Friday, March 29, 2024

WWE Superstars Spoilers: June 9th, 2011

Spoilers for Superstars on Thursday:

Spoiler
*Melina & Maryse b. Eve & Gail Kim by pinfall via Sunset Split (Source)

Raw Response: June 6th, 2011

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Get your Monday night Divas fix by tuning in to Raw tonight at 9pm ET on the USA Network.

Be sure to tune in to Diva Dirt LIVE at its new day and time, tonight at 11:15pm ET!

Discuss the show in the comments!

WWE House Show Rundown: Results from June 3rd – June 5th, 2011

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Having trouble keeping up with all of the mainstream women’s wrestling that takes place off TV? Well fear no more! Diva Dirt has got your back with the House Show Rundown, compiling the results from the weekend’s house shows!

This weekend was solely about the Raw girls, as all SmackDown live events were cancelled for reasons not known. The fans on each show were treated to similar Divas tag team matches as last week, only this time, Kelly Kelly was replaced by the woman of a thousand solved Rubik’s cubes, Eve Torres. Eve teamed up with the rarely seen, Beth Phoenix, to take on the team of Divas Champion, Brie Bella, as well as her sister Nikki. Let’s see how these matches went down…

Friday, June 3rd

WWE Raw in Huntsville, Alabama

Eve Torres & Beth Phoenix def. The Bella Twins. (Source)

Saturday, June 4th

WWE Raw in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres def. The Bella Twins (Source)

Sunday, June 5th

WWE Raw in Charlottesville, Virginia

Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres def. The Bella Twins
“The Bella Twins were defeated by Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres. Some nice spots here and the Bellas looked good in the ring…they might be shaping up.” (Source)

Thoughts: Not the most detailed results for the most part, but nonetheless, it’s cool to see Beth and Eve getting to appear more since Kelly is the primarily focused face on Monday nights. It also looks like maybe a few more people are starting to see what I personally have said since their debut: The Bella Twins are solid in ring competitors. It’ll be interesting to see if this added house show exposure could perhaps allow WWE to use Beth tonight for the main show, we can certainly hope so!

Diva Dirt’s Top 5 Moments from Tough Enough

WWE’s Tough Enough revival wraps a fun first season tonight when Andy or Luke (who cares?) is crowned the TE Champion. It’s been a season of highs and lows for our fledgling WWE Divas, who were all cut in quick succession and unfortunately, won’t be in tonight’s live final. Still, there is much to look back on and celebrate from the season gone by.

From Trish Stratus‘ return to weekly television, Rima Fakih transition from Miss USA to kick-ass Diva, and let’s not forget the whole Miss 11 Years debacle, we have some pretty fond memories from Tough Enough.

Here are our top five moments from the season in no particular order

1. Tough Enough fight night
“I’ll get you one day, bitch!” That infamous line from the sweet, angelic looking Miss USA in episode one definitely ranks up there as one of the season’s highlights. After being chastised by douche misogynist, Mikael (yes, with a K), for being all ‘booty’, Ariane and Rima reacted as only a true reality TV star would react: By channeling their inner-Real Housewife and throwing water and making threats.

If this wrasslin’ thing doesn’t work out, maybe they could move to New Jersey and battle with Teresa Giudice?

Watch below:


Skip to 11:50

2. Miss 11 Years
Former Top Model star, Michelle Deighton, pretty much sealed her fate in episode one when she told Trish that she’d been wrestling 11 years. Of course, what she meant was that she started wrestling 11 years ago, but hey, that’s neither here nor there. What does matter is that the whole Miss 11 Years thing gave us plenty of reason to lulz at Michelle, and we weren’t the only ones! The contestants themselves had some fun on her behalf. In the words of Christina: “11 years? Okay… Whatever!”

Fun was had by all… except Michelle, it seems. A few episodes later, Deighton quit the series deciding she wanted to be a mommy. Her heart to heart with Stone Cold will go down as our favorite ‘aw’ moment of the series. However, it seems her fellow contestants don’t remember her so fondly: Rima and Ivelisse both felt she was just there for the TV exposure, with Ivelisse recalling that she told the contestants she had applied for four other reality shows. Four!


Skip to 02:57

3. Injuries are real
Ivelisse’s injury sustained in a collision between her and Christina is memorable for different reasons: It didn’t make us laugh, it wasn’t amped up for TV — it was very real. Tough Enough showed the true risk it takes to be an in-ring performer (don’t call ’em wrestlers!) with our girls sustaining some pretty heavy injuries on the show, as well as the guys. Ivelisse’s injury — which may or may not have been caused by Christina — was particularly poignant, as ‘Ivie’ showed heart and determination as she tried to continue on in the competition.

Unlike most contrived reality shows, the TE cameras captured something very raw: the struggle and the will these guys and girls possess to do what they love. Despite her perseverance, Stone Cold made the heartbreaking decision to cut Ivelisse which produced perhaps the season’s most powerful elimination…


Skip to 07:05

4. World’s worst bus tour
Oh, Christina, ye of Foxy genes. Cute as a button from the outset of the season, Alicia’s lil’ sis proved to be so precious we wanted to wrap her up in cotton wool. Despite being ahem, mentally vacant shall we say, during the bus tour episode, Christina won us over by being just damn adorkable. “To my right, we have… we have… buildings.” No effin’ way! Buildings?!

“This is a lovely view of the parking lot…”

Clearly, Christina is the world’s worst bus tour conductor but what great TV…


Skip to 10:25

5. My favorite match is…
Perhaps the most infamous moment of Tough Enough revival history goes to Ariane. The moment she said Alicia Fox vs Melina was her favorite match, she was done — and forever destined to be an Internet meme. Nothing against Alicia vs Melina, they’ve had some great matches, but when you say that’s your favorite match of all time? Clearly, the ‘Divalicious’ Ariane hadn’t seen a match in her life until a day before filming.

Ariane was cut straight away from her ‘new passion’, but we can’t help but wonder what other zingers she could’ve given us had she stayed…


Skip to 07:30

What are your favorite Tough Enough moments from this season?

Press Release for “Backdoor to Chyna” Includes Statement from Star

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Vivid Entertainment has started circulating a press release for their new adult film “Backdoor to Chyna“, starring former WWE and recent TNA star Chyna. The press release includes comments from Chyna, who explains her decision to participate in the adult film:

[notice]VIVID MAKES ‘BACKDOOR TO CHYNA’ AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY ON VIVID.COM

Former Professional Champion Wrestler Emerges Triumphant in “Full-Out Nasty” Movie

LOS ANGELES — (June 6, 2011) – Responding to strong consumer demand, Vivid Entertainment has advanced the release date of “Backdoor to Chyna” and is making it available at www.vivid.com starting today. The no-holds-barred sexual adventure movie stars former professional wrestling champion Chyna, aka Joanie Marie Laurer.

“Word got out that we had made a movie with Chyna and the reaction has been strong, so we decided to make it available immediately on vivid.com our website, says Steven Hirsch, founder/co-chairman of leading adult film company Vivid. “We knew she had a sizeable fan base from her wrestling days, but we didn’t realize how huge it is. Fans will love it because the movie reflects Chyna’s uncompromising approach to life. She knew exactly what she wanted in the movie — to push her sexual boundaries as never before. Together Chyna and her director B. Skow deliver one sizzling package.” A trailer from the movie has also been posted on www.vivid.com.

“This is the XXX movie that I always wanted to make for my fans and it is full-out nasty,” says Chyna, who was called the “Ninth Wonder of the World” during her fighting days because of her aggressive wrestling style against both men and women. In addition to winning the WWF Women’s Championship, Chyna is the only female in professional wrestling history to compete full time in the men’s division, where she twice held the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

“I chose the guys in the movie and made sure that the sex is as wicked as it can be,” Chyna adds. “We did scenes in a warehouse, a bar, a gym and even in my own home in the Hollywood Hills — and I guarantee you it is hot, hot, hot.”

“She was so over-the-top sexually that she blew me away and I think viewers will love it,” said Skow.

Chyna has continually set the bar very high for herself. She graduated from college with a 3.9 GPA; speaks fluent Spanish, French and German; served in the ROTC and the Peace Corps; has been on the covers of numerous magazines from Playboy to People and on such TV shows as “The Surreal Life: Fame Games” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

“I’ve always been a pioneer in my life and I am thrilled with this movie. I loved every minute of it. It made me feel beautiful, sexy and very empowered. My fans know that I’ve been through many obstacles and I want them to know that I feel and look better than ever and I’m definitely ready for them to see me close-up,” said Chyna. “I think almost every adult can use a little porn in their lives. If they don’t want to make a movie, they can benefit from watching one. And, if they don’t think sex is a natural human function, they should seek help.”

“Backdoor to Chyna” DVDs will be available in stores across the country on Monday, June 27. The cast includes Dylan Ryder, Diana Prince, Dayna Vendetta, Evan Stone, Lee Stone, Jerry, Mick Blue and Billy Glide.

About Vivid:
Founded in 1984, Vivid has always placed heavy emphasis on high quality erotic film entertainment and has created wide brand-name awareness through its films, innovative marketing and a licensing program that extends to advertising, apparel, book publishing, and a range of other products. TV audiences have gotten to know the company’s management and talent through two seven-part series on Showtime, “Debbie Does Dallas…Again” and “Deeper Throat.” In addition to its Vivid-Celeb imprint famous for celebrity sex tapes, the company is known for its Vivid SuperXXXHeroes parodies and award-winning feature films. The Vivid website, www.vivid.com has a loyal following of fans of Vivid movies from the industry’s largest archive.[/notice]

Vivid Entertainment Releases Clips from Chyna’s New Adult Movie

What say you, Diva Dirt readers? After reading her statements, do you support Chyna’s decision to star in this adult film?

Report & Pictures from FCW’s Live Event in Port Charlotte (Saturday, June 4th)

On Saturday night I attended my 6th event at FCW (7th, possibly 8th coming up in the next 2 months due to Melina and Natalya signings). Even though the Divas didn’t compete in a match, it was my favorite of all 6 trips I’ve taken.

When the doors opened at around 6 pm, I went in and immediately saw Brandi Reed and Audrey Marie, the two newest additions to the roster. Took a photo with both, and then met some of the male Superstars as everyone awaited the mystery roster signings to come up in the fan fest. Diva wise, Naomi, AJ, & Kaitlyn were the selections, and I personally, was over the moon with this.

When they walked out they sat at the middle table of the three set up, and just my luck, I was already past Naomi and Kaitlyn, so I figured I’d come back to them later. AJ was who I was most looking forward to meeting since I haven’t gotten to meet her in just about 10 days short of a year, and she was as awesome as ever. Kaitlyn & AJ are two of the best people to meet. If you liked them on NXT, or currently on SmackDown, they are exactly like their TV personas in real life.

I asked AJ if she could sign a picture for my friend, not only did she sign my picture, but she knew who my friend was from Twitter, and even remembered meeting me a year ago. (Thanks Nessa =P) I was pretty surprised, but I mustered up enough strength to get a picture with AJ. After I had a moment to get over the disbelief, I went on and waited for the line to end so I could go back and meet Kaitlyn and Naomi.

First up, I got to Naomi, and if the little cartoon picture of me didn’t give it away, she’s definitely one of my favorites. I told her how I cant wait for her to debut and pretty much every week I hope is the week. She was really nice and talked to me for a couple minutes (probably seconds in reality, but I was too in awe that I was having a conversation with Naomi to realize) about hoping for her to be called up next. I then took a photo with her and went on back to AJ, and this time, Kaitlyn.

AJ (who I firmly believe is the greatest person alive due to her overall awesomeness at the event) asked if they could sign my program over the Dude Busters page since they are the newly formed ‘Chick Busters’ (photo below), and I gladly obliged; in fact, I felt honored. They flipped through it to find the Dude Busters, and through each page they passed by, they determined if the Superstar looked nice or mean. Kaitlyn told me that I am the first person to have the official Chick Busters autographs and I said I would forever keep it due to the meaning and importance it had to me. I took a pic with Kaitlyn and then met some more of the male Superstars until the show started.

Brandi and Audrey shared the ring announcing duties for the night, but the mic was really low so it was hard to hear at times when someone’s music would be playing. They both got nice receptions from the crowd, and this one older woman called Brandi a sexy mama. (Note: She also screamed for Husky Harris to straddle her) Anyways… the matches are always a pleasure to see in person as they get to put in a lot of character to each individual bout.

After intermission, Derrick Batemen came out and announced that there would be an FCW Divas bikini contest up next. This got a solid reaction from the crowd, but I won’t lie, there were fans who wanted to see the Divas in a match instead. Nonetheless, I was just glad to see them featured. Some music hit and out walked Maxine (with newly darkened brown hair), Raquel Diaz (Shaul Guerrero), Sonia, Naomi, Kaitlyn (who totally noticed me when she walked by and made a Chick Busters reference), and AJ.

They all got into the ring and Derrick called up AJ to go first. AJ (who got a huge amount of cheers) took the microphone and said that there were children in the audience and she would not disrobe in front of them. She walked out of the ring and went backstage. Derrick then insisted that to replace AJ, Audrey Marie and Brandi Reed would join in. They walked up from the announce table and got into the ring, and things got underway with Maxine. Let me first warn you, this may get a little repetitive since I’m not sure how to mix things up when writing about a bikini contest, but I’ll do my best. Anyways, Maxine walked to the side of the ring I was sitting on and took off her shorts and top, getting a good pop from the crowd. Raquel Diaz was up next, and she did the same, looking great. Following her was Brandi, who had Derrick help her undo her dress. Naomi followed her, and is friggin’ ripped in person. She has abs that people could only dream of. Naomi was sporting an American themed look, and was pretty over. Sonia was up next and had a kimono on with bubble guns in her hands that she threatened to use on Derrick. Sonia took her robe off and revealed she had floaties on as well, and started using the bubble gun to blow bubbles at the crowd. Something I never thought I would say when leaving FCW: Sonia blew a bubble at me. Kaitlyn continued, and yes, I did root for Kaitlyn due to the Chick Busters reference (and I rooted for Naomi just because she’s Naomi, don’t fret). Kaitlyn told a joke about chili, but the mic, again, was pretty bad so it was hard to hear anyone speak. Nonetheless, she disrobed and got a great response. Audrey was up last and she looked really good in person as well.

Derrick went down the line of girls and asked for crowd applause. Personally, I felt Naomi and Kaitlyn got the loudest reaction (completely unbiased, might I add) but in the end, Derrick awarded the contest to new Diva, Audrey, who celebrated. Naomi then proceeded to take her shirt and whip Derrick with it until all the Divas left ringside except Maxine as she kissed one of the kids in the front row. Audrey then went back around one last time and slapped everyone’s hands, as the segment came to a close.

So, in review, this was definitely my favorite trip by far. Meeting AJ and Kaitlyn together, as well as getting to talk to Naomi, was worth any length of a drive it took. To sum up this experience, I’ll leave you with my final thoughts:

1. Kaitlyn and Naomi were screwed in that bikini contest. Screwed, I tells ya!

2. Brandi Reed is one of the best looking females I have ever seen in person.

3. AJ Lee should be met by every fan alive because of her awesomeness.

4. Chick Busters for Life!~

Until July, this has been your FCW live event recap!

[nggallery id=505]

Jackie Haas is Tough Enough: Jackie Looks Back at the Last Two Weeks of Tough Enough

Former Tough Enough champion, Jackie Haas blogs on the new series of Tough Enough. Read her insight and opinion on the series every week exclusively here at Diva Dirt.

Editor’s Note: These are pretty late going up. My apologies. – Melanie

Week 8: “I’ve Been Bamboozled and Flabbergasted”

What can I say – I’m disappointed in Christina, period. Seeing that she evidentially did not just want it enough, I’m glad that she did not make it all the way to the finals. Nothing personal girl…maybe you’re your just “too sweet of smile” and loveable character is just not strong enough to impress me and the trainers. She did indeed put up a great “fight” but in the end, still way too weak for this competition; maybe some other opportunity will come along and we will see her like a lioness like her big sis but for now, she needs to harden up for this business.

As for A.J., told ya’ll so. He did put up a decent fight but you need to be able to execute the moves and be respectful; and a whole hell of a lot more. A.J. just fell so short for me in this regard that that’s all he was, decent in the ring and a respectful kid but not strong enough to become the next WWE Superstar. Maybe if I’d ever see him in the ring live, I’d be surprisingly shocked to see some fire lit under his ass but after nearly 2 months of waiting and nothing, it was beyond time for Stone Cold to take his belt. Best of luck kid, afraid he may be “Indy A.J.” for the rest of his life though.

Andy, big ol’ Andy…finally he got pissed off and showed what it is that Vince wants out of a WWE Superstar, rage. Silent Rage – perfect. He’s the specimen that all the WWE brass are looking for out of this competition. He’s got size, pretty good movement in the ring, the long hair with the “hard lookin’ face” and he is of course respectful. Glad to see him come out of his shell when his livelihood depended on it. Proud of him for making his presence known and giving Stone Cold exactly what he wanted to see from him, some rage! I think I may be beginning to take a liking to him, especially respecting the fact that he is there to work and no bs; feel it’s really going to be working in his favor now that we are down to the nitty-gritty and the last few men standing. I smell character development here at it’s best.

The two “boy toys” as I am now referring to Jeremiah and Luke as, continue to impress me and if they were not to be in the final three, then this competition would have to be definitely rigged. Jeremiah is my favorite still to take home the title of Tough Enough, especially seeing that this is so new to him and he’s excelling so quickly. However, this could turn against him as quickly as he is picking it up. And the missing teeth gimmick never gets old to me – how great would this be for vignettes and finishes to matches to gross out (or at least throw off opponents) for the tides to turn in the match…instead of giving a move, he takes out his teeth and gives a big ol’ grin, insert valet into the equation and hell of a start to the heat. Crap, I should be writing some of this junk…

Luke, he’s in it to win it. His attitude is strong and arrogant, just what keeps you alive at WWE. Lord knows good guys (and ladies) always seem to finish last in the business more times than not…at least in this company. Who else smells definite presence in the WWE?….

Week 9: Now We Face the Rattlesnake

And then there were three.

Time to get down and dirty. Honestly, sad to say that this season actually disappointed me somewhat on the “fun” of it all. Guess it’s another thing to live it all first-hand! I mean, I am so glad that they showcased wrestling and not drama, you can totally tell this this was all WWE involved in the creative process and not an outside production with MTV. I’d love to see the comparison of the ratings of Tough Enough seasons being on the USA Network (however having a huge edge to be placed right before Monday Night RAW in the lineup) verses when it aired on MTV. Curious as to see the demographic differences, etc. With that being said, I really hope that this “rebirth” of Tough Enough can spark some interest in the general population with professional wrestling. That was one thing that I liked with it being on an outside network not having to do so much with wrestling, is that it brought in a new genera of fans. Still to this day, more people recognize me from “that reality show with wrestling” and less than wrestling as a whole. Which is fine with me, it’s just funny how things are “put down on paper” so to speak.

Getting back to this week’s episode, wow Andy, wow. Does anyone else totally see a new breed of Kane developing here??… This is so great in my opinion, love Kane himself but just by his movements in the ring alongside his size, I was totally picturing Kane the entire second half of the episode. This is what WWE wants, a new Superstar to brand. A body to make into someone/something, to make Vince even richer…ha!! I just pray that in the long run, no matter if Andy walks away from his next week’s exhibition match with Luke a winner or not, that he never forgets why he’s in that ring – what he personally stated over and over again and that is to give a better life to himself and his expanding family; congrats to you and the Mrs. by the way (hugs)! This business is like nothing else on the planet and nothing can prepare you for what’s to come but Andy seems like the type of guy that can make it big as long as he stays focused…exactly what he has done since day one on Tough Enough. Hey, maybe there is some hope for good guys in this business after all. Go Big Andy, rootin’ for ya big time here at the HaasHold – even my oldest daughter who said yesterday, “Mommy I want him (meaning Andy) to win.”

Luke, he already thinks he’s going to walk away with the trophy – who knows, maybe he will. But maybe he won’t. What a huge shock to the ego if he were not to be named the champion. I think he needs to lose to make sure that his attitude is put in check so he won’t get his legs broken by the boys if he comes into that locker room with a fresh win under his belt. It’ll be good for ya Luke. However, he does have what it takes to make Vince happy though – seems like just his kind of guy. Maybe a little small but nothing that the “wellness program” can’t fix right up!

Jeremiah, hope to see you again soon bud. As Stone Cold said, pray that this competition wasn’t just another thing for him to excel at and conquer (well almost) and not go any farther with it. Hope this isn’t the last we see of him in a wrasslin’ ring, he’s got too much talent and potential. WWE is all about risk, hopefully the smarter risks the better, and that’s what Jeremiah seems to be to me. Hell of a talent to go to waste and not continue in this business…he could last a long time with his agility and total character.

So, question now is – WHO DO YOU THINK WILL TAKE HOME THE TITLE AS TOUGH ENOUGH CHAMPION (whatever actual number this is)… My bet is Andy, think he will pull it off – or best of luck trying dude, go at it and expose every second of that match next week as Silent Rage!!!!

For more on Jackie visit www.justjackiehaas.com and www.hmb.org. You can also follow Jackie on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thejackiehaas.

Diva Dirt LIVE Moves to Mondays at 11.15pm Starting Tonight!

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Diva Dirt LIVE is moving to Mondays after Raw starting tonight.

The show will now air live on Mondays at 11.15pm right after Raw at diva-dirt.com/live, replacing The Post-Raw Show.

Diva Dirt LIVE will continue to feature a mix of topical discussion, your calls and also incorporate the night’s events on Raw as well.

Tune in live tonight right after Raw and call in with your thoughts on 347-989-8156.

Southern Belle Smack: MY Opinion On The Great Kelly Kelly Debate


Good evening everyone and welcome to the third or fourth edition of the Southern Belle Smack. It’s been so long between columns that I can’t even remember how few I’ve written but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that, as I’m writing this, I’m currently on pins and needles watching this French Open final between my favorite player, Rafael Nadal, and arguably the greatest player of all-time, Roger Federer. Part of me feels like I should be in Paris right now, sitting in the player’s box, wearing a fine pair of Christian Louboutin heels to go with my designer jeans and slinky little, off-the-shoulder white top. I would be cheering for Rafa, of course, as his faithful WAG, but the other part of me is just so, so incredibly glad that I’m a die-hard sports fan. I truly enjoy all forms of sports, including the often ridiculed sports entertainment.

We know sports entertainment as the WWE’s version of wrestling. A lot of us enjoy it. Smarks look down their noses at it. But all sports, including this tennis match I’m watching, is entertainment. Rafa and Roger, all-time greats, are slugging it out on court. Some of the particular shots have been mesmerizing. The back and forth power struggle has been amazing to watch. Hell, I’m a nervous wreck and am only writing this because I need something to focus on other than just my television. And the whole point of this article is talk about how special it is to watch someone, especially an athlete, come into their own and achieve the pinnacle of sporting success.

A couple of years ago, the entire tennis universe wept with joy when Federer finally completed his career grand slam. For so long the French Open championship had eluded him and after defeating Robin Soderling of Sweden, Fed collapsed to the ground and cried. It wasn’t the first time we had seen him cry. All those losses to Nadal in finals had caused the Switzerland-born and bred Roger to cry many tears. We even watched him have a Kharma-like breakdown after losing to the aforementioned Nadal in Australia. Still, he kept fighting for wins. And kept fighting his critics who said he would never win the French Open.

I’m no Federer fan, but it’s crazy to think that the player who has won more grand slams than any other male player in history would have doubters. But he did, and still does. He wasn’t supposed to beat the soon-to-be world number one, Novak Djokovic, in the semifinals.

If Federer can be considered a long-shot to win the French, and the quote underdog, I suppose it’s fair to say that Kelly Kelly is a huge underdog to win the Diva’s Championship. She’s already failed in her quest to become a champion twice, with her most recent shot coming at last month’s Over The Limit pay-per-view. Her wrestling skills aren’t exactly held in the highest regard. And at times her acting skills leave a lot to be desired.

What I don’t understand is why the majority of the other Divas on the roster have these same issues, yet they don’t get called on them. If we’re being honest, several of the male wrestlers have the same damn problem.

I don’t get why people dislike Kelly Kelly. She’s been working on a weekly basis since she was 18 or 19, and she has improved by leaps and bounds. Like Federer upped his game to finally win on the terre battue of Roland Garros, Kelly has gotten better inside that ring. She has some flashy little moves and she can sell offense better than most. Her acting skills (sans those excruciatingly awful segments with Drew McIntyre on SmackDown a few months ago) are definitely better. She’s successfully shown that she can play two different kinds of babyfaces; a submissive face who just takes abuse and a feisty face who fights anyone whether she gets her butt kicked or not. It’s incredibly unfair for people to call Kelly useless.

She’s paid her dues in wrestling. As far as we know, she’s done absolutely everything the WWE has asked her to do. She comes across as personable and happy in her interviews. And she’s a gorgeous girl who the WWE likes to heavily promote in their marketing campaigns. She’s brought the company outside publicity and she’s made the most of every storyline she’s been brought in. Kelly has made her hate her (when she got to go on television and claim she slept with Randy Orton). Kelly has made me respect her (when she took a kendo stick to the head thanks to The Sandman). And more than anything, Kelly has made me appreciate her and the work she has done. The two SmackDown Reduxes I had the chance to write earlier this year about Kelly and her main event matches are my favorite Reduxes ever. Those two little matches had absolutely everything in them. From emotion, to chemistry between everyone involved, to just great athletic entertainment. When you can bring the crowd into your match and have them eating out of the palm of your hand, you know that you’re in the midst of something beautiful.

Sports entertainment allows us to have these moments and when you’re a sucker for a great storyline and a great Diva, you end up on cloud nine when you get moments like these. Kelly Kelly came into her own this year thanks to her work on SmackDown. She was rewarded by getting drafted to Raw and placed in a storyline with Kharma. We’ll never know how that story was meant to play out and maybe it’s better that way. But what we do know is that the WWE sees Kelly Kelly as a star.

And I believe she is.

It would be a crying shame if Kelly Kelly never got a chance to hold the Diva’s Championship. And to all you people who claim it would be a disgrace because Kelly can’t wrestle, you need to open your eyes. I’ve said it so many times before, World Wrestling ENTERTAINMENT is not about WRESTLING. They market themselves as a brand and don’t claim to be the best at wrestling. Kelly being the champion is no different than Alicia, Maryse, or either Bella twin being champ. She’s just as worthy as they are, perhaps even more. It’s a championship that is shaped like a butterfly (which I have NO problem with to be honest) that has been passed from Diva to Diva since it’s inception into the company. I know the popular opinion is to have Beth Phoenix or Gail Kim step up and challenge the Bella twins now that Kharma is out of the way, but I’ve never been the one who follows what’s popular. I go with what I want and what I want is for Kelly to have one more shot at winning the Diva’s Championship.

I want Kelly Kelly to actually win the championship and go on to feud with the likes of Beth, Natalya, Gail, Melina, and whatever other Diva is “popular” at the moment. I want Kelly to have a lengthy title reign not just to piss people off, but to give her the chance to show the world that she’s more than just a happy blond. Trish Stratus, who won her first title without knowing how to wrestle her way out of a paper bag, got the chance. She evolved into the most beloved Diva of all time and guess what people? She had and still does have a limited move set just like Kelly Kelly.

The point is, wrestling fans are quick to write off Kelly because of what she likes. No one even cares to embrace what she brings to the table. She may not be the best girl on the roster, but she’s far from the worst. She’s a worthy champion just like the ones who came before her, and her as the ultimate underdog champion could be one of the greatest Diva stories ever told.

I think I would weep with tears of sports entertainment joy if Kelly Kelly took the title off Brie Bella. She would have her own Roger Federer type of moment. She would overcome all the odds and everything stacked against and achieve the biggest trophy she could have in her company. It may not be an actual wrestling title that’s highly regarded. It’s not the Women’s Championship which has been held by some of the greatest of all time. It’s not the Wimbledon trophy, the most coveted prize in tennis. It’s not even a gold medal. It is, however, the equivalent of the Coupe des Mousquetaires, the trophy awarded to the men’s champion at the French Open. And if Roger Federer can actually hold that trophy in an era where Rafael Nadal has lost just one match, then Kelly Kelly can certainly hold the Diva’s Championship. Just give her a chance.

Did I really just spend an entire article comparing a shiny, red apple to an exotic, tasty kiwi?

Only me!

Follow Cryssi on Twitter at @HEELCryssi.

Review: “Becoming the Queen of Wrestling” Starring Sara Del Rey

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For any indy women’s wrestling fan one of the most difficult questions has to be “What matches/DVD’s should I purchase first in order to become a fan of _____ “. As you quickly scan your brain you inevitably come up with a handful matches, all of which will be on different DVD’s, something which the inquisitor often finds frustrating, especially if they don’t have deep pockets full of cash.

Thankfully, some of the wrestlers do the work for us and create compilations of some of their best matches. One such woman is the “Queen of Wrestling”, Sara Del Rey. Released earlier this year, Del Rey’s compilation “Becoming the Queen of Wrestling” picks up where her previous two compilations, Golden Memories and Death Rey Strikes Back, left off, showing how Del Rey went from top babyface and inaugral SHIMMER Champion (Memories) to dominant heel (Strikes Back) to providing us with a greatest hits of Del Rey’s favorite matches that demonstrate why she is widely considered to be the best women’s wrestler working in the United States today.

Kicking off the DVD is the match which resulted in Del Rey’s heel turn, her SHIMMER Championship match on Volume 18 against MsChif. Expected by many to be just another title defense, this is a very physical back and forth match in which the well respected yet still underdog, MsChif, shocked the world by picking up the win. The surprise is built up nicely by the commentary team of Dave Prazak and Allison Danger whom hype Sara’s strength, dominance and aggression to the point of which even someone who knows the outcome of the match may second guess whether or not they read the results correctly. The submission style of Del Rey is highlighted nicely in this match and provides a first time viewer with a good all around understanding of the in ring skills possessed by Del Rey.

Following the excellent opener, The DVD then provides two hard hitting matches against fellow veterans Hailey Hatred and her opponent in finals of the 2009 ACW Queen of Queens Joshi Tournament, Daizee Haze. The former, which took place at AIW’s Girls’ Night Out 2 event in late 2009, shows Del Rey, at this point well established heel, putting the likeable (even if her ring gear does look like a shopping mall Christmas elf with ribbons) and Japanese trained Hailey Hatred through a brutal high impact match which includes several out of the ring spots, and one Hatred comeback that even left Del Rey taking a VERY hard shot to the mouth three-quarters of the way through. Yet, despite all of this great action, this is actually the inferior of the two matches between the two included on this DVD, which shows how high quality this DVD truly is. Likewise, the latter match against Haze is an excellent and lengthy match that is consistent with other great matches between the two, which, when you take into account the frequency that they wrestle each other, is quite a feat.

Also quite a feat, and a nice addition to the DVD is a match against Alexxis, an up and comer out of New England. While it may be a little easier to put on an excellent wrestling match with an established competitor, Del Rey’s ability to utilize the ring psychology and skills necessary to carry someone relatively unknown to many wrestling fans impresses, and makes her look just as strong in spots as Cheerleader Melissa. However, while the match is certainly enjoyable, and doesn’t take away from the set, I do have to question the choice of including it on the DVD. However, I do recognize that Del Rey may not have received permission to use many of her matches, thus some of her best work may not have been included.

Succeeding the impressive match against the relatively new Alexxis, Del Rey takes on Daffney in a match from Remix Pro late last year. This match will likely be the selling point for many fans who wish to see what Daffney can do when she is unleashed from the limitations she was faced with in TNA. I can fortunately report that the match delivers. While Daffney has never been the ring technician that Del Rey has, her mastery of ring psychology more than makes up for it in an engaging back and forth submission heavy match. A very great addition to an already stacked set.

However, all of these matches are overshadowed by a battle of epic (Although the word is overused. Fierce?) proportions between Del Rey and Hailey Hatred at JAPW Wildcard 6. While these two have already faced off on this DVD compilation, this “street fight” rules match is not only the best match on the DVD, but one of the best women’s matches you will ever see. If you need proof, just know that the match heads outside of the ring, involves chairs and goes into the crowd… within the first five minutes. The backstory, which is laid out nicely by the major promotion worthy commentators, makes one really believe that the animosity felt by Hailey over Sara becoming the first JAPW Women’s Champion is legitimate, and what we end up with is a passionate and engaging hardcore street fight rather than what could have been a series of spots. This is the match on this compilation and well worth the price of the DVD alone.

While the Hailey Hated street fight could very well have been an explosive finale, Del Rey instead finished off the set with three clipped (meaning portions of) matches against Japanese wrestler Bullfight Sora, Amazing Kong (Kharma) and Nattie Neidhart (Natalya). While these matches provide a lot of interest for fans of mainstream women’s wrestling, being clipped and the fact that Del Rey was not as seasoned as she is today causes me to prefer turning off the DVD after the Hatred match. These matches aren’t bad by any means, I just prefer to look at them as special features, rather than a main event/final match (although you get to see Kong/Kharma speaking Japanese in an interview segment, which is quite fascinating).

As one could gather from this review, Sara Del Rey’s “Becoming the Queen of Wrestling” is a highly recommended compilation DVD that provides somebody new to independent women’s wrestling an insight to the individual widely considered to be the best. Del Rey developed a diverse and well planned set full of matches against veterans and up and comers alike, and even the low points of the DVD (the match against Alexxis, the clipped Japanese matches) aren’t low points when you compare them to matches on DVDs put out by major companies. If you have a little extra spending money and wish to expand your horizons and #youwantwrestling (har har), definitely pick this set up.

Rating: 4.5/5

Match Listing:
1) vs. Mschif – SHIMMER
2) vs. Hailey Hatred – AIW
3) vs. Daizee Haze – ACW Queen of Queens
4) vs. Alexxis – NWA Ringsport
5) vs. Daffney – Remix Pro
6) vs. Hailey Hatred – JAPW
7) vs. Bullfight Sora – clipped
8) vs. Amazing Kong – clipped
9) vs. Nattie Neidhart – clipped

You can purchase “Becoming the Queen of Wrestling” here.

Chyna Wants to Make More Adult Movies

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It looks like we haven’t seen the last of Chyna in the porn industry.

The former WWE star has told TMZ that she wants to continue making adult movies. The celebrity tabloid site reports: “Chyna has already approached Vivid Entertainment honcho Steven Hirsch and informed him that she’s interested in a multi-tape deal.”

Chyna Says TNA Not Bringing Her Back Due to Adult Movie

Meanwhile, Chyna is quoted as saying: “I would definitely like to do more. It gives me motivation again. I want to be better and happier than ever … that’s the point, right?”

Chyna’s PR Representative ‘Scolds’ Her Over Porn Film

Earlier this week, Chyna told TMZ that TNA refused to bring her back to the company due to her movie, ‘Backdoor to Chyna’, being released. Additionally, her own PR rep, Daisi Sepulveda, ‘scolded’ her in a press release issued to Diva Dirt.

Unwrapped (June 5th, 2011): Alicia, Kaitlyn, Natalya & SoCal Val

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Every week, following WWE.com and TNAWrestling.com’s photoshoot updates, we’ll take a look at the newest Diva and Knockout shoots and give you the opportunity to voice your opinions on them in a feature we lovingly call Unwrapped. Let’s unwrap this week’s eye candy, featuring Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Natalya, and SoCal Val:

Alicia Fox
We can all gauge how recent an Alicia Fox photoshoot is by looking at her hair, and it’s clear that most of her photoshoots (save for one) have been waiting in the wings a while, and this one’s no exception. Here she has her old, non-fire engine red hair, and is missing some of that attitude we’ve seen as of late. Who knows, maybe the ‘tude is all in the hair? Regardless, Alicia looks very pretty here, going rather simple with a dark dress and heels. The design on the middle of her dress is really cool, and adds some edge to the look. Her whole disposition in these photos, contrary to the look, is sunny, and her posing is cute and friendly. It’s not the most captivating or interesting shoot Alicia’s done, but it’s by no means boring. She adds little touches here and there to make the photos stand out. Still, I kind of feel that she could’ve taken a cue from her dress and looked a little more textbook “fierce”, showing a bit more attitude to match the ensemble. Something like the floral dress she wore a few photoshoots back would probably work better with these cheery poses.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

• • • • • • • •

Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn looks like she just hopped off a Harley, wearing all black, lots of leather, studs and fishnet. She kind of looks like Tara‘s WWE counterpart. Hey, maybe Tara could lend her her motorcycle for a few shots. Kaitlyn even has some edgy hair going on here, with black streaks running alongside the bright blonde. Altogether it’s a look that not everyone can pull off, but I think Kaitlyn does it well. It helps that she looks nonchalant in these pictures, relaxed and cool instead of looking like a try-hard. It kind of, in a way, reminds me of Ashley Massaro‘s look, even though hers was more punk rock than hard rock like Kaitlyn’s. I have to say that Kaitlyn pulls it off a lot better, keeping it relatively simple instead of throwing on everything she owns that has studs and tossing up devil horns. I’d like to see what else Kaitlyn can do with this kind of look–it sets her apart from her fellow Divas, something that a relatively new Diva like her could use.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

• • • • • • • •

Natalya
Natalya‘s mixing both put-together and casual looks here, pairing a tailored jacket, sweater vest, button-down shirt and heels with skinny cargos. Color-wise, is all goes well together, being dark and simple. Some small aspects, though, prevent the look from working. One is the untucked shirt that kind of goes against the tidiness of the vest. It’s makes her look more like a rebellious private school kid than a fashionista. The pants, with their pockets and overall casualness, don’t work perfectly with the trimmed look up top either. Maybe if she lost the pockets, the whole look would flow better. Still, I really admire her going for a look that, at least compared to what a lot of Divas wear for shoots, is slightly androgynous. I’m not saying a Superstar would wear it or that its overtly masculine, but it’s kind of reminiscent of the Old Hollywood female stars who rebelled by wearing pants instead of skirts or dresses, her smirking and super casual poses helping to reinforce that aesthetic. Of course, this look isn’t some statement or big deal, but I like what it calls to mind, so she gets points for that.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

• • • • • • • •

SoCal Val
There were a few new photos of Knockouts this week posted on TNA’s website, but it seemed like they were all in 3s. Personally, I don’t feel it’s fair to judge a photoshoot based on only 3 photos, so I’ll wait for more photos to be added (which they usually are) before I give them the Unwrapped treatment. This SoCal Val shoot is similar to those, since only a few photos were posted before the full shoot was unveiled. In this shoot, she’s wearing what pretty much amounts to a lingerie set, a pink, polka dotted set over black bottoms and stockings. She, of course, looks sexy and puts a bit of a spin on the look by untying the back. For a photoshoot that’s pretty much her hanging out in her underwear, it’s not trashy, and I think it has a lot to do with her poses–she doesn’t look like she’s trying to get on the cover of Maxim with serious, sexy faces. She’s having fun with it and lets the clothes make the statement, rather than the lack of them, and I think that’s what separates the sexy photoshoots from the trashy ones. SoCal Val demonstrates that pretty well here.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

• • • • • • • •

Which photoshoot did you like best? Vote in the poll below and speak your mind in the comments!

Pro-Wrestling: EVE Issues Statement Regarding Saraya & Britani Knight and WAW

Jenny Sjodin

Pro-Wrestling: EVE has issued a statement responding to Saraya Knight‘s withdrawal of her WAW gym from the company.

Saraya announced yesterday via Facebook that WAW and its competitors, including herself and Britani Knight, would no longer compete for EVE.

Jenny Sjodin Crowned New Pro-Wrestling: EVE Champion

Saraya’s daughter, Britani, lost the Pro-Wrestling: EVE Championship last night to Jenny Sjodin which is what is believed to have lead to Saraya’s abrupt withdrawal.

EVE issued the following statement to Diva Dirt:

[notice]It is with regret that we announce the WAW Gym’s withdrawal from Pro-Wrestling:EVE. Everyone at Pro-Wrestling:EVE would like to thank those at WAW for their previous involvement and wish them well with their new ventures.

Pro-Wrestling:EVE has and always will be about supporting and showcasing the female professional wrestlers of Europe. Sadly independent wrestling in Europe is not yet at the stage where contracts offering a guaranteed wage can be offered meaning making a living as a professional wrestler can often be difficult. It is our company policy to give members of our roster the freedom to work where ever they please and to never negatively effect the chances of them earning their living as professional wrestlers. We support female wrestling, and will continue to support female wrestling companies.

Away from this, Pro-Wrestling:EVE would like to congratulate new Pro-Wrestling: EVE Champion ‘The Female Fight Machine’ Jenny Sjodin on her title victory last night in Morecambe.

With a loaded roster of talent such as The Alpha Female, ‘Portugal’s Perfect Athlete’ Shanna, Erin Angel, April Davids, Nikki Storm, Super Janey B, Rhia O’Reilly, Em-Jay, Kay Lee Ray, Carmel Jacob and Sara-Marie Taylor of The Glamour Gym, ‘The Hardcore Daredevil’ Blue Nikita (the list goes on and on) along with Jenny Sjodin as our champion Pro-Wrestling: EVE will continue to be at the forefront of European professional wrestling and are excited at what the future will bring.

We now look ahead to Sjodin’s up-coming title defences (details coming soon) and the ground breaking Pro-Wrestling: EVE vs Ice Ribbon Series in Doncaster on October 8th and 9th. Details and tickets for this event can be found at www.EVEwrestling.com.[/notice]

Thoughts: While it’s disappointing that we won’t see Saraya and Britani on EVE shows again, EVE has the tools to succeed, especially with a big show coming up in October with Japan’s Ice Ribbon promotion. Plus, new champion Jenny Sjodin and Alpha Female have what it takes to be big stars. (Alpha, in particular, caught my eye on the very first EVE DVD last year.)

NCW Femme Fatales VI Taping Results (June 4th, 2011)

Our friends at Dirty Dirty Sheets were live at the NCW Femme Fatales VI show in Montreal, Quebec, Canada last night. Results below:

1. Missy def. Xandra Bale.

2. Anna Minoushka def. Sweet Cherrie.

3. The Sherbrooke Connection def. Anastacia Ivy and Angie Skye.

4. Brittany Savage def. Cherry Bomb.

5. Lufisto def. La Parfaite Caroline to retain the NCW Femme Fatales Championship.

6. Mistress Belmont def. Mary Lee Rose via disqualification.

7. SHIMMER Champion Madison Eagles def. Courtney Rush

8. Cheerleader Melissa and Mercedes Martinez def. Portia Perez and Kalamity in the main event.

Also, reigning SHIMMER Tag Team Champion, Tomoka Nakagawa was announced for Femme Fatales VII in October.

Big thank you to Dirty Dirty Sheets for the results.

JR on Kharma’s Blog, Says His Website Lost Business Because of Angry Fans

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WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross, wrote on his website yesterday about Kharma‘s recent blog defending him. Ross says Kharma ‘cleared up the misunderstanding’ over him allegedly calling her ‘too fat’ for the WWE several years ago during Tough Enough 2 auditions.

He also reveals that his website’s barbeque sales saw a decline due to angry, overzealous fans who didn’t know the full extent of the situation.

 

JR Comments on Kharma’s ‘Too Fat’ Remark on Raw, Backlash from Fans 

JR writes:

@Kharma wrote a really nice blog that cleared up the misunderstanding that some people had after her compelling, in ring promo on Monday Night Raw. Too many people acted like idiots and indicted me for all sorts of ridiculous things having to do with racism, being a misogynist, etc before knowing the facts. We lost a fair amount of business here on our website because of the matter which is regrettable.

Thoughts: As I wrote earlier this week, fans who were angered by Ross calling Kharma ‘too fat’ several years ago were short-sighted. Ross’ comments were that of WWE’s, which clearly had/has a ‘mold’ for its Divas when hiring, and not necessarily his own opinion. Good of Kharma to come to his defense a few days ago.

(Kellie) Skating Into Japan: An Aussie Abroad

It had been Kellie Skater‘s dream to wrestle in Japan ever since she started wrestling in 2007.

In early May, Kellie, 23, was able to achieve that dream when she was asked to work for a new promotion called REINA, shortly after she returned home to Australia from a long trip wrestling around North America, with shows in both the US and Canada. Asked to be SHIMMER Women Athletes’ surprise representative against Aki Kanbayashi, Skater immediately accepted the offer and not long after was packing her bags to head to Japan.

“When the plane touched down and I saw the ‘Welcome to Tokyo’ signs, it hit me that I was finally there!” Kellie says.

Since April last year, SHIMMER has played host to several of S-Ovation’s top stars — the likes of which include Ayumi Kurihara, Hiroyo Matsumoto, Tomoka Nakagawa and Misaki Ohata. In Japan, S-Ovation’s manager Hachi would dine with Skater most nights that she was there. He would order food for her and during her first meal in Japan, he did not tell her what she was eating.

“He asked me afterwards if I knew. ‘Beef?’ I said.”

“Yes, but beef tongue,” Hachi told her.

Skater was surprised by how nice the dish tasted, even after finding out what it actually was. Hachi and Kellie ended up going to many different restaurants and tried a wide variety of Japan’s delicacies, including sashimi, octopus, squid, crab and even eel.

The first full day that Kellie was in Japan was REINA’s debut show and therefore her Japanese debut, so there was not a lot of time to prepare. Before her own debut in a Japanese wrestling ring, Hachi and Kellie visited a JWP show, where some of Kellie’s SHIMMER joshi pals were wrestling — Ayumi in a tag match with her rookie Mika Iida, and Misaki in singles action. The SHIMMER girls welcomed her to Japan with open arms.

“On the way to the show I was starting to feel pretty nervous,” Skater admits.

Upon arriving at the venue, they were shown to their respective lockerrooms. Being a larger venue, there were a few different ones. Skater’s lockerroom had girls who spoke many different languages: English, Japanese and Spanish (the CMLL wrestlers), and she was even lucky enough to meet several well-known joshi wrestlers, including one who was one-half of her favourite match of all time, the legendary Shinobu Kandori.

Kellie took part in the opening ceremony for the show, where the girls were handed balls with autographs on them and a t-shirt to wear that had the company’s logo featured on it. During the ceremony the entire roster stood in the ring whilst a speech was given and then the girls threw the autographed balls to the crowd.

“It was a cool moment to be involved with,” Skater recalls.

Later in the evening, in the fourteen minutes that would make her dream come true, Skater wrestled Aki Kanbayashi for the TLW International Championship – a new title, so whoever won would become the first ever champion. She entered the ring in true ‘Rate Tank’ style, with her protein shaker and resistance bands, only to find a surprise (or should that be two surprises?) waiting for her. Hiroyo Matsumoto and Tomoka Nakagawa were at ringside as her seconds, something that is very common in Japanese wrestling. In a touching moment, Tomoka explained that they were there to support her because they are her ‘SHIMMER family’. During the match, Skater got hold of her protein shaker and ‘hulked up’, which the crowd ate up, and it gave her the strength that she needed to throw Aki around. Unfortunately for her, it wasn’t enough, as Kanbayashi got the better of her for the win.

Despite the loss, Skater says: “I was really happy with my debut there. I enjoyed the match and working Aki.”

On Skater’s last night in Japan, she also participated in her second match for REINA – teaming up with American, Hailey Hatred, against Aki Kanbayashi again – only this time Aki brought Aoi Ishibashi along with her.

Aki was also the one ‘hulking up’ this time after she stole Skater’s protein shake and drank it. It was to no avail, however, as Skater picked up her first victory in Japan when Hatred pinned Ishibashi.

Lost in translation

Kellie not only wrestled in Japan; in her down time, she got to be a tourist and experience the rich culture in Japan. She got to visit Hamamatsucho’s famed Pokemon Centre, picking up a ‘Hula Pikachu’ along the way, as well as hitting up both Harajuku and Shibuya. She also made sure to catch up with her ‘party partner’ Tomoka Nakagawa, who Skater claims “may be the best drinker I have ever met, despite being tiny!” (Being one of the tallest people in a lockerroom was something new for Skater.)

She also got to experience Japan’s night life when visiting one of their most famous active nightclub scenes in Roppongi with Hachi and his friends. “We played Japanese drinking games all night and I joked it would be cool if they had Jenga, so the bar staff brought out Jenga! They had freaking Jenga! It was amazing!”

In Oimachi, she got lost looking for a Gold’s Gym and, in fashion with typical Japanese kindness, a passerby helped her find the gym, despite it being in the opposite direction he was going.

In addition to trying new foods and drinks in Japan, she also got to experience one of their oldest traditions when she was asked to tape up her ankle tattoo in the gym (and was only allowed in because it was smaller than 15cms). In Japan, tattoos were, and are, prevalent in organized gangs such as the Yakuza, where they are viewed as a sign of loyalty to the organisation. This is one of the reasons that people with tattoos might be viewed fearfully or suspiciously and not be welcomed in establishments like onsen (public baths) or swimming pools where their tattoos will be visible.

Other adventures included training with Toshie Uematsu (who recently returned to Japan from a mini-tour in the US wrestling for CHIKARA), watching women’s MMA (a promotion named JEWEL) where S-Ovation had a Mongolian fighter named Esui performing, eating at the famed Ribera steak-house (which included a chance encounter with sumo wrestler Akebono!), watching several wrestling shows (Dragon Gate and STARDOM, respectively) and visiting an “overwhelmingly beautiful” temple where she and Hachi had their fortunes told.

Kellie says of her time in Japan: “It was amazing getting to know everyone better and meeting some great new people. My trip to Japan was the best experience of my life. The culture and the people there are amazing.”

“I want to return as soon as possible and have already taken up learning Japanese. I pretty much fell in love with Japan. It truly is an amazing place!”

In Video: Velvet Sky in Latest ‘Why Wrestling Matters’ Clip

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TNA Knockout, Velvet Sky, is the latest Impact Wrestling star featured in the ‘Why Wrestling Matters’ campaign.

In Video: Mickie James on Why Wrestling Matters

Check out her clip below:

Jenny Sjodin Crowned New Pro-Wrestling: EVE Champion

Pro-Wrestling: EVE has crowned a new champion in Jenny Sjodin tonight in Morecambe, Lancashire, UK.

Sjodin defeated Britani Knight, the company’s first ever champion, for the belt using a cross arm breaker submission. On their Twitter page, EVE said it was a ‘back & forth 9 minute match’.

Commenting following her loss, Britani wrote on Twitter:

Lost the belt. But @jennysjdin was a worthy champion. She really upped her game. Fair play! Guttered still though!

Earlier today we reported that there is some tension between Britani’s home affiliation, the WAW Gym, and EVE after Britani’s mother, Saraya, announced via Facebook that WAW had ended its working relationship with the promotion. One must wonder if Britani’s title drop played a factor.

Nonetheless, congratulations to the new champion, Jenny Sjodin.

Pro-Wrestling: EVE Parts Ways with WAW Gym

8

It looks as though the business relationship between Pro-Wrestling: EVE and the WAW Gym is permanently over as of today. WAW member, Saraya Knight posted the following statement in regards to Pro-Wrestling: EVE on her Facebook page:

Please note: I nor any WAW female wrestlers are to be associated with Pro-wrestling Eve, We WILL NOT BE APPEARING on any up and coming shows. The business relationship is over and it will NOT ever be reconciled!

Pro-Wrestling: EVE has yet to make a statement regarding the departure of the WAW Gym.

This news comes as quite a shock as Britani Knight, also a member of WAW, is set to defend her Pro-Wrestling: EVE title tonight against Jenny Sjodin.

We will have more details on the situation as they become available.

In Pictures: Torrie, Lilian & Candice Spotted at MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge

5

Ah, the perks of being a celeb!

Former Divas Torrie Wilson, Lilian Garcia and Candice Michelle — collectively known as TLC — were spotted at Kari Feinstein’s style lounge at the W Hotel in LA, where festivities are under way for this weekend’s MTV Movie Awards.

The Tough Enough After Show hosts posed with some of the free swag on offer to celebs who stopped by.

Torrie in particular looked super fierce in an effortless looking shorts and shirt combo. Love it!

Check out the pictures below:
 

Reader Poll: What Was Your Favorite Match/Moment on TV This Week?

26

Kharma‘s big announcement, ODB kicking Velvet‘s ass and Tamina‘s star turn. There was plenty of note this week on TV, but what did you enjoy most?

For a refresher, catch up with this week’s action:

[arrowlist]

[/arrowlist]

Now, vote for your favorite match/moment:

Tell us what you voted for and why in the comments!

SmackDown Redux (June 3rd, 2011): Tamina Win Match For Heels

94

This week’s episode of SmackDown brought us a rematch of sorts from last week. The ChickBusters (Kaitlyn and AJ), with Natalya at their side, took on Team Heel featuring Alicia Fox and Tamina. The most notable difference this week is that the heels countered Natalya’s presence by adding the rarely seen Rosa Mendes to ringside (I guess she is heel again). Will Rosa’s presence bring anything to the match? Will AJ and Kaitlyn pull out the victory this week? Will Alicia continue to just be the fiercest Diva ever? Lets stop wasting time and find out.

When SmackDown returns from what I can only assume has been a commercial break, A-Fox’s music is playing in the background and the so-called bad girls of SmackDown are posing in the ring. It’s only a few seconds later that Alicia’s theme fades and Natalya’s begins to blare across the PA system. Dressed in the most gorgeous sequined mini I’ve ever seen on SmackDown, Nattie leads her rookies out onto the stage. Kaitlyn and AJ look ready for battle and they all head to the ring. Much like last week, a backstage video begins playing while this is going on.

Exclusive: Courtney Rush Speaks on Femme Fatales VI This Weekend, SHIMMER Debut and More

This weekend, NCW Femme Fatales will be holding it’s sixth DVD taping in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. To preview the weekend’s festivities, Courtney Rush joins us in a exclusive interview to discuss her match against SHIMMER Champion, Madison Eagles. Courtney also speaks on her SHIMMER debut in March, her thoughts on TNA and WWE and her history with the recently retired Cat Power.

Listen to the interview below:

Download the interview by right-clicking here and selecting ‘Save Target As’ or stream the interview below:

[audio:http://diva-dirt.com/download/interviews/courtneyrush.mp3]

Please Note: This audio is the exclusive content of Diva Dirt (diva-dirt.com), for which we hold copyright. By downloading our audio you agree not to repost the content elsewhere including but not limited to other websites, blogs or message boards. Failure to respect copyright may result in legal action.

Chyna’s PR Representative ‘Scolds’ Her Over Porn Film (Video)

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When it rains it pours for Chyna, it seems.

Fresh from TMZ reporting that TNA was not interested in bringing her back due to her new adult movie for Vivid Entertainment, the PR firm that represents Chyna has publicly spoken out against her decision to star in the XXX movie.

Vivid Entertainment Releases Clips from Chyna’s New Adult Movie

Daisi Sepulveda, president of Model House Talent, has scolded the former WWE star in a press release issued to Diva Dirt.

Read below:

[notice]BEAUTY QUEEN SCOLDS CHYNA AFTER 2ND PORN RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA (June 3, 2011) “We at Model House are disappointed she couldn’t make better career and personal choices despite our overwhelming support,” beauty queen and President of Model House Talent and Beauty Queen Management, Daisi Pollard Sepulveda, says of Chyna’s recent porn scandal. It was a year ago when Yohe Sato manager of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer’s came to Model House Holdings owned by Jamaican Beauty Queen Daisi Pollard Sepulveda to ask for our services to help redevelop Chyna’s image. [/notice]

Sepulveda also issued the following video:

Kelly Kelly Featured in Us Weekly

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Hey… what’s going on with Blake Lively and Leo DiCaprio? Are Courteney and Jen still friends? Who looks better: Pia Toscano or Kelly Kelly? Wait… what?!

That’s right! Our little Raw Diva is featured in the hallowed pages of celebrity tabloid Us Weekly. That’s the good news, anyway.

In Pictures: Kelly Kelly Goes Risqué for Maxim Hot 100 Party

The bad news? K2 loses a ‘Who Wore It Best?’ style battle with American Idol’s Pia Toscano. It seems both ladies were recently spotted in the same Jovani dress. Kelly wore hers at a Maxim party a few weeks ago. The originator of the look, however, was Katy Perry at last year’s MTV Movie Awards.

Snap Judgement: Who Rocked It Best – Kelly or Katy?

Check out our little cutout from the magazine below courtesy of DJ.

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