Sunday, April 28, 2024

Video Exclusive: Interview with WSU Star Niya

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Last weekend, we caught up with one of the recent newcomers to WSU who’s trying to make a name for herself, Niya.

The fiery redhead from New Mexico recently took part in a TNA tryout and has picked up wins over the likes of Athena in WSU.

Watch below:

Mercedes Martinez to Make Japanese Debut Against Nanae Takahashi

STARDOM have announced that veteran joshi wrestler Nanae Takahashi’s 15th anniversary match will be against none other than the “Latina Sensation” Mercedes Martinez!

Takahashi’s career began on July 14, 1996 at Korakuen Hall against Momoe Nakanishi and she will be celebrating her 15th anniversary in wrestling with a match on July 24th also to be held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Takahashi graduated from All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling’s class of 1996 and has wrestled for such promotions as AJW, Pro-Wrestling SUN (now  revamped as an American women’s wrestling promotion under Allison Danger’s control), NEO Japan, Ice Ribbon and ZERO1-MAX. She has won over 10 title belts and several tournaments throughout her storied career.

The match also marks Mercedes’ first match in Japan and will part of a four person tournament for the World of Stardom Championship. It will be taped for Fighting TV Samurai and will be broadcasted on July 27th.

Video Exclusive: Kristin Astara Talks About Her Match with Jillian at WSU Uncensored Rumble

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Here’s another video from WSU last weekend. This time we’re joined by former Diva Dirt contributor, Kristin Astara!

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

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A submission match, an elimination tag match and two matches on Superstars. That is what we saw on TV this week, 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!

Unwrapped (July 3rd, 2011): Beth, Maryse & Tamina

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Every week, following WWE.com and ImpactWrestling.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 Beth Phoenix, Maryse and Tamina:

Note about TNA photoshoots: Many of the new photoshoots on ImpactWrestling.com only consist of 3 or fewer photos, which hardly lends enough material for an Unwrapped post. In order to make it worth your (and my) while, I’ll only cover ones with 3 or more photos to them. Please don’t leave comments asking about a missing photoshoot.

Beth Phoenix
This zig-zag dress highlights Beth’s curves in just the right way: it’s a classic example of looking sexy but not overdoing it, and the boots and tights further that impression. I love the blazer too. In fact, I wish it was present in more of the shots, because it really popped against all the black and cream in the rest of the outfit. Her poses are at their best when they’re slightly serious, but that’s not to say that a smiling Beth is unconvincing; it’s just that her enticing Glamazon persona shines through more with a straight face. This shoot serves to highlight some of the Glamazon’s greatest assests, namely her hips and her arms, and though her poses help to show them off, it’s really the dress that best compliments them. It’s like that dress was made for her.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

Maryse
This is almost a stereotypical sex siren look: a tight, short strapless red dress, pin-straight hair and black high heels. Maryse wears it well, of course, though she looks almost un-Maryse in some of her poses: she’s smiling and looking inviting. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s funny that in a most sexy and unattainable look, she looks downright friendly. Some of that classic Maryse sass is there as well, though she stops short at going all Jessica Rabbit. Hm.. Halloween costume, anyone? I guess I should just appreciate a little newness and range in Maryse’s posing, but if there was any outfit in which to pull out all the sultry looks and dramatic poses, this was it.
Rating: • • • • •
View the photoshoot.

Tamina
Tamina has really come a long way in producing interesting photoshoots, and this is her best one yet. Her outfit, a high-waisted skirt over a black and white leopard print corset-like top. It’s sleek, stylish and eye catching in just the right way, and the colors play perfectly against the gray background. Speaking of eye-catching, her braided hair is something to behold as well, and I love the way it’s placed, making for a cool asymmetrical look. This is the edgiest and sexiest Tamina has looked, and the only fault I can find with this shoot is her poses: they still look a little stiff. Still, she’s showing a lot of growth in that regard. We just need to banish her hands from her hips, at least for a few shots.
Rating: • • • •
View the photoshoot.

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

In Video: Tenille’s Last Match in ECCW Before WWE with Nicole Matthews

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ECCW, Tenille‘s home promotion in Canada, has released her final match for the company on YouTube.

The match took place on May 7th and saw Tenille face SHIMMER star, Nicole Matthews.

After this match, Tenille wrapped up her wrestling commitments in North America and returned home to Australia to apply for a work visa to begin her WWE career. Last month, she competed in a supposed farewell match in Melbourne. However, it’s since been announced that she will have one more match on July 9th.

Watch the match with Matthews below:

Impact Write-Up (June 30th, 2011): Trouble in Psychotic Paradise?

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Oh what a week. But I know you don’t care about that so I won’t even scratch that surface. Haha. Last week, we got had a couple of rather quirky, yet violent brawlesque matches. Rails belts and flasks got involved and we all know, when that happens, it isn’t going to be pretty. This week, we’ve got a rather odd set of teams pitting against one another in a 6-Knockout tag team elimination match that is bound to be nasty. We also sit down with one of the other Knockouts who is set on proving that she belongs in Impact Wrestling. If you’re curious, and I know you are, then stick with me and we’ll go on this magical journey together. If not, what are you doing here? Get to Disneyworld.

We start out backstage, where Madison Rayne is primping in front of the mirror as usual. A Queen must stay on top of her appearance. Nice to see the weave hasn’t come back. She is talking smack about Tara, go figure, saying that she’s the reason Tara has a job back in TNA. She’s seemed to forgotten that but Madison, being the kind person she is, will remind her in two weeks when they face each other on Impact. Shameless promotion. By the way, has anyone seen her lip gloss? She hates sharing a locker room with the “skanks” and obviously, someone has stolen it. If you find it, please dial 555-N01CAR3S. Thanks.

Speaking of those “skanks”, in walk Winter and Angelina Love, who seems to have finally gotten back into her normal routine. She has an amused look on her face and when Madison raises her voice, tells her to cut the noises and they didn’t take her lip gloss. But it’s a plumper! Madison, as astounded as anyone, takes notice that Angelina is speaking now. She tells her to speak on and NEVER touch her lip gloss again! Ugh!

Cue the dramatic scene exit.

In a very creepy way, someone standing on the other side of the room behind the camera, busts out a random question. Since when are camera men allowed to speak? And if it isn’t them, who is the creep walking around with the camera man? That’s what I would like to know. Anyway, he asks Winter what her predictions are for the evening and she tells him there is only one. She says she’s going to make the Knockouts champion squeal like a little mouse. She’s already done it and she she be the champion now but she’s going to make it official at Hardcore Justice. With her beautiful minion in her corner, how could she possibly lose? Well, I thought Angelina would have something to say about that but instead, she starts talking about their relationship status. She goes on the record to say it isn’t “synthetic” anymore, it is very real. She says that a lot of Knockouts really need to be put in their place and it is going to start with Mikey…..um, Mickie. It doesn’t matter. Either way, it is guaranteed not to end with her.

Just to start things off, major props to Christy Hemme on that outfit. Love it. So much in fact, I’m coming to steal it. Just to let you know. Anyway, out first in this match are the dastardly duo themselves, Morticia and Minion. They make their painful slow motion entrance to the ring. At first, I thought my video was lagging. Maybe I just hadn’t realized it before, who knows. SHE’S A KILLER QUEEN! Out last for this team is Madison, sash and crown intact and she makes her way to the ring, posing for pictures and waving to her fans. And yes, I agree with Taz. She is freaking hot and she knows it. She was also the longest reigning Knockouts Champion ever and she will never let anyone forget that. Moving on.

For the other team, out first is Miss Tessmacher, who has awesome theme music, by the way. I think this is the first time I’ve really actually heard it. She pops up on the stage and tosses her glasses at the camera, strutting her way down. She’s back to the fuschia this week but hey, I’m not angry. Neither are all the men in the audience, so we’ll just leave it at that. Tara rides out next on her crotch rocket, dressed in an extremely cute black and red outfit that I love. I have always been a fan but I think out of all the Knockouts, Tara is the one I respect the most. HARDCORE COUNTRY! Last but not least, Mickie James bounds out to the ramp, almost a little reluctant to hit the ring. It could be she’s rethinking the fringe but one may never know. The “heels” look rather disgusted at all the love given to the “faces” and implode amongst themselves over it. Madison even goes to her own corner, which she sets up rather nicely.

Starting things off, whether Winter wanted to or not, is Mickie. Winter tried to peace out but she pulls her back in and tosses her by the hair across the mat. Then it’s on! Mickie is on top and is just pounding into Winter with purpose. She stands up and whips that belt off Winter, ready to use it for retribution. We all know how many times that’s been used on the champ in recent weeks. But the referee takes all the fun away, which brings Angelina in. She immediately drops Mickie with a kick to the abdomen and a side jaw drop against the shoulder. Very nice maneuver. This puts Mickie to the outside and Tessmacher invites herself in, going right at Angelina. But all that fire and moxy isn’t going to stand up against the former five time Knockouts champion. You need a lot more than that.

And it shows when A.Love overpowers her, slamming her back off the rebound. She slams her back into the corner and tags in Winter, adding cue to the double team. Meanwhile, Tara and Madison are screaming back at forth at each other like an old married couple. A flip over and Winter does her best to wear Tess down but the exchange leads to another corner and I become really confuse. Taz says he talked to Tessmacher about it earlier in the day. What exactly did you talk about? How many times she should pop her ass against Winter’s chin? I realize she is bodacious in that area but seriously. Seriously?! I can’t even right now. Asstastic. I shake my head.

Either way, Angelina Love tries to bust this up but she gets a forearm for her efforts. But the distraction proves enough that Winter manages a fisher-lights suplex of sorts, leading to the pin. Tessmacher has been eliminated. This sends Tara into the ring and she is on the attack. Laying hands to Winter then dropping her down with a stiff clothesline. Tara tosses her cap to the audience and goes in for the shimmy, OH! standing moonsault! A pin but only a two count. Are you serious? Yeah, he’s serious! I love the banter. It slays me. Tara takes Winter to the ropes and uses them as leverage, locking in a very nice tarantula submission from the outside. Her legs are wrapped around Winter’s arms and she’s got her locked in but this leaves her vulnerable. Madison takes notice and storms across the ring, slapping her with a baseball slider to the face. Tara drops like a sack of potatoes and Madison just rolls her into the ring. The momentum has shifted and Winter is back in control.

A pair of hammers to the back and Winter lifts Tara into a firewomans carry position. Angelina creeps into the ring and DAMN! She hits that Botox Injection kick and I cringed. But time doesn’t stop and Angelina knocks Mickie to the outside. Winter goes for the pin but Madison sneaks in, tosses Winter through the ropes and steals the pin on Tara. Morticia and Minion are not happy. They stalk her, cutting her in a corner of sorts while Mickie gets ready to set up for that Mick Kick. Madison attempts to feign innocence but this is Madison Rayne we’re talking about here. She turns around and SLAP! goes the foot against the jaw. So powerful, it caused Angelina to do a hair flip. I had to watch that part multiple times. Oh yes.

Mickie, ever so reluctant, goes in for the cover and Winter tells Angelina to just let it happen. She gets the three count and charges Winter like a bull. But the numbers game comes into effect and femme fatales are in control. The classic double team beatdown presses play and they’re on her like a pair of thugs. Finally, Winter picks Mickie up into that carry position, going for what they did to Tara but Angelina kicks….and misses. The champion counters into a roll-up on Winter but Minion gives her a kick to the back, breaking things up. Oh no, she says. Angelina tries to set Mickie up for that back knee drop but Mickie reverses, trying to set up for the jumping DDT. Winter isn’t having it. She pulls her back by the hair, dropping her down across her knee like a disciplined child. Then Winter presents Mickie to Angelina like a gift. Minion sets her up and OOF! drops her down like a ton of bricks.

…that awkward moment when you don’t know who should make the pin.

It looks like it’s going to be Angelina but as soon as she makes the move, Winter stops her. She tells her she had her turn and it’s her turn now. Alright?! Angelina does not see it that way and for the first time, we’re seeing tension between Morticia and Minion. But while they’re having this conversation, Mickie James is back on her feet. Winter tells A.Love to get her but it backfires. Mickie starts throwing elbows from the corner and jumps up, sending Winter across the ring. A neckbreaker drop to Angelina and she is out of this game! A behind roll-up from Winter but Mickie kicks out on the two. The crowd is going apeshit. I’m just saying. Now it is one-on-one with Winter and Mickie. Champ goes up for the DDT, jumps and executes. A pin on Winter and Mickie James has won this tag team effort. Neither Angelina or Winter can believe it, which brings heat between the two. Morticia looks to be blaming Minion what for losing and well…I guess we’ll find out.

Later in the show, we get a video reminder of this feud that has started between ODB and Velvet Sky. Again, another reminder of the hypocritical BS that comes out of ODB’s mouth. Stating “It isn’t who Velvet is, it’s what she stands for with the makeup and fake eyelashes.” Someone needs a mirror. That’s all I’m saying.

A flash to Velvet in the back and she’s talking to the camera, stating that most people think the beef with ODB is recent. But what people don’t know is that she’s been dealing with bullies and being pushed around her whole life. When she was a kid, she was always the runt of the litter. She’s always had to fight for everything she’s wanted to accomplish, Impact Wrestling is no different. She says that Jacqueline and ODB want to come in and “prey on the weak” but she isn’t as weak as she once was. I can definitely agree with that but it’s my opinion. She says that next week’s match is very important for her.

Next week, she’ll be facing Jackie and ODB in a handicap match, two-on-one. The stipualation being, if Velvet beats them and she feels that she will, they are no longer allowed back in Impact Wrestling. And she really, really hopes that since they had that woman to woman agreement, she hopes they live up to their end of the bargain after she beats them. She’s had it. She’s done. No more pushing Velvet around. She’s starting a new chapter and she’s done being the prey, the weak. She’s done with it and she’s going to do something about it. Next week. Oh boy.

Thoughts: I loved this match. The spots in this match were incredible and I can’t even describe that lifted bicycle kick. The baseball slide to the face? Loved it. Definite awesome showing from the Knockouts this week. I’m dying to see if this tension between Angelina and Winter becomes stronger. I know some of you are all dying to see them implode on one another. I think it will come down to jealousy. Angelina is a strong competitor, former champion and I think she’ll see it as Winter trying to hog her spotlight. But we never know until it happens. We’ve got a couple of great weeks ahead of us so until that time next week, my lovies! xoxo

What did you guys think about this week’s Impact? Tell me about it!

Exclusive: Cheerleader Melissa & Shelly Martinez Posed Pictures from “Owata” Video Shoot

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Now that you’ve seen the video, we can officially unveil these hot pictures of Cheerleader Melissa and Shelly Martinez from the Smashing Pumpkins’ Owata video shoot!

Watch: Smashing Pumpkins “Owata” Video feat. Alissa Flash & Shelly Martinez

Melissa and Shelly are seen posing in the ring gear they wore for the wrestling scenes in the video.

Check out the pictures below!

[nggallery id=513]

FCW TV Taping Spoilers

FCW taped three weeks worth of footage Thursday night, to be aired over late July/early August at the arena in Tampa, Florida.

Check out spoilers below:

Spoiler

July 31st
Naomi was scheduled to wrestle FCW Divas Champion and Queen of FCW Aksana but she (Aksana) refuses to wrestle. Norman Smiley comes out and tells Naomi that she will have a match.

Match Number Two: Naomi Knight defeated Audrey Marie (with Sonia) with a leg lariat.

August 7th
Match Number Four: AJ Lee, Kaitlyn, and Caylee Turner defeated Sonia, Audrey Marie, and Raquel Diaz when Kaitlyn pinned Audrey with a back slide. During the match, Ricardo Rodriguez came out to watch the match and take some photos of the Divas.

Notes: I was surprised to see Aksana’s new look. Her hair is now dark and she was not wearing such provocative outfits. (Source)

Thoughts: It’s interesting to see so many fresh faces finally getting a chance to wrestle on the televised shows, with seemingly a lot of faith being put into Audrey Marie. For such a newcomer, she is wrestling quite a lot. Perhaps she’s taken quickly to wrestling? It’s great to see Caylee Turner back, and also to see Raquel and Sonia getting more opportunities. What surprises me is to hear about Aksana debuting a new look, with darker hair ever. It seems a lot of the divas are becoming brunette (AJ, Maxine, now Aksana). It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks coming up that’s for sure.

Exclusive: Angela Fong Talks About Her Time in WWE as Savannah, Her Release & More!

It’s been just over a year since Angela Fong was released by WWE, despite being one of the most promising girls to come out of their developmental system, FCW.

Coming to terms with her release and moving on, Angela is ready to open up about her time in WWE and FCW, as well as about her release. We talk to Angela about her training, working as a ring announcer on ECW and NXT, whether there were plans to integrate her into the Divas division, her eventual release and more on her time in WWE.

Plus, Angela also spills about declining a TNA tryout, as well as her current projects including the XFC Cage Dolls and her recent trip visiting the troops in Kosovo.

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/angelafong.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.

Follow Angela on Twitter at @missangelafong1.

You can visit Angela’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/officialangelafong.

Visit Angela’s eBay page for signed goodies including 8x10s and old ring gear here.

Follow Melanie on Twitter at @MelanieTeamDD.

WWE Superstars Redux (June 30th, 2011): Styles Clashes


For the second week in a row, WWE Superstars is treating us to two Divas matches. Last week, I loved the double dose of Divas. Will this week’s slate of matches match up to that? Let’s watch:

We start off the show with Beth Phoenix vs. Gail Kim, a match many have been waiting to see. They start with a tie-up, Beth’s strength advantage allowing her to power Gail into the ropes. Gail battles back and attempts a Frankensteiner, but Beth stops her momentum, hoisting her up and tossing Gail off her shoulders. Gail goes on a burst of offense, nailing Beth in the corner and scaling the turnbuckle. She’s too slow, though, and Beth grabs her from the top turnbuckle, lifting her into a Gorilla Press slam, Gail landing flat onto the mat. Beth goes for an early pin, but Gail kicks out.

Beth lifts Gail onto her shoulder, seeking to ram her into the corner, but Gail slips out and pushes Beth into it instead. When she tries to attack again, though, Beth sends an elbow into her face. Beth climbs up the turnbuckle and Gail knocks her down to a seating position, attempting to hit a Frankensteiner off the top rope, but Beth holds on, leaving Gail to flip backwards and land on the mat on her knees. Beth tries again to hit a top-rope move, nearly leaping, but Gail is quick, dropkicking the top rope and sending Beth tumbling to the mat.

Gail hits another dropkick, low this time, and goes for the pin. Beth kicks out, and when Gail tries to stay on offense, she blocks an Irish whip, using pure strength to prevent it and sends Gail into the ropes instead. On the return Gail goes for a hurricanrana, which is blocked, but after a bit of twisting and turning she hangs on, latching on an armbar submission. Beth flails around like a tiger being tormented by a a horsefly, unable to shoo Gail away or detach her. Eventually Beth sinks to a knee, Gail willing her to submit. After a few moments, though she seems to regather strength, getting back on both feet and prying Gail loose, hitting her with a sidewalk slam. Both Divas are down.

They get to their feet at almost the same moment, but Beth gets the upper hand, hitting Gail with a serious a hard-hitting moves that almost feel like a babyface burst of offense (and is taking place at the usual spot for it). This wouldn’t be strange if Beth wasn’t playing a slightly heelish role in this match. Anyways, Beth lifts Gail up, bouncing her off the top rope for a springboard suplex. This merits a pin attempt, which Gail kicks out of at 2. She goes for another suplex, but Gail rolls it into a pin attempt. Beth kicks out. Gail stays on offense, going for another roll-up pin, but Beth blocks it into a pin of her own. Gail kicks out as well. Gail ventures to Beth’s shoulders, but is swatted off. Beth takes the moment to latch onto both of Gail’s arms and hit her with the Glam Slam. She pins Gail and gets the 3-count. Post-match Beth looks almost remorseful about hurting Gail and helps her to her feet, lifting her arm in the air in a sign of respect.

This match was very entertaining, and seemed to go by very quickly. That’s not in the sense that the match was rushed or too short, but moreso in the sense that it was very fast-paced; it was move after move in quick succession. Beth seemed to be intent on grounding and slowing down Gail, keeping up with her and not wasting much time. It tuned out to be a tactic that earned her the win. For a match that was so anticipated by fans, given that this is their first one-on-one meeting, I think they delivered a match that played to their strengths: Beth was a powerhouse, battling back from her position on one knee to force Gail to break her submission hold. Gail, meanwhile, was her usual cat-like self, flying around Beth and taking every opportunity to take down the much larger, stronger Diva.

I find it interesting that Beth played a slightly heelish role in this match, looking a bit cocky in the beginning, though she was clearly a babyface once the match was over, making sure Gail was alright. It makes sense, since the WWE doesn’t like to do straight babyface vs. babyface Diva matches. I don’t really mind it, since it helped build the dynamic, with Gail playing the resilient underdog. Alignments aside, their styles, though so very different, worked together quite well in this match, and I hope it isn’t too long before they face off again one-on-one.

Next up is another one-on-one match, this time on the SmackDown side of things. Alicia Fox is facing off against Kaitlyn. Alicia makes her entrance first, accompanied by Rosa Mendes. Kaitlyn is next, with Natalya by her side, entering to Natalya’s music. It’s kind of awkward, but I suppose they wanted to use the better known Diva’s entrance to get a bigger face reaction.

Alicia gets control from the start, kicking Kaitlyn and sending her into the ropes. Kaitlyn manages to stop in her tracks on the rebound, knocking Alicia over with a shoulder block. She goes for a quick pin attempt, but Alicia kicks out. Kaitlyn grabs on to Alicia’s left arm, keeping a constant hold on it while continuing her attack. She wrenches the arm around, continuing the punishment for some time before lifting her off her feet. Alicia takes this opportunity to gain control, knocking Kaitlyn to the mat and dishing some of her own punishment on her left arm. She leans Kaitlyn throat-first against the ropes, bending her arm back and kneeing it against the ropes to increase the pressure. Predictably the referee doesn’t approve of this, and she soon lets Kaitlyn crawl away.

She continues the assault on the left arm, twisting it and slamming Kaitlyn to the mat before locking in an armbar submission. Kaitlyn eventually gets to her feet, fighting Alicia off and sweeping her leg, sending her to the mat. She hits Alicia with a flapjack before going for another pin. Alicia kicks out. The two takes turns thwarting attempts at offense, Alicia slipping out of a bodyslam to drag Kaitlyn head-first into the corner. Dazed, Kaitlyn stumbles toward the middle of the ring, where Alicia hits her with a scissors kick. Alicia covers her for the pin and wins the match.

I enjoyed this match too, but for different reasons that the Beth/Gail bout. This match wasn’t very long either, but was pretty different in pace from that. This one focused on arm punishment, each Diva using different tactics to take out the either’s left arm. It’s a nice technical touch, and highlighted the differences between them: Kaitlyn held onto the arm tenaciously while delivering power moves, and Alicia slapped on a submission, stomped on the arm, and used the ropes illegally. It wasn’t a technical masterpiece, but I liked it for what it was. I think if they were given a bit more time, they could have told a better story with the battling arm attacks. Their styles, like Beth and Gail’s, definitely clash, but it’s in the way the match is constructed that they can together seamlessly. While they didn’t pull off the seamlessness of Beth and Gail, this match showed that there’s potential for that. This match served to whet my appetite for matches between these two, and though it didn’t completely deliver, it’s made me look forward to their next match, even if it’s in another tag team combination.

Another week, another WWE Superstars with two solid Divas matches! This is one trend I wouldn’t mind seeing continue, though next week’s spoilers seem to tell us that it might be another week before we’re seeing double again.

Knockouts Handicap Match Next Week on Impact

TNA announced last night that Velvet Sky will face both ODB and Jacqueline next week on Impact Wrestling.

Plus, adding an even bigger stipulation to the match — if ODB and Jackie lose, they are gone from TNA.

Impact Feedback: June 30th, 2011

Get your weekly dose of Knockouts action on tonight’s Impact. To watch, tune into Spike TV from 9pm ET.

Discuss the show in the comments!

Eve Torres Lands Magazine Cover

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Image Credit: EveTorres.com

Former Divas Champion, Eve Torres, has landed the cover of the July issue of Muscle & Performance magazine

The Raw Diva looks absolutely, positively gorgeous in a her light blue ring gear.

You can check out pictures from the issue on her official website.

In Video: Stephanie McMahon Interview on ‘Bloomberg Enterprise’

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Here’s the interview with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H which aired on Bloomberg TV’s Enterprise show last night.

Randy Orton Apologizes to Kelly Kelly Over Radio Interview

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World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton, was the talk of the Internet yesterday after a radio interview (listen here) he did was posted online in which he said some pretty inappropriate things about Kelly Kelly.

Orton has since taken to Twitter, offering K2 an apology for his comments:

Yesterday I put my foot in my mouth and I need to try my best to make it right. I owe Kelly K an apology. The fact that she has dated a few guys I work with doesn’t make her a bad person, and is also none of my or anyone elses buisness. [sic] Yesterday I got caught up in a live radio interview and brought Kelly’s personal life into it. It was completely uncalled for. Kelly I hope one day you can forgive me. I do however understand if that doesn’t happen.

Thoughts: Erin and I had detailed thoughts on this situation when we recorded Diva Dirt Sheet last night (audio will be up today), so I won’t write too much here. I do think being in an interview with two male hosts in a “boy’s club” environment and being as uninhibited as Orton was in this interview, he got caught up in the moment and said some things he really shouldn’t have. That doesn’t entirely excuse the comments he made because they were inappropriate and unnecessary, however, I’m glad to see that he has apologized to Kelly. It’s the least he could do for basically blasting her personal life all over the radio and Internet.

SmackDown Spoilers: July 8th, 2011

Spoilers for next Friday’s SmackDown:

Spoiler
AJ (w/Natalya) defeated Tamina (w/Alicia Fox). (Source)

WWE Superstars Spoilers: July 7th, 2011

Spoilers for next week’s WWE Superstars from tonight’s SmackDown tapings:

Spoiler

Watch: Smashing Pumpkins “Owata” Video feat. Alissa Flash & Shelly Martinez

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It’s finally here: the music video/short film for the Smashing Pumpkins’ Owata, featuring Alissa Flash and Shelly Martinez, has debuted courtesy of Yahoo. Watch the video below:

What did you think of the video? Let us know in the comments!

Exclusive Interview: Billy Corgan, Alissa Flash, Shelly Martinez & Little Egypt Talk Smashing Pumpkins ‘Owata’ Music Video Shoot

FCW Watch: Maxine vs Miss Florida

On this episode of FCW, it pretty much centers around Maxine and the antics that surround her. We are given both a backstage segment and a match, as the General Manager faces off against Miss Florida. (Sidenote: This is a running gimmick with the male Superstars where Mr. Florida is a competitor who wears a mask and serves as a presidential pick who can wrestle anyone anytime. It’s not meant to be a new Superstar/Diva). Continue on below to catch all the action!


(Skip to 7:54)

We head to the back where General Manager, Maxine, is seen sitting at her desk with Lucky Cannon and Aksana standing by. She begins scolding them in the fact that she is sick of things not going as she wants them to, stating tonight will be the night things change around here. She books Lucky in a title defense against Bo Rotundo one last time, to which Lucky questions why she would even do that. This enrages Maxine, who screams that it doesn’t matter and how Lucky should do his job and emerge victorious.

In walks FCW President, Steve Keirn, with Norman Smiley by his side. He tells her that she needs to make time for him, and informs her that he does not approve of the way she runs the show. Keirn continues on to state that he officially relieves Maxine of her duties as FCW General Manager, announcing Norman as her replacement. Maxine seems dumbfounded, as Smiley tells her that she needs to get up from his chair. The now ex-gm gets up and screams that Steve Keirn will not have a show because she is taking her Champions and leaving.

Norman interrupts and informs Maxine that she will be wrestling tonight, against the debuting Miss Florida. Maxine tells Norman that he does not know who he is messing with, before grabbing him by the tie and telling him that he needs to watch his ASS. She takes Lucky and Aksana with her as the two males laugh at her frustration and the show heads to a break.


(Skip to 8:35)

Maxine’s music hits as she and Aksana make their way out to the ring. As the two stand in the ring, some familiar…very familiar, music hits. The national anthem of the beloved season three of NXT plays, as out comes Miss Florida herself. I don’t seem to recognize who this beauty is in the slightest, as her face is partially covered with a blue mask. Maxine can be seen laughing in the ring, as Miss Florida steps up onto the apron and strangely enters the ring in a similar fashion to former Divas Champion, Naomi.

Maxine grabs a microphone from the side and accuses Miss Florida of actually being Naomi. She tells Naomi to just stop because everyone knows who is under the mask, as she continues on saying that she is not wrestling tonight. Maxine calls Aksana over to replace her in the match, but the Divas Champion/Queen of FCW does not obey her, and instead goes to leave the ring. She walks over to Maxine and informs her that since Maxine is no longer in power at FCW, she does not have to do as she says any longer. Aksana then wishes Maxine good luck as she exits the ring. Maxine goes after Aksana, allowing Miss Florida to run up from behind and roll the ex general manager up for the quick victory! Maxine is enraged, as Miss Florida jumps around the ring in celebration. She exits and runs up to the stage, where she removes her mask and reveals herself to indeed be Naomi(god).

Thoughts: When I saw this first reported, I was not looking forward to it because all I read was that there was a 3 second match, but seeing all of the segments go along with it, I’m perfectly fine with that. Maxine is the Queen of Charisma, and she really can not be touched in my opinion. Seeing her focused upon so much tonight was a great switch from what is usually seen, and I can only hope that the removal of her as general manager allows her to be called up where she can display this personality on a national stage like so back on NXT.

Video Exclusive: Jillian Talks About Her Return to Wrestling at WSU

We caught up with former WWE Diva, Jillian, at the WSU show this past weekend.

Watch below:

Here’s a bonus shoutout from Jillian:

Video Exclusive: Cindy Rogers Talks Retirement, Last Match with Allison Danger & More

We caught up with the retiring Cindy Rogers ahead of her final match with Allison Danger this past Saturday at WSU’s Uncensored Rumble.

Watch below:

Tough Enough Contestant Leaves Celebrity & Wrestling Personality Husband

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TMZ has a story with former Survivor star, Jonny Fairplay, who revealed that his wife — Tough Enough’s Michelle Deighton — has left him.

TMZ reports: “Fairplay — real name Jon Dalton — says Michelle Deighton called it quits a couple of weeks ago … but she didn’t give him a REAL reason for the split … only that she just doesn’t want to be with him anymore. Jonny tells us, he already filed for legal separation in North Carolina — and plans to fight for full custody of their daughter.”

Deighton is also a former America’s Next Top Model contestant.

WWE Superstars Spoilers: June 30th, 2011

WWE Superstars spoilers from tonight’s SmackDown tapings:

Spoiler

Impact Wrestling Spoilers: July 7th, 2011

Spoilers for next Thursday’s Impact Wrestling:

Spoiler
Knockouts Handicap Match, ODB & Jackie vs. Velvet Sky. Winner via DDT to Jackie, Velvet Sky. (Source)

Raw Redux (June 27th, 2011): Boston Crabs in Las Vegas

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WWE Raw: June 27th, 2011

This week on Monday Night Raw, new Divas Champion, Kelly Kelly faced off against Nikki Bella in a non-title match. Thanks to a lucky spin of the Raw Roulette wheel, last night’s match went from a run of the mill singles match to a submission match. Can Kelly Kelly prove the haters wrong in her first match as champion, or will Nikki Bella gets revenge for her twin sister Brie? Check out the match below:

Kelly makes her way to the ring first, and I must admit, the belt looks good on her. The Bellas are out to the ring next and their sights are set on Kelly and her shiny new butterfly belt. We cut to the Jumbotron, where Booker T spins the roulette wheel for the Divas. The wheel lands on submission match and the official signals for the bell to kick off the match.

Nikki wastes little time going after Kelly, taking her down to the mat with a kick to the gut. Nikki follows up with a hammer lock and throws Kelly into the turnbuckle shoulder first. Nikki stays on top of Kelly, taking her down to the mat and locking in a Fujiwara armbar. After lots of torquing from Nikki and lots of screaming from Kelly, the champion fights back to her feet.

Nikki tries to keep working on the arm, but Kelly fights back with a few forearms to the face of the devious twins. With Nikki stunned, Kelly trips her up and locks in the Boston Crab to pick up the victory. Post-match, The Bellas attack Kelly Kelly, but Eve runs in and clears the ring, making the save for the champion.

I must admit, this was kind of underwhelming for Kelly’s first match as champion. This was the moment to let Kelly show what she can do, but she was undercut by those pesky “time restraints”. Having dodged the Pillow Fight bullet and lucking out by getting a submission match, this was a golden opportunity for WWE to show us something new in the Divas division, but of course they dropped the ball again.

On the plus side, we did get an announcement for Kelly vs Brie at Money in the Bank. Hopefully, Brie and Kelly can put on as good of a match together as they did last week on Raw.

All in all, a lackluster night for the Divas on Raw. With any luck, next week’s tag match will impress more than tonight’s match did.