all pally was kind of wierd, yet at least now they’ve split. Gail could just say she was only being friendly or something and has always hated her, bla bla.
I expect to see Evan and Gail vs Zack and Alicia on Superstars next week, but I suppose everyone else does aswell!
Eve/Maryse didn’t get much time, but at least they were included on the show and Superstars is going to further the fued on Thursday.
This RAW made me almost feel suicidal. It sucked so badly. I think they made Maryse look like an idiot, which is bad since she’s a former champ. I hope Gail and Alicia feud and that they don’t serve just as armcandy for Bourne and Ryder.