Happy Cinco de Mayo guys, and welcome to this week’s edition of the SmackDown Redux! This week, the new Divas Champion, Layla returns to the blue brand to take on the First Lady of The Hart Dynasty, Natalya in singles competition. But first, let’s get our weekly dose of drama in the form of another AJ and Kaitlyn backstage segment. Can the Chickbusters mend their relationship after the events of last week’s SmackDown or will the former best friends be at each others’ throats? Check out the segment below:
We start off with Kaitlyn chatting with Alicia Fox in the back and I can only assume they’re talking about the epic JTG makeover that is going to be unveiled on next week’s NXT. But before we can eavesdrop on their conversation, AJ creeps into the frame, looking apologetic and dejected. Alicia quickly makes her exit, leaving Kaitlyn and AJ alone to work out their differences.
AJ apologizes for last week, saying it wasn’t the real AJ who slapped the holy hell out of her last week. Kaitlyn accepts and tells AJ that her pity party over Daniel Bryan has got to stop. AJ takes a second to process that and hauls off and slaps Kaitlyn once again, giving off shades of that epic Cherry/Maryse slap from so many years ago. While Kaitlyn lays on the floor in shock, AJ rushes off to end the segment.
I must say, I’m really enjoying where this AJ/Kaitlyn storyline is going. Both have improved considerably since their NXT3 days and I think they can put together a decent program, if given the chance. I think AJ has really broken out since the beginning of her storyline with Daniel Bryan and Kaitlyn has made a name for herself on NXT and this budding rivalry may be just what they both need to finally make a dent in the Divas division.
Next up, Layla makes her return to SmackDown to take on another former Divas’ Champion in Natalya. Will the British beauty continue to turn heads or will she fall victim to the Pink and Black attack? Check out the match below:
We start things off with Layla making her entrance to what sounds like a pretty decent reaction from the crowd. While plays up to the fans, Natalya awaits her in the ring with a smug grin on her face. After a quick replay of the events of Extreme Rules, the official signals for the bell and this non-title match is underway.
Layla and Nattie kick the match off with am impressive exchange of chain wrestling, which ended in a stalemate. The Divas lock up again, and they go into another display of their technical wrestling skills, but Natalya cuts it short with a stiff forearm shot and a vicious discus clothesline to gain control of the match. Natalya goes for the pin, but only gets a two count.
Natalya pulls Layla to her feet and lock her into a abdominal stretch, looking to wear out the champion. Layla quickly fights her way out of the hold, but is immediately scooped up by Nattie. Layla wiggles out of danger once again and comes charging across and uses a slick lucha-style rollup to get a nearfall of her own. Natalya kicks out at one, but before she can collect herself, Layla hits her with the LayOut to pick up the victory.
Even though it was short, I really liked this match. You can tell that Layla has really been working on her in-ring skills before she return, as she’s lot more fluid and capable in the ring than I remember. I fully expect this tear that Layla has been on since her return to go on for at least another week or two, before it’s time to establish a contender for the title. Perhaps we’ll see Beth return to challenge Layla, or maybe even Kharma, whose return has had Diva fans abuzz for months. In any case, I’m fine with Layla building herself up as a competent and credible champ for the few weeks.
Also, check out this steamy segment as Executive Administrator Eve forces Teddy Long to rub oil into ex-girlfriend Aksana’s new man, Antonio Cesaro. Seriously…
Well then…
59 Comments
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I think AJ may be involved in this new CM Punk and Daniel Bryan storyline.
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I would love to see a match between AJ and Layla.
darkangels Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at
also a match between Brooke tessmarcher and Layla and i think broke would win
jen07201 Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at
It’s hard to pick since both are improving.
Air-Bourne Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Layla is miles ahead of Brooke.
lazberg Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
This.
Tessmacher has had the good fortune of working with opponents that have carried her to decent matches. Since her return to tv she has shown some improvement, less sloppy and with slightly crisper timing but she isn’t even in Layla’s league. In the short match here, Layla went toe to toe, reversal for reversal with arguably the best technical wrestler in women’s wrestling today. Layla simply outclasses Tessmacher in every regard, she’s a big game performer being compared to a promising bush leaguer.
BAD KHARMA Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Between Layla and Brooke would not be difficult to choose…
I mean, I love Brooke, she is really improving, but you can´t compare her to Layla!
Bhentoooot Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Am i the only one who think Brooke is better than Layla? Layla only impressed me since her debut on xtreme rulez. but i started to love brooke on her debut match in WWE (battle royales)
Jhonmarco Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Honestly I began seeing Layla improve since mid to late 2009 & ever since then she’s been great. With Brooke, she didn’t get a chance to show anything in WWE & in TNA she’s been great. IMO though Layla’s now reaching veteran status in the division, while Brooke is in that “wow she’s impressive” stage.
Bhentoooot Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
i believe Layla is in that stage because of LayCool. but Brooke has the skills and hotness that put her to where she is now. Layla is good but lot of KOs and some Divas are greater than her.
Jhonmarco Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Well obiviously she got pushed therefore, her skills have become more apparent. You can also see that after LayCool, Layla is still bringing it. IMO besides Beth, Nattie, & Kharma, Layla is the most solid diva on the roster. As for the Knockouts, most have a lot more expierence so that’s to be expected. For the way she came in & how far she’s come, it’s pretty fantastic.
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I think Layla/Natalya showed that even with a limited amount of time matches can be entertaining. Layla’s showed virtually no ring rust since her return which is great, now I’d just like them to stop the random matches and actually focus on a feud for her. And Aj’s heel turn is seriously working for me. I think the whole crazy deal will benefit her in the ring considering she so tiny it gives her an edge and makes her appear as a genuine threat to opponents now.
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It’s my debut here :D very first comment!
following DivaDirt since long tonight finally registered! :D yAy!!
It was a pretty interesting match short but entertaining. Both girls showed they can use even short time very well. Loved the reaction of WWE universe through out the match! (^_*)
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Layla and Nattie really did their thing out there, though it was short it was pretty sweet. Only issue is that I wish Lay’s comeback would have lasted a bit longer before hitting the LayOut and getting the win.
AJ is slapping the crap outta Kaitlyn in these segments. Damn girl, giving Mrs. Game a run for her money!
Antonio Cesaro is hot. That is all I took from that segment. That and I was a bit shocked at the homoeroticism showed. Okay WWE, okay.
clintocki Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at
Hahaha, best segment ever! :D
BAD KHARMA Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at
Teddy Long was not very happy about that xD
mykel1990 Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Child, I’d've been thrilled lol
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Very good match for the amount of time given. It was very entertaining! And I would like to see Layla get build up as a credible champ and then feud with someone… I’m thinking eve or Aj or Kharma. And I like where the AJ storyline is going… Pscyo aj very nice. I would like her to get more into Daniel’s matches/feuds. I will not comment on teddy rubbing Antonio …..
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poor Layla she wen’t to having atleast 7 minute matches to 2 minutes. But still Go Layla
Acid Rain Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Shows how much the division has changed in the last year. Aren’t you proud? :)
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For a match that lasted under threee minutes it was pretty good but if it didn’t ended so abruptly it would’ve been the great match.
KInda makes me feel that WWE doesn’t want to give their divas longer matches but I get it because now Layla is back from injury and all but I would appreciate to see a divas match that lasted over six minutes or something.
Since I didn’t see AJ at Extreme Rules I think I want her to get involved at OTL.I do believe now that AJ is turning turning heel or is very scornful?
gl83 Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at
After watching the backstage fallout from this week’s Smackdown, AJ is coming across more as being scornful. When the interviewer came up to her wanting to talk to her about what happened with Kaitlyn, AJ interrupted him while he was speaking and lashed out saying: “What, what you want to talk about Daniel Bryan to!? Forget it.”
Which makes me think that AJ is getting a bit frustrated and angry at everyone talking about and bringing up Daniel Bryan to her. Makes sense as she is trying to recover from her heartbreak, yet everyone around her keeps bringing up her ex-boyfriend.
3 weeks ago she went ballistic on Natalya after Daniel Bryan broke her heart. Last week she had Matt Striker pestering her with questions regarding Daniel Bryan and then Kaitlyn bringing up how D-Bryan never cared for her. And then this past week after apologizing to Kaitlyn for her actions, Kaitlyn again brings up Daniel Bryan to AJ.
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I think they’re building her up as a legit champion for a bit… Anddd got DAMN ANTONIO CESARO IS FIONE
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I loved their chain wresting! I want to see more, I want a feud between them!
And I would love if they make AJ vs Kaytlin next week :D
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Great to see actual wrestling!! Layla is a damn fine wrestler!! I always get a kick watching her do her Fireman Carry takedown cradle!! So smooth!! And Natalya gave a great match too!!
I know some people dont agree with me on the fact that despite “not much crowd reaction” the match was entertaining as hell with all the wrestling!!
I know most people here rather see flashy moves being, mic work, “personality” and sparkly outfits…but there is nothing better than wrestling takedowns and moves performed to perfection!! Layla rocks!! And her scream is so sexy!!
And AJ…I actually feel bad for her now lol…at first im thinking AND agreeing with Daniel Bryan, and I still do…He has World Heavyweight Championship in his mind..meanwhile SHE wants to talk about “Working it out their feelings” lol…Women..
But I do love and respect AJ..she has the best ass kicking style in WWE for the divas!! Shes like a mix of Mickie James and Gail Kim!! And cute as hell! Really love her to death..just feel she u know..needs to move on haha
Let the man get his title!!! =D
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Poor Kaitlyn. I wonder if they’ll put the women in the Punkers/DB storyline. With Punk’s defense of women lately, perhaps he’ll be the one to break through to AJ? I know she’s in lurve on NXT but since the majority of the fans don’t watch it, tease a flirtation between Punk & Kaitlyn, sending AJ further over the edge?
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at least it wasnt a roll up ..
Flybytre Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
About Time
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You’re missing this:
http://youtu.be/nItylLdQXJc
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This Was A Nice Technical Match I Wish It Had Atleast 2 More Minutes Before Layla Hit The Layout. That’s What You Call Taking Advantage Of Your TV Time,
Ryan Reply:
May 6th, 2012 at
Michelle and Layla understand this better than anyone else. Seems most divas feel comfortable doing this thing in 2 mins..yet have NOTHING to show for it
Choko Reply:
May 7th, 2012 at
Michelle and Layla were like the queens of the 1 minute matches. They made the match look good and worth our time. I really miss Michelle. Her relationship with Taker always outshadowed her talent as a wrestler.
Kessuki Reply:
May 7th, 2012 at
it would be awesome if she returned. everything about her i love.
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I have a new theme fir AJ !
Oops I did it again by Britney Spears ^_^
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obviously layla and nattie are two of the better divas!!! if only they were given time :( the matched so abrubtly. they showed promise but how can they have good in ring action with that amount of time. so disappointing.
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the match was good just proves the right people can pull something off
and another plus the match was won after a finisher and not with a roll up
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Solid match. It was short but both girls made good use of the little time they had and I enjoyed it. Also glad Layla is picking up wins with her actual finisher instead of the usual rollup for a face Diva these days.
I also loved how Eve put A former WWE and a Former World Champion in Del Rio and Bryan in their places on Smackdown. I’m still laughing at the fact she did something in 1 minute that AJ couldn’t do in months… shut Daniel Bryan up. Anways she seemed real comfortable in this new role and will only get better.
Also, I’m hoping Kaitlyn returns the favour next week and gives AJ a slap of her own.
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Layla & nattie always have awesome matches together but this is a shame they only got afew minutes thou…..
i think eve will challenge layla for the title after awhile which would be nice to see & i hope kaitlyn & aj get their own feud as well…..
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Nattie and Layla were fabulous, and it looks like we may see a secondary feud with Kaitlyn and AJ! And man, she slapped the lips off her face! Lol
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I want to know what are they gonna do with AJ? Heel turn? Psycho stage? They could be building her to be a top diva. I’d love for her, Tenille, Britani Knight and these girls to feud in the future..
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Boring.
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Nattie and Layla did well with the time they were given and I really would love to see a longer match between them given how much Layla clearly has improved in the ring. And it’s refreshing to see a diva use a finisher instead of a roll-up, as is usually the case on Raw or Smackdown.
That slap from AJ to Kaitlyn was just viscious. Definitely interested in seeing where they take this.
And I really envy Teddy Long. I wish I could oil Antonio…
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Nice match. AJ is playing her role perfectly.
I don’t agree with people saying you can have an entertaining tv match. Layla & Nattie were afforded more time here, than Kelly, Eve, Alicia, etc. usually are on Raw/Smackdown. You can’t really have a solid match in 10 seconds.