What’s up Diva fans and welcome to this week’s SmackDown Redux. I’m covering for Steven this week as he’s busy living it up in New York like he does every week, (I’m not jealous of his place of birth or anything) but that’s ok, as you’ve got me, WAHEY! As I throw my trumpet away that I was blowing, I’ll tell you what we’ve got in store this week. In-case you can’t tell from the title, this week’s match features Layla going one-on-one with Tamina Snuka. Tamina is looking for momentum as she heads into her clash with Divas Champion Kaitlyn for the title at Elimination Chamber on Sunday, whereas Layla is looking for a bit of spotlight after being an afterthought in the Divas division recently. Which Diva will get what they want out of the match? Only time will tell!
“I’M INSATIABLE” blurts through my earphones for the first time in such a while and out skips Layla, who I’ve definitely missed. Layla is wearing a new purple camo attire that looks like Barney the Dinosaur just threw up on it but hey, everyone loves Barney, so that means Layla looks good, right? She’s looking nice to me anyway! Lay channels Barney and hugs a small child at ringside before performing her patented pose on the ropes. Back from a small break (good job it was now instead of in the middle of the match) and Tamina has already started strutting down the ramp in the cold and calm way that only she can. Tamina looks focused in the ring as Kaitlyn looks epic on the Elimination Chamber graphic, hyping this Sunday’s match, which I’m surprised isn’t exclusively on the WWE App! So who’ll win this match? Will Layla attempt to sing “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family” or will Tamina make this perky little dinosaur extinct?
The bell sounds and the girls clash with a collar and elbow tie-up, which Tamina gets the better of, before shoving Layla into the ropes, causing the fake audience to gasp in horror! Tamina stares down Layla as the ‘Little English Muffin’ regains her composure and starts to rally the crowd. The girls lock up again, with Layla then going behind her foe to a waistlock position. Tamina fights out with an elbow and proceeds to whip Layla against the ropes. Ms El rebounds off the ropes and hits her patented spider-like roll-up, which manages a one count, before tripping Tamina up and hitting a jackknife cover for another one. The last ever Women’s Champion then kicks Tamina in the gut before bouncing up the turnbuckle and hitting LOL, Lots of Layla on her Samoan opponent. Layla then charges at Tamina with a hairgrab takeover before using her ass-ets; catapulting those cheeks into Tamina’s face, which knocks the Samoan Princess to the outside.
Layla then basement dropkicks Tamina for good measure and looks to go for a crossbody next, but as she runs off the apron, WHACK! Tamina proves that she is craftier than Albert Einstein (well, maybe not) and pulls the ring skirt away from the apron, causing Layla to slip and crack her back right off the apron. Tamina stomps Layla’s back against the solid steel apron before sliding her into the ring. Tamina then works over the neck of Layla with a sleeper (the neck is connected to the spine, so I guess that’s sound-ish strategy) as the crowd begin to chant Layla’s name and get behind the English export.
Layla begins to feel the energy from the fans, yet there isn’t quite enough of it yet as Tamina grabs Layla by the hair and slams her to the mat. The self-proclaimed ‘Chaotic Exotic’ then goes back to the well so to speak and wrenches at Layla’s head and neck once more. We then see Kaitlyn backstage scouting the match and it’s good to see Kaitlyn at least do something on a main brand show. Back to the in-ring action and I’ve realised that the bottom of Layla’s shoes are green, just like Barney the Dinosaur’s belly, so I’m quite proud at how my at first seemingly rubbish metaphor has now paid off quite nicely. Layla starts to get very physical as she gets back to a vertical base and although Tamina manages to get one knee in, Layla is dishing out most of the brutality.
The daughter of Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka then whips Layla into the turnbuckle, but that said corner is seemingly good friends with Layla and the former LayCool member manages to swirl around it and avoid Tamina’s splash – allowing her to roll Tamina up in the process. The pinfall is not enough however, as Tamina kicks out at 2. Layla then tries to Olkahoma roll Tamina up, and although the pin doesn’t work out as planned, she still manages a two count. Layla then hits a trademark spin kick to her adversary’s stomach and then hits a sloppy looking Bombshell – sorry, I have to be honest Layla! Layla decides not to go for a cover and instead tries to hit a running crossbody, but this seems to be a pretty bad judgement as Tamina catches her in mid-air. The #1 Contender then Samoan Drops Layla, before sealing the deal – hitting an Ice Age-like Superfly Splash to wipe Layla out.
Thoughts: I really liked this match. Even though we’ve seen this same match a few weeks back, this week it felt much fresher for some reason and it was really nice to see Layla back on TV again, as I’ve definitely missed her. Layla looked fantastic and her selling was really nice, especially on the apron bump and when Tamina slammed her to the mat by her hair. The offence towards the end was slightly sloppy, although that kind of helped the fact that Tamina practically had to no sell one of Layla’s top moves in the Bombshell to allow her to quickly come back into things and Samoan Drop Layla. Layla did pretty well, yet I still think she needs to revert back to using the Lay-Out as her finisher. The move is much more consistent and looks a lot more painful, so if your reading this Layla, please bring that sick neckbreaker back! And while you’re at it, just turn heel as well please, that would be brilliant! And with that, stay tuned, Jack will be back!
54 Comments
at
I like Layla’s Bombshell kick. I think she did exceedingly well here, actually. Tamina, not so much. That said, mind you, she is gradually learning to become more threatening in the ring – I’d be terrified having that fall on top of me, personally.
Looking Glass Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I think Tamina looks sloppy because she’s got a move-set as wide as Kelly Kelly’s. Think about it, leg drop, head-butt, Samoan Drop, Superkick, Superfly Splash and that submission hold (which she never looks like she’s actually applying) she really needs to expand her move-set a bit more, would love to see her do a powerbomb or just something that makes her look more threatening that the six she has now.
at
i dont know why you say Layla’s kick was sloppy?
That wasn’t the bombshell roundhouse. it was a completely different kick and it was the same way she always performs it.
i agree on the heel turn and bringing the layout back, but hope she keeps the roundhouse in her arsenal as well.
at
I heard this was the least sloppy match of the night. Can someone confirm this?
Raekon Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Yep, it was definately one of the best matches on smackdown.
It looked as if everyone had a off night from the main eventers to the mid card this week.
Tensai almost broke Jinder Mahals leg if that’s any indication and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is badly injured after this action. :/
In every match was at least one botch and sloppyness was to be found everywhere.
The divas had only one botch that wasn’t that big (Layla botched the Jacknife) and their match looked more solid in overall.
art Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
layla didn’t botch it tamina did falling sideways forcing layla over to where tamina was meant to be…
Raekon Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Check the move again, Layla grabs Taminas legs and drags her to the side because she wasn’t able to pull through the move.
Tamina was just laying down and nothing else.
at
Decent match. BTW that wasnt the Bombshell kick. That was a superkick even though she did go for the Bombshell. & While I see Ms. Snuka losing tomorrow I think she will be feuding with 2 girls that like to bust up other girls.
at
Layla´s attire made me remember Nina Williams´s attire from Tekken! Ironacly I´m playing Tekken with Nina lol And there is no one in the whole world to play online -.-
J.D.C.D. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at
Good call with Layla’s attire looking like Nina’s from Tekken.
at
People said there was miscommunications here but other than a sloppy roll up i really liked this match. I liked to see Layla on tv also wwe building tamina as a credible contender. It was nice
Raekon Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
They probably exaggarated over the Divas to cover that the whole smackdown was a botchfest this week. :p
at
Match was decent, I liked Tamina’s heel-ish tendenices during the match. She has alot of potential I feel but they have got to do something about her limited moveset. There was a really cool little segment on backstage fall out with Natalya basically telling Kaitlyn she has no chance with Tamina come Sunday, and then Tamina once again talking about making a statement.
You can wath it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nelng93XLbs (skip to 1:40)
puppies Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I liked the segment with Nattie and Kait. Oh btw guys Tamina is bout’ to make a statement this Sunday, just to let you know.
fahkyooh Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Tamina is the one with potential? She did two moves the entire match and a stupid headlock! The reversal on the apron would have been pathetic if Layla didn’t take such a huge bump! Tamina botched the bridge roll up because she couldn’t bend and than botched the Oklahoma roll up too by not rolling to the side. She hit that stupid slam again and than waited 50 seconds to go for the Frog Splash. There’s no potential there except awkward energy, a limited move-set and getting her a’ss handed to by smaller girls because she can’t carry or work a match.
GIVE ME A BREAK ALREADY! Tamina is not and will never happen! Stop trying to make her happen people! She is just slightly better than Rosa!
Raekon Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I agree that the time between the samoan drop and the splash was too long.
However, I also agree that Tamina has a lot of potential that isn’t used.
In NXT Redemption and in the houseshows she has been a great and hard hitting heel which I hope will transition into this one at sunday so they can have an amazing match.
@I22 Thanks for the link. :)
Really hope they would show such things on the main show instead on the web the whole time. :/
i22 Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I know I’m in the minority here but I really think Tamina has potential to be that “monster heel” there building her up to be with a little more work. She’s already got the look for it and I actually enjoy her little rants about making a statement even though they’re getting stale and tired lol. Her main issue is her moveset. With all the talk I’ve read about how hard hitting Tamina and Kaitlyn’s matches have been in the house shows I can only hope they channel some of that at EC tonight.
at
Layla didn’t hit the bombshell, she did that thing where she misses it and then hits a super kick-esque move.
The match was good though. It got ok time for the Divas (a little over 4 minutes), there were some pretty good spots, and both girls looked good. There were a couple sloppy pins, but nothing major. If only they’d done things like this the other weeks for build-up, but alas, it’s too late for that. I will say that I’m actually really looking forward to EC, though.
at
I’m starting to like the face Layla the crowd seems to enjoy her & I like the LOL for her it’s very flashy . I kinda wish she’d switch back & forth from the bombshell kick & the layout . This was a good match hopefully kaitlyn & Tamina can have a good match at EC with alot of cool spots & bumps for both ladies.
at
I think Layla should go back to the Face Lift and Nasty Kick. Layout looks like a pseudo finishing move and Bombshell is a lazier Nasty Kick =P Face Lift legitimately looked like it would knock a sheila out.
at
I was missing Layla as well! She should appear more. And the crowd seems to like her. Although Layla is an amazing heel, I would leave her as face, but just to develop her as face. I enjoy her. It is just that (like al the Divas) Layla doesn’t get air time to show what she can do.
The match was nice, better than their first one. I only saw only one sloppy roll up and about the kick, it was Tamina’s fault. She is supposed to avoid the first kick to feel the second, but Tamina didn’t duck enough and that’s why it looked bad. Layla and Tamina don’t have the best in-ring chemistry but since they’ve only faced eachother two times, it was good to watch them.
puppies Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Tamina did duck the first kick, which was the bombshell. I don’t see at all why everyone insists that the kick was sloppy. Both were on point with the move.
at
I like Tamina alright, but she either needs a new finisher or needs to work on her speed with that…not that wrestling is ever ‘believable’, but this is ridiculous.
at
Besides tamina being sloppy-ish in those roll ups i thought tamina did well & i like army pattern clothes so layla’s outfit is fine by me…
this match proved layla should be used more or in the title hunt she outshined tamina…
0:26 the white guy’s reaction to layla lol….layla should do her spinning kick as a finisher & the layout as a now & then move….
art Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
how amazing is tamina’s new photoshoot on wwe.com…
puppies Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I know, she looks so pretty. Her smile is amazing.
art Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
agreed she has a killer smile…
Raekon Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Layla botched the Jacknife actually, Tamina was just laying down waiting which was normal.
I know you are a huge fan of laylas but please be fair.
It wasn’t a big botch and they still had one of the best matches on smackdown this week, exaggerating about tamina to cover Laylas botch however isn’t fair.
art Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Tamina went down side ways & made layla go over like that & the rolling pin tamina rolled the wrong way again…
Tamina was the problem like how tamina fell from lay’s superkick just proves tamina can’t keep up with layla or technique moves…
i can say layla botched when she does but this is on tamina who just looked lost on which way to go in lay’s pins…
art Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Tamina is one of my favorites too so that holds nothing to me…tamina is super awkward sometimes & all of lay’s roll ups looked bad thanks to tamina…
at
I thought Layla was fantastic in this match, yeah, the pinning combinations were a bit sloppy, but Layla handed in a solid performance. That being said, I’m really trying to like Tamina, but I feel she lacks fluidity in the ring, like you can telegraph her moves a minute away, especially that Samoan Drop. But she meshed well with Layla, and I rather liked her in purple. Good match!
fahkyooh Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
The pinning combinations were sloppy because the stiff, awkward tall Tamina can’t bend or roll for a pin attempt. She can’t do much, period, which is why she goes right into headlocks and has 2 moves.
at
This did nothing but make Layla look 10x better than Tamina. I really think her push is undeserved. She has 2 good moves, and I’m not even counting her stupid splash in those 2 moves. She is simply not good enough in the ring to be playing the “powerful heel” role that Divas like Jazz, Beth, and Victoria played.
PLEASE TURN LAYLA HEEL and let her feud with Katelyn!
at
Good match and thanks for that added backstage clip 122. Lovely! I think Tamina somehow sounds less secure than when she first debuted against Natalya. I don’t know, she sounds different. Watch her debut promo with the Usos and see how she sounds alot more confident here than now..just an observation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou4AI8frtF4
at
I wish Layla would use her Jaw breaker finisher. I can’t remember what it was called. I think she used it on Melina for the first time and I was WOW that looks sick. Anyways I thought this match wasnt terrible like it was made out to b. im pretty sure Kaitlyn will win. Bit where does it go from there. What will we get at Mania. A crappy celbrity something type match I bet. Terrible
k2evecrew Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I think instead of bringing in a celeberty they need to bring back a former diva for kaitlyn to team with like lita . but then again I don’t really see there being a tag match for mania though since tamina’s closest friend is Aksana & she’s not really involved with this storyline.
at
Except of Laylas botched Jacknife, the match was solid and one of the best matches of the night.
Loved Laylas outfit and moves as I loved Taminas fierciness and shaking her head on the people that were chanting on Layla like “Nope! It won’t happen!”. :)
Tamina needs to really be the hard hitting, powerful and faster than that what we saw here, heel she was back in NXT redemption and in the feud between Nattie, AJ, Kaitlyn vs Alicia Rosa and Tamina.
If they use what they did in the houseshows I really hope it’s gonna be without restrictions and with more powermoves.
Tamina has definately more than “2 moves” like some are saying and I would really like to see them being used again.
What makes me wanna stop watching the wwe programming in overall thought is the fact that its getting worse and worse through all the rebounds and commercials that is filled with.
In WWE Superstars they had only 2 short matches and cut Kaitlyns entrance as also the part in which after the match Nattie and Kaitlyn are hugging and celebrating together in the ring for more advertisement.
Out of a 45 Minutes show, 32 minutes were filled with rebounds and advertisement. Horrible! -.-
at
I might be the only one that wasn’t super impressed.And it’s not the booking,nor the lenght of the match-it was pretty good and solid.What ticked me off was Tamina.She’s the number one contender and should at least try to bring some character to her empty body.She didn’t.She was boring the whole time,was just going through the motions and that loooooooong pause before she delivers her finisher was incredibly irritating to me.
at
This match did Tamina no good. It was all Layla. Layla looked fantastic, the blonde hair finally looks good, the Nina Williams attire was fantastic, she added in some new moves I was impressed I’ve missed Layla so much and it’s about time she got spotlight again. The crowd love Layla, and I definately. The best thing I think WWE should do for Wrestlemania would be Layla vs. Aj vs. Kaitlyn vs. Naomi wow that would be … Flawless.
at
You’re all so annoying. They had a good match and all you guys do is try desperately to look for botches or sloppiness to poke at or complain who did and didn’t do all the work. Like seriously shut up lol.
Ace Of Base Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I agree. It was a good match and I personally enjoyed it alot. Its no wonder the divas are always getting the short end of the stick, the fans are NEVER happy, no matter what.
puppies Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
For real, even in what we now refer to as the “Golden Era”, people complained just about as much as they do now.
at
Just a thought, perhaps Layla was *meant* to look better than Tamina, After Tamina’s push, Layla may very well be the next contender. Anybody remember the segment a few weeks back where she got all lost in looking at Kaitlyn’s title, hinting that she wants it back? Yeah I don’t blame you, we’ve got zilch from the divas since then. Anyway, just a theory. After Tamina loses tonight, we might segue on to Layla. I hope we segue on to Layla.
at
I don’t get it… I hate the way Layla has been handling her most recent face run. I want to buy her as a credible fighter and athlete, but all the dancing and butt smashing attacks kill it.
She’s a veteran at this point. She has proven her worth to the company with her LayCool past. She needs to act more like a ring leader and less like a joke.
And another thing I don’t get… Why can Layla get away with it, but another certain diva couldn’t? Not to mention Layla’s crying and screaming is horrid and sometimes sounds manly. We all give her a free pass though. When another certain diva screamed or did a stink face we ripped her to shreds.
The IWC is just fickle I guess…
puppies Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
Or maybe because Layla can back up her goofiness with actual in-ring skill.
DarkMaverick87 Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
To imply Kelly couldn’t is asinine. Kelly took plenty of sick bumps in her career and had quite a few high-risk moves in her repertoire. Sure, she wasn’t a mat technician, but she was what the business calls a spot-monkey.
And I’m sorry… but ever since Layla came up from injury she’s been doing the same thing the IWC has been accusing Kelly of in the final moments of her career… performing the same three or four basic moves over and over again (the kick, the cross-body combination off the turnbuckle, lousy dancing and butt smashing nonsense, and her twisting takedown pin combo).
Just pointing out how biased the IWC is… at this point in her career, Layla is acting and performing no different than Kelly.
charovnica Reply:
February 17th, 2013 at
I actually agree.Never found it funny and quite frankly I hate it.Either be a comedy relief or a serious wrestler…mixing it up is cool,but I don’t think she has found the transition between the two.
Also agree on the screaming and crying.But people weren’t bashing Kelly only for the stinkface & the screams.She just couldn’t deliver in the ring,while Layla can.
at
This was a great match! Probbaly the best on smackdown…it was new! I thought the bomshell was good… just Tamina didnt sell it good. Kaitly i think will win Sunday.
I really think next raw there sould be a tag match layla and kaitlyn vs Tamina and askana .have Layla walk out on kaitlyn after kaitlyn accidently hurts her…then next week have Layla explain her self(she becomes full heel) and they brawl then have Layla beat the shit out of Kaitlyn…and there a WM fued is born.
at
Natalya vs Kaitlyn was aired on WWE Superstars this week as well!