WWE’s self-proclaimed Geek Goddess, AJ, has revealed her Survivor Series dream team in a new piece for WWE.com.
Ahead of this year’s annual event which takes place on Sunday in New York. AJ picks the four team mates she would pick for a traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match.
AJ’s team includes three former WWE Women’s Champions: Lita, Molly Holly and Trish Stratus, as well as the late Hall of Famer, Eddie Guerrero.
Of the former Divas, she says: “When I was like 11 or 12 and wanted to get into wresting they were the reasons why, so it’d be awesome to be in the ring with them.”
AJ also says Eddie is her all-time favorite and she loved his attitude. “He kind of reminds me of my dad. Everyone in my family is a little spicy and playful. He just had the most personality in the ring I’ve ever seen. I love him.”
Following last night’s controversial Turning Point result, TNA will crown a new #1 Contender for the Knockouts Championship on Impact Wrestling this Thursday.
The company will hold a 10-Knockout gauntlet match to determine the new challenger for new champon, Gail Kim.
Aside from Gail, the Knockouts division consists of 12 active in-ring Knockouts. That number doesn’t include Traci Brooks who is assistant to Knockouts VP, Karen Jarrett.
It’s back! The Diva Dirt Perfect 10 makes a return as we look at the movers and shakers of the Divas and Knockouts division this past week a la WWE.com’s Power 25. Which femme fatales impressed on Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Superstars, Impact Wrestling and FCW? (Note: Pay per views will be counted the following week.)
Within a month of returning to TNA, Gail Kim now simultaneously holds all the gold in the Knockouts division.
In a match against Velvet Sky tonight, Gail won the Knockouts Championship tonight at TNA’s Turning Point pay per view with the help of Knockouts VP, Karen Jarrett and Madison Rayne.
Gail, who was the first ever Knockouts Champion in 2007, is now a two-time Knockouts Champion.
Thoughts: While I’m happy for Gail, I’m very disappointed in TNA giving Velvet such a short title reign when she has all the tools to be a great babyface champion. All of the short title reigns in recent months have been ridiculous.
Returning Knockout Gail Kim challenges Velvet Sky for the Knockouts Championship tonight at Turning Point. Who will win? The Diva Dirt team weigh in…
Bobby: This is a tough one to call. It could really go either way and I’m personally a fan of both women involved. I could easily see Gail taking the title to give Miss Karen’s group all the glory, and we know from past experience that TNA is no stranger to short Knockout title reigns. The one thing that stops me from believing Velvet will lose just yet is that TNA seem to take a lot of pride in her being the champion, what with the video packages and all. I’d love to see Gail get the Knockouts Title again, but for tonight’s event, I’m seeing Velvet Sky retain, perhaps with a little help from Aunt Traci.
Erin: Gail has been pushed to the moon in her short time back with TNA, but I can’t imagine them pushing her this far so early. She’s got one title around her waist already, so unless they’re aiming for a Gail-centric division (which wouldn’t be entirely unrealistic), I think they’re more likely using this match as a way to add a bit more legitimacy to Velvet Sky’s title reign. Beating Gail, someone who has been largely untouchable since her return, would help make her look like a powerful champion and give her a victory against team Karen. Velvet Sky wins and retains her the Knockouts Title.
Katelyn: My vote goes to Velvet Sky. Not only does she deserve a lengthy reign, a victory over Gail would solidify her as a fighting champion. Already one half of the tag team champions, the strongly-booked Gail Kim doesn’t need the win.
Melanie: I think tonight is the end-game for weeks of build for Gail Kim upon her return. While fans have been complaining that she’s been pushed to the moon since coming back, I think it was part of a bigger picture and to serve a higher purpose and that is to put over Velvet Sky tonight at Turning Point and solidify her Knockouts Title reign. Gail has been extremely hot since her comeback, aligning herself with the Knockouts VP and becoming one half of the Knockouts Tag Team Champions. I believe that build is all leading up to her taking her first loss tonight against Velvet, which will really help get Velvet’s title reign off to a good start as she will have picked off such a talent who’s been on such a high lately. Velvet Sky wins.
Ahead of their Knockouts Title match tonight at Turning Point, we take a look back at this Impact bout between Gail Kim and Velvet Sky back in 2008.
At the time, Velvet and tag team partner Angelina Love had been running amok in the Knockouts division, “paper bagging” other Knockouts as the Beautiful People. In this match, Gail would get a measure of revenge.
Hi everybody, and welcome to an impromptu, non-redux/watch/recap/write-up segment featuring yours truly. Alright, this isn’t really about me at all, but it’s cool to feel important.
Nevertheless, this weekend I attended another live show for FCW, which featured some top notch matches, entertaining segments, and wedding crashers… but that’s all for another day. The Divas match of the event was a six woman match featuring the heckled team of Raquel Diaz, Caylee Turner, and Leah West facing off with the fan favorites, Cameron Lynn, Divas Champion Audrey Marie, and competing in only her second FCW match, Tough Enough’s Ivelisse Velez.
Check out some highlights and pictures below from the show:
* Ivelisse was announced by her real name, although so was Ariane the first time I saw her, so I’m guessing she will probably change ring names soon.
* Caylee and Ivelisse started things off and allowed me to relive the greatness of Tough Enough all over again. They did pretty solidly together and definitely looked good in the ring.
* Audrey worked a majority of the match for her team getting beat down by Raquel, Leah, and Caylee. She is improving nicely.
* Cameron and Ivelisse really got the crowd going trying to get them behind Audrey. Cameron was bouncing up and down and Ivelisse was firing everybody up.
* Raquel executed Eddie Guerrero’s “three amigos” during the match which was a great touch. I also recall Caylee hitting a running double knee to the face on Audrey I believe.
* The finish came when Leah West was in control of Audrey until the champion finally managed to make the hot tag to Cameron, who cleaned house. I believe (a bit sketchy as this took place on the opposite side of me) Audrey walked over and pulled one of the heels off the apron, as Ivelisse took out the other. Cameron went for a monkey flip in the corner but Leah held onto her and they turned around away from the turnbuckle. Leah went to flip her over (like Natalya used to do), but Cameron managed to stay on top of her and push her backwards to get the victory for her team. (Note: apologies if my description is terrible as I was trying to take a picture when it was close to ending.)
Former WWE star Chyna continues to try and create a buzz for a possible return to the company using social media. This time, she has posted a video blog addressing her departure, wanting to return, the current Divas and who she’d like to face.
Tonight at Turning Point, Gail Kim makes her return to TNA pay per view when she faces Velvet Sky for the Knockouts Championship. This marks her first appearance on pay per view for TNA in over three years.
As we get prepared for her match with Velvet, we take a look back at her last match on pay per view for the company, Hard Justice in August 2008. In fact, that match saw Gail face off against Velvet too, as they were on opposite teams in a six-Knockout tag team match.
Welcome to an extra “foxy” edition of the SmackDown Redux! Big thank you to everyone’s favorite TNA columnist for filling in last week, but I’m back and what a week to return! This week’s SmackDown was jam-packed with Divas this week! AJ and Kaitlyn were shown in a segment with Daniel Bryan and Mark Henry, Aksana got to be a part of her first Divas match on Smackdown (kinda). Hell, we even had Rihanna! So let’s get right into this week’s action!
After picking up not one, but TWO wins over the third generation Sister of Salvation, Natalya, Alicia Fox is looking to keep her winning streak going strong, as she takes on Tamina on this week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown. With Rosa Mendes in Tamina’s corner and Natalya plotting on commentary, Alicia could certainly use some backup of her own, right? Everyone’s favorite Lithuanian import, Aksana will be at Alicia’s side during her match. Before we get into the match, let’s see the hilarious segment that led to this odd pairing.
The segment starts off with Aksana’s trademark Skinemax music and Sin Cara mood lighting. Aksana gushes to Teddy about how much she enjoyed competing in the Divas Halloween battle royal on Raw a few weeks back, and how she can’t wait to do it again. Teddy tells her that he wants her first SmackDown match to be “special”, so he wants her to observe a more experienced Diva. Cut music and lights! Enter Alicia Fox, stage left!
At first, Aksana is upset at Teddy, because he didn’t tell her that he’d gotten Rihanna to come to SmackDown, but quickly gets over it. One ‘Umbrella’ reference and a vague sexual reference later, Aksana saunters away, leaving Rihanna Alicia confused and Teddy drooling.
I must say, I really enjoyed this segment. Aksana has built a good character for herself and I’m always excited to see what cultural faux pas she’ll make or what new Aksanaism she’ll introduce. I was also impressed with Alicia, as well. Alicia can be hit or miss when it comes to her mic work, but the spunky, cutesy face role seems to come a lot more naturally to her than the heel role, she’s been playing for so many years.
My only gripe is that WWE is tardy to the party on their pop culture references, once again. Divas fans have been pointing out the whole Alicia/Rihanna thing for months now. Just sayin’. Nevertheless, I still got a chuckle out of it, so no harm done.
Next up is the match between Alicia and Tamina. Can Alicia and her Fancy Fox Hood overcome the strength of Tamina or will the Polynesian Princess pick up the win and put herself back in the winner’s circle? Check out the match below:
We start off our Divas match with Tamina and Rosa (who looks fantastic tonight) in the ring and Natalya on commentary. Alicia Fox is out next, accompanied by Aksana and Fancy Fox Hood. After some really half-assed editing, Alicia is miraculously in the ring and our match is underway.
The ladies start off with a basic lock-up, but Tamina gets the upperhand and throws Alicia into the corner and lays into her with a few stomps. Alicia tries to mount a come back, but Tamina takes her down with a fierce headbutt. Before Alicia can get her bearing Tamina grabs her by the hair and tosses her across the ring a couple of times, sending her crashing to the mat.
Keeping the pressure on her opponent, Tamina locks in a double underhook submission, looking to make the former Divas Champion tapout, while BFF Rosa poses and yells in broken Spanish at ringside. Alicia somehow fights out of the submission and flips Tamina overhead, putting her in the driver seat. Alicia turns up the heat with a flurry of strikes, but Tamina drills her with a elbow to the face, before grounding her with a scoop slam.
Tamina tries to finish Alicia off with a splash, but Alicia rolls away at the last second, sending Tamina face first into the mat. Alicia takes advantage of the opportunity and follows up with the kick to the face, setting Tamina up perfectly for her new somersault leg drop finisher. The ref counts to three and Foxy picks up her the win.
Although short, I thought this match was enjoyable. It seems Tamina has really come into herself as a wrestler. While she still may be green, she knows what works for her and doesn’t try to go outside of her comfort zone, which is good.
A few weeks back, I said that I thought Alicia needed some time to get used to her new face moveset and I think she is swiftly making the transition. While she has retained most of her old moves, she is slowly incorporating new techniques and moves, such as her new finisher. Hopefully, she can keep progressing and avoid the “5 Moves of Doom” routine so many WWE wrestlers fall into.
Speaking of Alicia’s new finisher, I really liked the ending of the match. Alicia’s new finisher looked much better here than it did when she debuted it last week against Natalya and is lot less hit or miss than the scissors kick. I know that a lot of Foxy fans are missing the old finisher, but this new one has definitely won my heart.
Last but not least, we had a segment featuring four of my favorite people: AJ, Kaitlyn, Daniel Bryan and Precious. Check out the segment below:
Not much to say, as this segment wasn’t dedicated to the Divas, but it was nice to see the Chickbusters get some shine in a segment with two of WWE’s biggest Superstars. Perhaps I’m reading too much into this and getting my hopes too high, but is this the beginning of some sort of geek/nerd friendship and/or stable between AJ, Kaitlyn and Daniel? Probably not, but I love to see a storyline involve two Divas and a Superstar, without there being a fight over who’s gonna sleep with him. (*CoughVeganNotVirginCough*). But this is WWE, so I won’t hold my breath for that.
Well, that does for this week’s SmackDown Redux. I would say, “See you next week”, but with all the Divas we saw this week, we may have reached our “Diva quota” for the month. Until next time!
Okay, technically she never went anywhere, but after months of not being used much, this week Foxy, who has aligned herself with Eve and Kelly, has been on Raw, SmackDown and gets a segment on WWE.com.
Check it out below:
Thoughts: “AND A BRUSH!” Haha. Always good to see Foxy get some shine. I really think she has the perfect quirky personality to pull off being a fun babyface. She seems to have a playfulness to her that really helps her stand out. Hopefully she’ll be given more backstage segments & interviews so she can show this side of her.
WSU Spirit Champ Jessicka Havok made a big statement in a new video promo ahead of next week’s WSU Breaking Barriers 2 iPPV.
Havok, who is never once to mince her words, puts a warning on Alicia, Brittney Savage and Mercedes Martinez as the build continues to the steel cage War Games match next Saturday.
Plus, former WWE Divas Champion Melina competes in her first match since being released in August. With Serena recently backing out due to a severe head injury, who will Melina’s opponent be?
As previously announced, Diva Dirt has formed a unique partnership with WSU that will see us have a presence on the iPPV. As the official media partner for Breaking Barriers 2, we will be conducting interviews backstage, as well as an in-ring interview with Serena to discuss her injuries and having to pull out of her match with Melina.
WHAT: Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU) on iPPV
WHEN: Saturday, November 19th
WHERE: NYWC Sportatorium, at 435-13 Brook Avenue in Deer Park, New York 11729
BELLTIME: Meet & Greet From 4pm-6pm
SHOW START/LIVE iPPV TIME: 7pm
TICKET INFORMATION: $30 in advance, $35 the day of the show. The ticket allows you entry to the meet & greet and guarantees you a seat.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit WSUWrestling.com
For full match previews, visit WSUWrestling.com and make sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for live every day updates!
Watch Live on iPPV at http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/Breaking_Barriers__II/1153
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Here is the COMPLETE card for 11/19:
DOUBLE MAIN EVENT
Main Event 1
WARGAMES STEEL CAGE MATCH
RULES: Match will be held in a steel cage. Wrestlers will enter the cage in 5 minute intervals. Once everyone has entered the match, the only way to win is make one team member submit or say I Quit.
Special Guest Referee: Amy Lee
TEAM WSU (WSU World Champion Mercedes Martinez & Alicia & Brittney Savage) vs THE MIDWEST MILITIA (Jessicka Havok & Allisyn Kay & WSU Spirit Champion Sassy Stephanie)
Main Event 2
FIRST TIME EVER!
Former WWE Womens Champion MELINA vs ???
(Originally Melina vs Serena, but Serena forced to pull out due to injury. Serena will be in attendance to watch the match & WSU Commissioner Amy Lee will announce Melina’s opponent that night.)
WSU Tag Team Championship Match
(c) The Boston Shore (Amber & Lexus) vs The International Home Wrecking Crew (Rain & Jetta)
NYWC Starlet Championship Match
Suicidal Six-Way Elimination Match
(c) Nikki Syx vs Violet vs Monique vs Jessie Brooks vs Barbie vs Gabby Gilbert
#1 Contenders to the WSU Tag Team Championships
Winners Will Get a WSU Tag Team Title Match at the 5 Year Anniversary Show
The Belle Saints (Tina San Antonio & Marti Belle) vs The Soul Sisters (Jana & Latasha)
Loser Leaves WSU Match
Jennifer Cruz vs Niya
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This will be our most complete show to date, and fans will be treated to never-before seen backstage camera footage, live on iPPV. We are pulling out all the stops for this show and hope you give us a chance by checking us out with you hard earned money. We will also announce line-ups for our 1/21 and 3/5 events, as well as announce 5 members to the WSU Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
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Also on hand for the event will be Diva-Dirt.com, who is the official media partner for the show. Diva-Dirt.com will be presenting coverage live and allow fans watching the show live on iPPV to talk to other fans while the event is happening! Make sure to check out Diva-Dirt.com for more information.
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For more on WSU, visit the following sites:
http://www.WSUWrestling.com home of WSU online
http://www.WSUVideo.com where you can buy WSU DVDs
http://www.Facebook.com/wsuwrestling (Updated daily with pictures, stories and more) Tweets by WSUWrestling
http://www.Inasectv.com/wsu – home of WSU’s “Uncensored” TV program.[/notice]
In a research survey, the company has posted some bonus details about the show, including that it will revolve around six Divas. The show, as previously revealed, is tentatively titled “Heels on Wheels”.
The description given in the research survey is as follows:
The ultimate behind-the-scenes look into the lives of six Divas as they work, train, and party together across the country in the confines of a tour bus; think Bret Michaels’ Rock of Love Tour meets Road Rules; WWE Diva’s style. How do 6 Divas share one shower? What happens when a jilted lover gets intimate with another Diva on the bus? If you thought there were sparks in The Ring every night, wait until you see what happens on The Bus…(and make sure to watch each week for a special code that unlocks the bus’s live 24/7 webcam!)
Which six Divas do you think would be a good fit for the reality show? Will you be watching?
What’s up all you bitches and prostitutes?! Wait… you mean I can’t try to make up my own Knockout lingo’d opening to this? Oh, my bad. Let’s try not to let my catchy attempt dampen such a beautiful night. And let’s be honest, it’s always a beautiful night when Miss Karen makes her presence known. She and Aunt Traci stood in the corner of the newly crowned Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Gail Kim & Madison Rayne (collectively known as “Karen’s Krusaders”) in their defense against “Thrillbilly Skies”, made up of Mickie James and Velvet Sky. Also; Sarita, Rosita, and new Knockout, Toxxin (Christina Von Eerie) engage in a brawl, as we head into the final Impact before Turning Point this Sunday.
Now why don’t we get started before I put “Hardcore Country” on loop and snack on my corn bread as I get ready for the town hoe down… Alright, I’ve officially been listening to too much Madison Rayne.
Up first, we head backstage where the beautiful stable of Karen’s Krusaders are checking themselves over in the mirror to make sure they are in tip top shape for their title defense later in the night. Miss Karen informs Gail that she does not need to do anything to herself because she looks absolutely stunning! The perky killer queen also begs for Miss Karen’s approval, as any person rightfully should, to which Miss Karen reassures Madison she is attractive as well. The Knockouts VP reigns in celebration at what she claims Gail brought home last week, as Kim returns claiming it was Miss Karen’s doing!
Madison, seeming like that child a mother is trying to keep quiet as the grown ups discuss business, chimes in and begs for approval again! Miss Karen says that tonight is Gail’s opportunity to BEAT VELVET DOWN, as plucky Madison claims she will help as well! Miss Karen then turns her attention to Aunt Traci and screams that she screwed up the whole plan! Never the one to let negativity take her over, Miss Karen focuses all eyes back on Gail, and says that Gail is going to take the belt from Velvet at Turning Point. Madison again tries to say that she will help, but the two ladies are already drawn together with a hug! Rayne joins in on the side, as Aunt Traci looks like she wants to pull her hair out!
From there, we head out to the ring where our lovely red headed announcer, Christy Hemme, proclaims the following contest to be in contention for the Knockouts Tag Team Titles. We then get introduced to the team of Mickie James and Velvet Sky, soon to be known as “Thrillbilly Skies”. While it does strike me as more of a name for a girl group on “The X-Factor”, we’ll just have to let it work because it’s the best I could come up with. The two stunning females make their way out to the ring; Mickie rocking her finest denim, as Velvet completes the champion look in gold.
For those of you wondering how these two formed together, let me assure you that I have it on good authority from one of my sources that Mickie James has been feeding cornbread to one of Velvet’s prized pigeons, therefore the two have since bonded and become the best of Knockout friends. Take my word or not, but either way, they have a shot at tag team gold tonight, and out come their opponents to get the match started. The matrix like theme of Gail Kim hits, as she and Madison enter from each side to the delightful Miss Karen standing in the middle. Aunt Traci, of course, seems reluctant to be with them, as I sit here wishing I was in her shoes to be that close to such class.
The four make their way down to the ring, as a flash pops up on screen for everyone to follow the amazing president of TNA, Miss Dixie Carter (which I encourage you all to do).
Before the bell can even ring, Velvet Sky spears the tiara right off Madison Rayne’s head! She begins bombarding the Killer Queen with punches left and right, as Miss Karen screams in disapproval! Some kicks follow up, before Velvet grabs Madison in a headlock until Gail Kim jumps in and takes Velvet down. This allows Madison to take control, as she sends Velvet into the ropes.
Velvet manages to stop herself though, as Mickie James makes the blind tag in. Our denim queen runs off the ropes with a dropkick to the Killer Queen, as she then takes out Gail Kim with a punch to the face for good measure! Madison charges forward, but Mickie hoists her up and drops her like a sack of potatoes! James then kips up and climbs up to the top rope, but the asian sensation pushes her off, as Taz claims Gail to be an innocent little dove. Does this mean at Turning Point we’ve got the dove facing off against the pigeon? I digress…but back to the action; Gail makes the tag in and kicks Mickie in the stomach.
She and Madison execute some nice double team maneuvers in the corner. Gail poses to the booing crowd, as Velvet screams at her from the apron. Sick clothesline by Gail to Mickie, as she clings for a tag to the Knockouts Champion. Gail takes control with a headlock, making sure to keep Hardcore Country away from her partner. Kim tells Velvet to watch and learn, but Mickie manages to counter Gail’s attempt into a “woman’s style neckbreaker” as Mike Tenay claims. Mickie crawls…and crawls…and crawls…and TAGS IN VELVET!
Sky runs off the ropes with some awesome clotheslines. Double jawbreaker follows up, with an intense bulldog off the ropes. Gail gets back up, but Velvet takes control with a move I can’t describe so let’s call it the “Sky Cry”. She goes for a cover, but Madison Rayne breaks it up and gets Lou Thesz’d off the top rope by Mickie for her troubles. The referee becomes distracted with Mickie, as Velvet goes for a double underhook facebuster on Gail! Miss Karen takes it upon herself to stand on the ring apron, which now takes Velvet’s attention off from Kim. Madison then spins the champ around and goes for a kick, but she pays the price by getting the move meant for Gail! Once Velvet gets up from that, she turns right around into the Eat Defeat! IT’S OVER! Karen’s Krusaders continue their quest of Knockout dominance, but can they complete it this Sunday at Turning Point?
Later on, we head to the backstage area where Mexican America approaches Ink, Inc. as they sit at a table, perhaps casually talking? Or maybe giving each other piercings? Whatever the reason may be, a fight breaks out immediately that includes our very own Sarita, Rosita, and Toxxin. They brawl for about thirty or so seconds, before Mexican America scram and we prepare for the six person intergender tag match at Turning Point!
Thoughts: Another enjoyable tag match this week for me. I do miss seeing them spread throughout the entire show, but it’s great that they get to have enough time to have a match each week. Personally, I’m excited for Velvet vs. Gail at Turning Point because I think it has been built up well. I do hope for Velvet to win because I think the one setback the division has right now is that the main title changes hands so frequently and after building her up as much as they did, it would be a mistake to remove it this soon.
I would like to see the feud between the two ladies continue on past Turning Point though because I think there’s a lot more for them to do since it’s so fresh.
Also can’t wait for the six person tag match (which better be on the actual SHOW this time) since it marks the return of a maskless Sarita, and the in ring debut of Toxxin. Both should make for a great show, but what will Rosita do at ringside? Something tells me more than just stand there and watch her cousin the entire time.
“Your Two Cents” is the new interactive feature where we gauge the opinions of our Twitter and Facebook followers on different discussions in women’s wrestling.
This week, we’re asking this: With Alicia Fox joining Eve Torres & Kelly Kelly, who do you think should help Beth Phoenix and Natalya even the odds? We’ve read your responses on our social media pages and picked some of the best submissions to highlight here on the website. As always, you can join the debate by leaving your comments!
Our Two Cents
Batting for Team DD this week, it’s Melanie giving us her personal opinion on this week’s topic:
Melanie | This is more of a “dream pick” than a logical one for present day. I think Victoria, now known as Tara in TNA, would be the perfect third for Natalya and Beth. Like Beth and Natalya, Victoria was a tough-as-nails, respected and decorated champion who had faced some of the top Divas in the company. However, as her career began to slow down in WWE, she was often used to put over “model-types” like Torrie Wilson and younger, newer Divas such as Kelly Kelly and the Bella Twins. With that, she’d certainly have some argument to join the Divas of Doom, feeling sick and tired of being in the background, aligning herself with Beth & Nattie in order to rid the division of these “perky princesses” and “Barbie dolls”.
Your Two Cents
@EricLeeBailey | I liked Regal’s suggestion on NXT a couple of weeks back: Kaitlyn. She has the right look, and it would move her up the ladder. If they want 4 on 4, she could bring AJ along, setting up a storyline reason to debut Naomi (Kelly bringing her protege to even things back up). As perfect as Kelly vs AJ, the Anti-Kelly, would be, Model vs Wrestler, Popular Girl vs Nerd, both the same age, they won’t do it. Too great a risk of splitting audience loyalties. Personally, I think a split audience would make for more compelling television, but they don’t want anyone not supporting Kelly at all times.
@GregLucM | Seems to me that Naomi would make a storyline logical choice (I know, WWE Diva management and story logic don’t mix, but bear with me.) Bringing in Naomi as a surprise while reminding people of the NXT 3 continuity with Kelly being her “Pro,” seemingly to help Kelly and Eve. Then, bam, heel turn with her talking about how she deserved to win NXT3 after suffering through it’s horible-ness, and also talking about how she resented being paired with the “model” Kelly. Seems fair, yes? The one wrinkle is that we’d probably get better matches with Naomi vs. Beth/Natty than vs. Kelly/Eve.
Luc Tempest | Some talk about “in a perfect world”, and in mine they would have Sara Del Rey come out and cut her promo about being a tough athlete, not wanting to be pretty and wear make up, but to have wrestling respected as a sport. And then beat everyone up. Of course that would never happen in sports entertainment.
@Miss_Diesel | I would love to see the likes of Tamina joining the Divas of Doom, if not her have them call up Raquel Diaz. She’s a great combination of talent and beauty a total draw into FCW every week when it comes to the Divas they have on that roster. She is more than ready to take on a manager/wrestler role with the ladies. It’d also be great to see the daughter of Eddie and Vickie get the spotlight.
@RealAlexxAlexx | I’d have to say Tamina is the obvious choice to join the Divas of Doom. She’s so unique, but beautiful and of course she’s powerful. She’s still relatively new and working with Beth and Nattie can only make her even better. She could be some kind of body guard or enforcer, not that the DOD need it but I can see her excelling well in that position. She’s definitely a strong, dominating presence and I think working with the DOD would show people that and it would make her a more credible opponent.
William Smith | It would be awesome to see an old school woman like Jazz or Alundra Blayze/Madusa (especially after the Twitter “drama” w/ Eve). Couled be a great opportunity for newer talent like Tamina, Kaitlyn or a debuting Naomi!
And now we turn it over to you…
What are your two cents on the debate? Who would you pick to join the Divas of Doom? Tell us in the comments…
Bombshell tonight! This week the powers that be behind NXT (yes I’m a poet, and I did know it) have decided to not reward us with a Divas match this week…but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a fun filled evening of diva filled segments now does it? Plus, I love writing about NXT so if a diva so much as appears for a split second, I’ll be there (Dontcha know baby). This week, a new partnership blossomed between JTG and Tamina, as a revelation about Maxine’s dating life was revealed…leading to the ultimate choice she will eventually have to make. As I prepare for the upcoming drama this season of NXT will bring, why don’t we start up the recap now?
As we join the group of Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, Derrick Bateman, Matt Striker, and Maxine in the ring for the opening segment, Matt takes it upon himself to welcome us to another week of NXT goodness. He introduces the two remaining rookies, as Titus gets his seal-bark out to annoy Derrick. Bateman proceeds to inform Sir Striker that he is forgetting to mention the WWE’s true new power couple…BATEMAX!~ Derrick claims that two weeks ago Maxine made him the happiest man on Earth when she agreed to become the future Mrs. Bateman, and that whether or not they are in America or bloody ol’ England, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. (Note: I fully agree with Mr. Bateman on that)
The two proceed to lock lips as the clearly jealous, Titus O’Neil makes a lame remark about Maxine. He turns the attention onto himself to note that he is more concerned with winning NXT and becoming the next breakout star. Titus begins to seal-bark again, but the UK are feeding him no cheers like America does. I guess they are more cat people? Matt Striker states that he has been assessing the two gentlemen for the past 30 or so weeks both in the ring and the locker room…but out of nowhere comes one of the best damn male rookies to ever grace this show JOHNNY CURTIS!
Johnny shines his finger on that black cab the WWE always busts out when they venture to the UK. (Oh, and don’t think I forgot about you, red telephone booth) Mr. Curtis states that the people that really have something to learn are the idiots that tune into this show every week. As I take great offense to this and question my loyalty to the Curtis fanbase, he continues that when he returned to the program last week, he was disappointed with how bad it has become! As the crowd chants “WHO ARE YA” he takes a furious pause, before instructing them to hold on for a second as he tries to speak.
Johnny states that when he was on this show, the rookies were men. They were gladiators! And they competed in challenges, but now all that’s left is a bunch of rejects (Titus and Percy) and some extra talent lovebirds (Derrick and Maxine). Titus becomes offended and claims that he’s no stranger to kicking someone’s ass. As I get flashbacks of Naomi telling Aksana “girl you better back up”, Derrick Bateman chimes in to profess that ever since Johnny won the show, he has done absolutely nothing. He says that he thought they were boys, to which Curtis states they were never friends.
Sir Curtis continues that he believes Maxine is too good for Derrick! Maxine then drops the BOMBSHELL TONIGHT that she and Johnny went out one time! My jaw drops in awe as if I’m tuning into a weekday showing of “Maury”, as Maxine quickly claims that nothing happened between them! Derrick seems depressed, as Matt Striker decides to announce tonight’s main event will be a tag team match between Johnny Curtis and Derrick Bateman against Titus O’Neil and Percy Watson! Derrick clings to Maxine and separates her from Johnny Curtis’ sight as the trio exit the ring and we prepare for the upcoming glory that is NXT.
Up next in the ongoing saga that is “Maxine’s Choice”, we arrive backstage to see both she and Derrick Bateman. Derrick is questioning why Johnny Curtis, aka the guy with the milk, of all people. He then reveals that backstage they call him “Dirty Curty”. Maxine interrupts and asks what his problem is because Derrick Bateman has went on a few dates of his own. Snaggletooth (Natalya‘s cat Gismo), Patty McFatty (Clearly Patty Mayonnaise from TV’s Doug™), and Sally with the Trick Knee! (Sally Jessy Raphael?!)
Johnny Curtis walks up and reveals that both NXT and Maxine were not satisfying, eventful, or meaningful to him! (Okay, he’s really trying to get me to dislike him. Nobody trashes Maxine on my watch) Being the humanitarian that she is, Maxine defends my anger at Johnny Curtis and slaps him right across the face. Derrick questions whether Maxine slapped Curtis because he was telling the truth or lying, as she begins to grow frustrated with her future husband. Derrick walks away, as Curtis begins to play with her hair! Bateman walks back up and takes Maxine with him, as Johnny tries to find the tooth I’m sure Maxine knocked out with that slap.
Never the one to sit back and watch the other divas have all the fun, Tamina finds herself backstage with JTG, as he states that he wants to take her to a movie! He then adds on that he would let her wear his chain, until Jimmy and Jey Uso walk into the frey. They can not believe what Tamina is doing with JTG, as she questions when did she ever answer to the two of them? Our Warrior Goddess demands that they stop acting like her father and that she can take care of herself! One of the Uso’s says that she knows her dad wouldn’t appreciate her talking to JTG, as the other adds that Santino was even a better option!
JTG stops the two of them and says that her father would condone the two of them dating because they are both SUPA-FLY! (Sidenote: I laughed) He adds that he’s got a lot of respect for Tamina, and then questions whether or not you pronounce Uso as “Oo-so” or “You-so”. He disregards either option and claims to the two that “You so ugly your gene pool needs some chlorine”. Tamina makes some soothing “Ooh Ooh” sounds as the two walk off and say something that she understands. She informs them that she will be in JTG’s corner tonight in his match against Jimmy Uso NEXT!
(Note: Nothing mentionable happens with Tamina, but incase you were wondering, Jimmy Uso beat JTG)
Rounding up the group of segments in our new feature film entitled “Maxine’s Choice”, we fast forward towards the end of the scheduled tag team main event. Titus O’Neil lifts Johnny Curtis up and drops him with a nice shoulder breaker, as Derrick Bateman runs in to break up the count. This sparks Percy Watson to hit an impressive step up enziguiri, but you can’t keep a good Bateman down for long, as he and Johnny hit a High-Low double team maneuver on Titus. Derrick slides out of the ring and pulls Percy off the apron, as Johnny hooks the leg and scores the victory for his team!
Maxine looks on approvingly, as the tremendous Eden Stiles announces the victorious team. Percy checks on Titus, while Johnny and Derrick share some awkward stares until Curtis walks over towards Maxine. Bateman steps in between them and has an intense stare off with Johnny once again, as our NXT she-devil looks on from behind. Derrick then turns his attention to the future Maxine Bateman, and grabs her by the hand. He drags her up the ramp, but she can not keep her sight off of Johnny…all the more intriguing considering the upcoming Batemax wedding is looming in the distance. Will she marry the man of her dreams, or run off with the anti-NXT milk pouring “Dirty Curty”? We will have to wait and see on next week’s edition of…Maxine’s choice.
Thoughts: Let the bells ring as I scream hallelujah that they decided to go in an opposite direction than the Hornswoggle route I expected. If Maxine and Johnny Curtis form, I think it would be tremendous for both of them. He never really got a fair opportunity when his season ended, and with someone like Maxine by his side, I feel it would do wonders for him, possibly even future Intercontinental Champion? I’m not sure what Batemax would be like on Raw or Smackdown where they wouldn’t get the full show to themselves mostly, but for some reason I think Curtsine would work better for a mainstream viewing.
Also intrigued to see where Tamina and JTG are going, but when she was with Santino she was incredibly interesting in the character department. I enjoyed getting to see her play someone other than the tough monster who doesn’t speak much because I think Tamina is pretty good on the mic. Bummed at the lack of chickbusters on tonight’s episode, but hopefully next week they return to us. All in all, it was another enjoyable NXT and I look forward to next week so we can see where Batemax and Johnny Curtis take us on their ride of matrimony. Goodnight, Friend!
WWE reportedly has long-terms plans to build to a feud between Divas Champion Beth Phoenix and her partner, Natalya.
The Divas of Doom implosion and feud over the Divas Title is said to be on the cards, reports the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, however the timeframe for the storyline isn’t yet known.
Thoughts: We knew it’d happen at some point. Personally, I’d like to see this saved for WrestleMania time, but I’m not holding breath. It seems like WWE has “saved” this match over the years, hence why you’ve never seen it thrown away on Raw or SmackDown, so the anticipation is high for when they eventually get into the ring against each other. I’d like to think Natalya would be the babyface in the situation.
Another match confirmed for JoshiMania which will feature the iconic Aja Kong.
Kong will face Meiko Satomura on Night 2 of the CHIKARA festivities, December 3rd, in Everett, MA.
The next night, Satomura is scheduled to face Sara Del Rey.
Aja is a decorated former champion, competed a few matches in WWF (including on Monday Night Raw) and is part of the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. Needless to say, her return to the US is much anticipated.
Diva Dirt welcomes guest contributor Leslie from our partner site, Dirty Dirty Sheets, who will be bringing us a series of articles looking at the incredible career of Manami Toyota, the 2011 Diva Dirt Legacy Award recipient.
Manami Toyota is the greatest professional wrestler of all time. From her endless list of epic matches, to her storied rivalries with other all-time greats, to her unique and innovative style, to her regality both in and out of the ring, to her influence on wrestlers of both genders across the world, Manami has spent the past 22 years of her life giving wrestling fans the most amazing career they will ever have a chance to see. There is no question that she is a deserving recipient of the Diva Dirt Legacy award. In fact, her acceptance of it elevates the award itself. We at Dirty Dirty Sheets are honored that Diva Dirt has asked us to participate in this great moment. This is the first of a series of articles we will be posting here about Toyota and her career, leading up to the Diva Dirt Legacy Award presentation at CHIKARA’s JoshiMania event in December.
The Legacy Award is one of many accolades Toyota has received throughout her career. She has held the top title in multiple major promotions including JWP, GAEA, and Oz Academy. Of course, she is most known for her run in the legendary All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling. From the late 80’s to mid 90’s AJW was the foremost women’s wrestling promotion in the world, and Toyota regularly found herself at the top of it. She won numerous titles and tournaments as both a singles and tag team competitor. AJW was the home of WWWA title, the most prestigious title in women’s wrestling history, which Toyota won a record four times. Toyota’s high level of wrestling has received recognition from fans and journalists worldwide. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has rated ten of her matches “five star”-worthy, with two of those matches being named Match of the Year. In 1995, Toyota was named WON Outstanding Wrestler of the Year, beating out all other male and female wrestlers.
With her death-defying dives, innovative maneuvers, and classically beautiful appearance, it is no wonder that Toyota has developed a following across the world. Matches like this classic 1994 bout, with good friend and constant rival Aja Kong, have introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the unique style of Joshi Puroresu:
Before becoming the wrestling Queen we now know, Toyota was just shy teenage girl with a passion for wrestling. She became a fan after watching some wrestling videos and discovering the Red Typhoons. Desiring to do something different from the norm, and deciding that she possessed no other talents, Toyota chose to audition for AJW. At the time, there were thousands of young girls who wanted the glamorous life of a Joshi star. Only a few were allowed to pass the audition process, and those that did were put through a brutal and rigorous training process, which drove the majority to quit. Toyota was never deterred from her dream. It wasn’t long before the quiet school girl turned into a breakout Joshi wrestler. She gained early recognition as part of the “Tokyo Sweethearts” tag team with Mima Shimoda. Here is one of their matches, where they take on the Dream Orca team of Toshiyo Yamada and Etsuko Mita in a match where these relative newcomers stole the show:
Toyota showed signs of greatness very early in her career. This was by necessity as the level of competition she was surrounded by was unmatched: Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, Kyoko Inoue, Aja Kong, Toshiyo Yamada, Mayumi Ozaki, Dynamite Kansai. Joshi in the ’90s held a plethora of top level talent. Not even famed men’s promotions like New Japan and All Japan had rosters as deep or put on shows at as consistent a level of quality. Toyota could have easily been lost in the shuffle of all those great wrestlers and great matches.
Never was there a more fiercely competitive locker room than AJW in the 80’s and 90’s and they all had to compete as a group against promotions like JWP and LLPW. Joshi Puroresu was at its height in both mainstream popularity and artistic quality but, in the end, it was Toyota who rose above the hundreds of other tremendously talented women.
As she told me during one of her US visits, Toyota was driven to have the best match on every single show. She even refused to watch other wrestlers because she wanted to create her own unique style. Toyota’s struggle and triumph is no more evident than in the below match where she is forced to face the entire AJW roster, gauntlet style. An amazing feat, one that probably no other wrestler could take on.
As one of the top stars of a promotion like AJW, Toyota’s influence would be impossible to overstate. Her appearance, wrestling style and demeanor are constantly emulated by aspiring stars. She created numerous moves including the Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex, Toyota Roll, and Queen Bee Bomb. Seemingly every female wrestler from Natalya Neidhart to Gail Kim to Rain to Sara Del Rey name Toyota as an inspiration. Even male competitors like NJPW’s Shinsuke Nakamura and MVP proudly call themselves fans of her work.
Toyota’s recognition has gone far past the respect of her fans and peers. In mainstream Japanese culture, she is considered the representative of Joshi Puroresu. Toyota has appeared in manga, anime, and numerous TV programs. When Fuji TV, broadcaster of AJW, ran their yearly women’s wrestling special, Toyota was the only wrestler that was always included in the main event. When Japanese game developer AKI produced WCW/NWO World Tour video game, Toyota was the only female they chose to include. Here’s a clip of Toyota’s cameo in the Ayane’s High Kick anime:
Despite all this international admiration, it was not until 2010 that Toyota had the opportunity to perform in the United States. CHIKARA, a promotion formerly known for its comedic lucha-libre influenced stylings, dove headfirst into Joshi by bringing in its most recognizable figure for two northeast events. Toyota headlined a sold out show in Brooklyn, New York where she and Mike Quackenbush took on Sara Del Rey and Claudio Castagnoli. The match itself was outstanding, but the atmosphere surrounding Toyota was indescribable. Even though many of the fans had probably never seen one of her matches before, everyone knew that they were in the presence of greatness. Afterwards, Toyota said that the love of the fans and talent of the CHIKARA locker room had reinvigorated her passion for wrestling. Toyota returned to the United States earlier this year for CHIKARA King of Trios. Here’s one of her three matches from that weekend, as she teamed with Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw to face the SAT.
Even after the closing of several once great Joshi promotions, even after many of her colleagues (some many years younger than her), have retired, even after 22 years of top rope dives and piledrivers, Manami Toyota remains. As elegant as ever, Toyota continues to proudly represent the history of Joshi Puroresu for yet another generation. Manami Toyota defines what it means to be a female pro wrestler, as well as what it means to create a legacy in wrestling. It is only fitting that Diva Dirt, the world’s top female wrestling website, present her with the Legacy Award.
We at Dirty Dirty Sheets could not be prouder to do our part to join Diva Dirt in this celebration of Toyota’s career. In future articles we will discuss in depth some of her greatest matches and rivalries, as well as look back through our archives of images and articles on Toyota, and talk more on the influence her wrestling has had on today’s wrestling. Until next time!
Manami Toyota will be presented the Diva Dirt Legacy Award on December 2nd at CHIKARA’s JoshiMania Night 1 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information click here. For tickets visit www.joshimania.com.
Image credit: Nami, Dirty Dirty Sheets
Got a favorite Toyota match or moment? Tell us in the comments…
As we’ve been talking about over the past couple of days, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Chyna appeared on The Howard Stern Show this past Monday talking about several topics.
Chyna talks at length about her career in porn and her first movie, Backdoor to Chyna. She also talks about the circumstances of her WWE departure in 2001, the legal battle to win the stage name ‘Chyna’ from WWE and whether she’d want to return.
Perhaps most interestingly — or rather, sadly — is that Chyna reveals that she is not in contact with any of her family members and doesn’t know whether her parents are alive or dead. She reveals that she no longer speaks to her sister and recently tried to reach out to her dad but couldn’t find his current contact details. Chyna says she isn’t interested in contacting her mother as she was “abusive”.
Check it out below. Note: Contains strong language. NSFW!
[audio:http://diva-dirt.com/audio/chynastern.mp3]
Thoughts: A very raw, open interview with Chyna seeming more lucid than some of her past interviews over the past several years. It seems like she’s found herself again, which is great to see. It seems like she’s doing porn because she wants to and doesn’t feel “forced” into it as some may have expected.
Following last night’s controversial Turning Point result, TNA will crown a new #1 Contender for the Knockouts Championship on Impact Wrestling this Thursday.
No in ring action this week for 
Tonight, 
Hi everybody, and welcome to an impromptu, non-redux/watch/recap/write-up segment featuring yours truly. Alright, this isn’t really about me at all, but it’s cool to feel important.
We are exactly one week away from WSU’s Breaking Barriers 2 Internet pay per view which takes place live from New York on November 19th.
WWE has revealed more details for its 
WWE has signed a third female contestant from the revival of Tough Enough which aired on USA Network earlier this year.
Bombshell tonight! This week the powers that be behind NXT (yes I’m a poet, and I did know it) have decided to not reward us with a Divas match this week…but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a fun filled evening of diva filled segments now does it? Plus, I love writing about NXT so if a diva so much as appears for a split second, I’ll be there (Dontcha know baby). This week, a new partnership blossomed between JTG and 
WWE reportedly has long-terms plans to build to a feud between Divas Champion 
As we’ve been talking about over the past couple of days, former WWE Intercontinental Champion