Rather than make separate posts, here is all the latest on the proposed 25 Diva battle royal at WrestleMania 25! PWPix.net reports that WWE has done the unthinkable and contacted Stone Cold’s ex-wife, Debra, to be part of the 25 Diva battle royal! Debra is a former Women’s Champion and helped coin the term ‘puppies’ … Read more
As expected, we can add Molly Holly to the list of Divas WWE has reached out to for the 25 Diva battle royal at WrestleMania. That is the word according to PWPix.net, who note that Molly – real name Nora Greenwald – has yet to accept the offer. Molly left WWE in 2005, right after … Read more
The names are coming in thick and fast and here’s a somewhat unlikely name you can add to the list of Divas contacted for WrestleMania 25. Former Tough Enough Champion, Jackie Gayda-Haas apparently told a fan at the Arnold Classic Expo this weekend that she’s been contacted to appear in the scheduled 25 Diva Battle … Read more
Former WWE Diva Sunny aka Tammy Sytch has confirmed herself for an appearance at WrestleMania 25 as part of the 25 Diva battle royal. Sunny, who worked for WWE between 1993 and 1998, changed her Facebook status to: “is getting ready to kick some DIVA ASS at Wrestlemania!!” Sytch also appeared at the 15th anniversary … Read more
Well it’s only been a few hours since the news broke, but already the Internet has exploded with speculation as to which ‘blasts from the past’ will take part in WWE’s commemorative 25 Diva battle royal at WrestleMania 25. Well one of the Divas that WWE will no doubt approach for this match-up is former … Read more
PWInsider.com is reporting that WWE has plans to hold a 25 Diva battle royal to celebrate the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania next month. I’m assuming the match would tie in all the current Divas as well as the most recognisable names from the past. The battle royal would quash the chances of a singles match … Read more
Despite my presumptious WrestleMania Lowdown yesterday, last night’s SmackDown tapings painted a more complicated picture to the foreseen Maryse vs Melina match-up.
In order to avoid spoilers, follow the cut for my thoughts and opinions on the direction of WrestleMania 25.
Welcome to Diva Dirt‘s WrestleMania Lowdown! The ultimate fact (and opinion) file on this year’s WrestleMania. The 25th anniversary of WrestleMania falls on April 5th this year and has already signed on some blockbuster matches including Triple H vs Randy Orton and Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels.
In this here WrestleMania Lowdown, we’ll be looking specifically – as we always do – at the Divas and analysing their involvement. Among the topics we’ll be looking at are the Divas who made it onto the card, the Divas who didn’t and the match potential for this year’s event. So without further ado let’s get stuck in…
The History
Though nothing has been officially announced, as of last night’s Raw, we can safely assume that we’ll be seeing a Champion vs Champion bout between Raw’s Women’s Champ, Melina and SmackDown’s Divas Champ, Maryse.
Again, though this hasn’t been announced yet, it’s a fair assumption.
Awards Season
Every year, there’s some anticipation as to which Divas will get on the WrestleMania card. Unfortunately for our girls, they only get one match on the four hour pay per view compared to the 8-9 men’s matches. There are top names that are always bound to be left off.
The process reminds me of the recently-ended awards season, when we see several surprise nominees and some shocking snubs. Film favourites such as Cate Blanchett and Leonardo DiCaprio found themselves nowhere to be seen on the awards shortlists, while most thought it would be highly unexpected for Angelina Jolie to get an Oscar nomination this year and she managed it.
The rush to ‘Mania is similar to that, but now the dust has settled, we know who we will be seeing at the big event next month and who we won’t be seeing. No doubt the next week or so will see lots of ranting and raving on Diva message boards and such…
The Winners
The two winners of this year’s ‘awards season’ are the two respective champions, Maryse and Melina. One would think it would be a hard decision every year in deciding who gets on the show because of the limited spaces for the Divas, however in years past we have seen Maria, Ashley and Christy Hemme all feature prominently.
This year seems to have been a much easier selection process as SmackDown introduced it’s Divas Championship last year, leading to a Raw vs SmackDown contest. Let’s look at the two champions and almost-certain rivals for ‘Mania 25:
Starting with Maryse, a Diva I put in the ‘Angelina Jolie surprise nomination’ category. While Jolie picked up a few nominations for Changeling, she wasn’t by any means a definite nominee for the Oscar. Similarly, no doubt as Divas Champion, Maryse’s name has been thrown about for a ‘Mania appearance but there was no telling if WWE would pull the trigger.
Though she is SmackDown’s reigning queen, all signs have pointed to her predecessor, Michelle McCool making the card. Some have cited her backstage political alignment which certainly must help, but there’s no denying McCool has had one hell of a year also making her almost a shoe-in for a spot on the big stage.
Maryse’s career really has come full circle heading into this WrestleMania. It was post-Mania last year, that her career began to take off and ultimately afforded her the chance to become the Divas Champ and now she heads into this year’s event with the belt and with a newfound fame. For a Diva that wasn’t even on the radar heading into WrestleMania 24, this has to be a Britney-esque success story for the French poodle. The Diva proved to be surprisingly well rounded in the ring and her feisty persona has put her over with the fans as well.
Maryse will compete at her first ever WrestleMania, interestingly before her fellow SmackDown star and a woman who seems to have more political clout, Michelle McCool. Maryse also takes to the big stage before another Diva who has been given an almighty rub in the last year, Kelly Kelly.
It very much seems that Maryse’s WrestleMania payday was almost by proxy, as she is the Divas Champion. Had she not been, I think I’d be writing a very different blog without a mention of the Sexiest of the Sexy. As it stands though, Maryse is heading to the grandest stage of them all and she is taking her unique arrogance with her.
Meanwhile for her opponent, Raw Diva and Women’s Champion Melina, here is a Diva that always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Sensationally, Melina will be competing in her third WrestleMania this year and not only that, but her third consecutive WrestleMania – a feat that is unparalleled among the Divas. While the legendary seven time Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus has ultimately competed at the most WrestleManias of all the Divas – at four matches, those were in non-consecutive years.
With WrestleMania 25, Melina will rank behind Stratus with the second highest amount of ‘Mania matches among the Divas. Melina has beaten out the likes of Alumni, Victoria and Lita who have only competed at one ‘Mania, the same number as the A-List Diva’s contemporaries, Mickie James and Beth Phoenix.
Whether you draw it down to luck or a vote of confidence in Melina, the Diva has made WrestleMania history for the Divas of WWE and unlike fellow record-breaker, Trish Stratus, joins an elite club of Divas who are undefeated at WrestleMania. The current pack-leader is Sable, the former Women’s Champion has won all of her three ‘Mania matches. Melina is a joint second with Torrie Wilson, both have won their two matches at the event. However if Melina can beat Maryse this year, she will be joint number one with Sable.
Unlike her opponent, Melina is obviously no stranger to WrestleMania and seems to be a firm favourite in WWE’s eyes when it comes to picking a Diva to compete at ‘Mania and this year it helps that she is the Women’s Champion.
After the cut, the ladies who lost out on ‘Mania plus we look at the match potential of Maryse vs Melina:
All the possible matches for WrestleMania, so many options… well we have a winner! From the looks of tonight’s Raw we will be seeing a champion vs champion match at the 25th anniversary of ‘Mania between Maryse and Melina. Moments ago following a Divas tag team match, Maryse levelled Melina with her patented DDT on … Read more
While WWE has it’s eyes set on a Michelle McCool–Trish Stratus encounter for the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania, the other plan according to some reports this weekend states that if that doesn’t come to fruition, McCool may be paired off with Raw Diva, Melina. Interestingly, of all the Divas, most wrestling journalists are stating that … Read more
The only thing I care about when it comes to wrestling at the moment, is what will happen with the Divas at WrestleMania. Logic dictates that we’ll get an ultimate letdown as with previous years, but with a renewed focus on actual wrestling and the abolishment of that dirty word starting with ‘P’, WWE has … Read more
Continuing my theme of speculation as we head into WrestleMania 25, here’s another post that delves into the matter. This time, I’m going to be looking at the Divas who I think should be part of WrestleMania, the Divas I think could be part of WrestleMania and even though it doesn’t rhyme, the Divas who … Read more
Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in many years I am officially stumped. There are so many possibilities for WrestleMania 25 and no clear indication as to what will go down at the biggest pay per view in WWE history. Will it be a Women’s Championship match? A Divas Championship match? Will Trish Stratus … Read more
We are about 65 days or so away from WWE WrestleMania XXV, the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania. Each year, the WWE has invited celebrity guests to be a part of the event. Last year, Kim Kardashian was the night’s host and Snoop Dogg sat ringside for the Bunnymania match. This year’s celebrity guest is actor … Read more
Trish Stratus appeared on an upcoming edition of the LAW radio program, where she touched upon WrestleMania and shared her honest thoughts on BunnyMania (transcript courtesy of PWTorch.com): Jason Agnew: You know, I am looking at someone like Beth Phoenix, who is really a good in-ring worker and is in a Playboy Mania match at … Read more
For the first time since November, Melina has penned a new “Internet Confessions of a True Diva” blog on WWE.com, focusing on BunnyMania and why she thinks wrestling should take precedence over Playboy:
You have to understand, I may not write very frequently, but you know that when I do write something it’s what I feel with my heart and it’s what I strongly believe. I am very passionate in everything that I do. My writing, my workouts, my entrance, my wrestling and in love. That is me. When you see me, you are going to get just that: MELINA. I will continue to say, whether you love me or hate me, you can’t help but watch me!
My message about Playboy is … if you want to do it, that’s fine. If that is your dream, your goal and your personal achievement for YOUR life, that’s fine. Just know, that isn’t mine. I am a physical person, so it makes perfect sense for me to choose wrestling. I am a woman of action and never want to be one of those women in distress, if I can help it.
I have trained for eight years and I continue to train to better myself in this physical art form that I love with all my heart. And I will fight for it and work hard to be great at it with everything I have.
WrestleMania 24 is in the history books, folks! And you know what? Despite my initial scepticism *coughunderstatementcough* about BunnyMania, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! Join me in looking back at the match:
Despite the “BunnyMania” tagline, this one was pretty much a normal tag team match and the Diva lumberjacks didn’t offer much to the match itself. Though it was fun to see the likes of Victoria and Mickie at ringside. It’s unfortunate that they didn’t send Torrie out there too, I for one am saddened she has broken her record of WrestleMania appearances. One Diva that I noticed was missing, was Eve. I don’t think she was missed though! Some honourable fashion mentions: Candice looked really pretty in her dress, Mickie looked unusually glamourous and beautiful, Layla looked extremely hot too!
As for the Divas involved, Ashley looked as per usual but despite the spotlight being on her tonight – what was up with Maria? I don’t know what kind of look she was going for but it was all kinds of wrong; it always makes me laugh when WWE tries to make out how fashion-forward Maria is when really, her fashion tastes are laughable. Once I got past the horror of her hair and moved onto the outfit, the first thing I thought was: “This was obviously inspired by Melina.” Maria’s attire was just like a bad version of Melina’s unique, well accessorised, polished-looking outfits that I’ve been a fan of forever! Beth didn’t look any different than usual either; but I love that one Diva truly gets the grandeur of WrestleMania – Melina looked frickin’ smokin’ head to toe! Wow, wow, wow! Needless to say, I loved it! Melina pulled out the stops at WrestleMania 23 for a special addition to her ring attire and this year, she outdid herself. The peacock feathers were unique and fun and her wrestling attire, while in a similar style to her usual outfits, was just gorgeous! I loved the colours, I loved everything about it. Okay, I should save something for the Fashion Focus piece I need to write after this post!
Read more including thoughts on the match, high points, low points and most importantly – who I voted the Most Valuable Player of BunnyMania after the cut:
Yesterday, we looked at the best and worst WrestleMania matches in history and today, Diva Dirt delves into the best WrestleMania matches that never were. Some of these matches could still occur, it’s just a case of they haven’t yet. And in other cases, due to retirements, firings etc. they haven’t been able to take place. Featuring some of the most legendary Divas and Divas that could go onto become legends, without further ado here is our guide to the best WrestleMania matches that never were!
10. Chyna vs Trish Stratus
Both have their own unique, individual accomplishments. You put two of the most decorated Divas in WWE history and you have WrestleMania magic. Sure, when these two were on the same roster, Trish wasn’t up to par with the dominant Ninth Wonder. However, we think that Trish in her prime could give Chyna in her prime a run for her money.
9. Lita vs Victoria
Two fierce competitors, fans loved Lita for her daredevil persona and fans love Victoria because she is an all out brawler. These two Divas competed in the first ever steel cage match, but were never given a storyline feud. We think that Victoria as the Vicious Vixen she was when she won her first Women’s Championship and Lita, during her 2003-2004 era could put on one hell of a WrestleMania match.
8. Ashley & Maria vs Candice & Torrie
A step up from WWE’s idea of BunnyMania, we think this match is way more appropriate! Old school vs new school, Ashley and Maria teaming up against Candice & Torrie seems a little more logical than Beth and Melina. All four are Playboy covergirls and with Candice and Torrie’s real life friendship and storied on-screen history, it would be a great reunion for Vince’s Devils/Ladies in Pink.
7. Lita & Trish vs Melina & Mickie
We believe that Melina and Mickie are the next Lita and Trish, unfortunately WWE just hasn’t realised it yet. These two Divas could have one heck of an epic rivalry, coming close to that of Lita and Trish’s. Wouldn’t it be fun to put the old school against the new school in a similar logic to the match above.
6. Candice vs Victoria
Sure these two Divas have some on-screen history, but with Candice’s improvement in the ring and Victoria being well, Victoria – these two Divas could have a rivalry similar to that of Trish and Victoria. Victoria, being the aggressor with Candice as the underdog going into a WrestleMania match.
I think it’s unanimous that no one truly cares for tonight’s BunnyMania match, so we want to know what match you would want to see take place at WrestleMania 24 from our list below, given WWE’s storylines over the past few months and some general ideas that we thought seemed logical. If you have your … Read more
For the first time in 7 years, the Women’s Championship will not be defended at WrestleMania. While many of us have been up in arms about WWE’s craptastic Diva booking for WrestleMania, this fact remains little expressed among the Internet wrestling community. For the last seven, consecutive years the Women’s Championship has been part of … Read more
WrestleMania 24 is just 24 hours away and every year there is usually some controversy about the Divas match involved. For you see, unlike the Superstars who are piled onto the card by the bucketload, there is usually just one spot reserved for the Divas. And as such, it is a race to see which Diva can bag herself a coveted spot on the ‘Mania card. This year, four Divas make the grade when BunnyMania explodes onto our screen! It will be Ashley & Maria taking on Beth Phoenix & Melina. As we look toward this match, Diva Dirt is recounting some of the best and worst (in no particular order) Diva matches in WrestleMania history!
THE BEST
• Chyna vs Ivory, WrestleMania 17
Before Chyna became cuckoo, she was the most prominent women’s wrestler in North America. After dominating the men’s division for so long, WWE decided to pit her against the Women’s Champion, Ivory. No doubt, Chyna being the stronger and bigger of the two, laid waste to the “Right to Censor” star and became the new Women’s Champion in a moment that left fans in attendance and watching at home, cheering on their feet. Chyna captured the minds and hearts of fans among the T&A-driven WWE and finally, fans had a Women’s Champion that they cared about. Cool ‘Mania moment if you ask us. Of course, then she went onto, you know, make a sex tape and become a trainwreck…
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Welcome to Soundtrack here at Diva Dirt, a hopefully regular feature where we offer you the soundtrack to the big Diva matches of the moment. We’re just five days away from WrestleMania 24 when Beth Phoenix and Melina will team up against Ashley and Maria… so without further ado, allow us to introduce you to our soundtrack to BunnyMania.
Torrie wrote into me last night for her latest iTorrie blog, with an update on her WrestleMania status, her injury and more! The covergirl is off to Orlando this morning for the big weekender, however is feeling rather sentimental: It’s kinda hard for me to be going to Wrestlemania and not getting a chance to … Read more
So from Candice and Maria teaming up, in the span of a week, we get Ashley and Maria teaming up this Sunday night at WrestleMania. Wow, whoever on WWE Creative thought that up should, quite frankly, be shot. Why is it every year, WWE pulls out all the stops with the Superstars to make ‘Mania … Read more
Well, I think it’s suffice to say that the BunnyMania match just got worse. As was just announced on RAW, Ashley will be taking Candice‘s place in the match, as Candice had clavicle surgery earlier today. Question: Why not stick a competent wrestler in the match? (*cough* Mickie) I know Ashley posed for Playboy and … Read more
The game of “Will she? Won’t she?” continues with Candice Michelle as just one week away from WrestleMania, her BunnyMania tag team partner Maria revealed in an interview that Candice had reinjured her clavicle: Q: That’s right, Wrestlemania is now only a week away, so what can we expect from your in ring Wrestlemania debut … Read more