Spoilers for Friday’s episode of SmackDown below:
Raw Redux (December 27th, 2010): What Goes Around, Comes Around
After a sudden attitude change and a memorable slap to the Divas Champion on last week’s edition of Raw, Melina finds herself in a tag match teaming with Alicia Fox facing off against Eve and Gail Kim. Apparently, Natalya hasn’t learned her lesson, as she’s parked her third generation butt at the announcing table to call commentary on the match. Will the tension between the former champ and the current champ come to a breaking point this week? Will Natalya pay Melina back for the vicious slap she got last week? Check out the match below:
Back from commercial, Cole and Lawler introduced Natalya, who is looking stunning. Alicia and Melina are already in the ring discussing their strategy. Out next is the team of Eve and Gail, in matching gear, no less. While the babyfaces are headed to the ring, they cut to a replay from last week, detailing Melina actions after her match. Even a week later, that slap is still epic. As Natalya tells the folks how she felt about the slap, Melina shoots optical daggers her way. If looks could kill, poor Nattie would be six feet under.
Snap Judgement: Alicia Goes Rihanna Red… Who Rocks it Best?
Last night on Raw, you either squealed with delight or shrieked in horror.
There’s no in between.
Our resident ‘Fierce Fox’ debuted her new red mane last night, which many (including us here at Diva Dirt) concluded must have been inspired by a certain ‘Only Girl’. What’s her name you ask? (Ha, bad joke) Rihanna, duh!
So, we ask you… who rocks the red tresses the best? Our beloved Alicia Fox or the Barbadian beauty?
Vote below & sound off with your thoughts on A-Fox’s new ‘do in the comments.
TNA Reaction Canceled
Spike TV has canceled TNA’s secondary show, Reaction according to various reports.
The show which airs directly after TNA Impact had focused on enhancing storylines with backstage promos and vignettes highlighting feuds.
The final episode of Reaction airs this Thursday.
You can read ProWrestling.net’s report on the cancellation here.
Thoughts: Many were surprised by this decision considering the fact that Reaction posted a solid rating in its timeslot (11pm). Frankly, I am sad to see the show canceled as it did help massively in developing the Knockouts’ feuds with vignettes and promos etc. I would say that a lot of the success of the Mickie/Tara feud had to do with Reaction. All we saw them do on Impact was brawl; without that context on Reaction, I doubt this feud would’ve been as personal and heated as it did get. They dd a good job in telling a backstory to that feud on Reaction, explaining the bad blood between the duo. The Knockouts are getting more time these days on Impact, so we’ll see if this affects feuds and storylines in the long run. I hope it doesn’t.
Diva Announces Departure from WWE
One-time NXT co-host and FCW ring announcer, Ashley Valence — real name Ashley Ann Vickers — announced via her website today that she is done with WWE.
Vickers is now moving to Hollywood, having signed with Megan Fox’s agent, Sharon Lane, to pursue an acting career.
She writes:
I’m so excited to finally share with everyone my next ‘big move’! As many of you know, I have had an amazing run the past 6 months with the WWE, but all good things must come to an end, and I am going in a different direction with my career at this time. I can’t express enough how appreciative I am of the experience and friendships I’ve made during my stay with WWE.
Life is about chasing your dreams. so I’m thrilled to share with everyone I’m moving to LA at the end of the month!
I have now signed with manager Sharon Lane. She is the founder of Lane Management Group and has developed many A-list film and tv talent including movie superstar Megan Fox!
Vickers debuted with WWE back in June as co-host of NXT but quickly disappeared from the show. She later began working as ring announcer in FCW and resurfaced on an episode of WWE Superstars a couple of weeks ago.
In Video: Music Video Preview for WSU iPPV on January 22nd
WSU has released a music video preview for its upcoming iPPV on January 22nd. Check it out below:
Details on the iPPV can be found here.
In Video: Beth Phoenix Discusses Her Injury and Return
The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix is the subject of a new video at WWE.com in which she discusses her ACL tear back in May as well as her return to WWE recently.
You can check out the video below:
Unfortunately, the clip is blocked in several countries. So if you can’t see it on YouTube, click here to watch it on WWE.com.
Thoughts: This was a really nicely done video package. It’s inspiring to see Beth talk about her injury and her road to recovery and shows just what a strong person, as well as what a strong role model, she is.
First Match Announced for Pro-Wrestling SUN Debut Show: Mia Yim vs Mia Svensson
Pro-Wrestling SUN, the new all-female promotion from Allison Danger, has announced the first match for its debut show on March 20th. It will be Mia Yim taking on Mia Svensson.
Those who follow the two Mias on Twitter will know that the pair have engaged in a pretty fun Internet feud over the past few months after Svensson was injured during a match with Yim at the SHIMMER pre-show, SPARKLE, back in September.
Pro-Wrestling SUN has given Diva Dirt the first look at the press release:
For immediate release: Pro-Wrestling SUN is pleased to announce the first two members of the Queens of Promise rookie roster, both scheduled to face each other at our inaugural show March 20, 2011 in Jackson, NJ.
Representing Jersey All Pro Wrestling is 2010 standout Mia Yim. The last year has been a huge one for Yim, who has been on a tear of the East Coast. From great outings at Jersey All Pro and Pro Wrestling Respect to a much buzzed about tryout with TNA Wrestling. In September, Yim was one of four women to be a part of the SHIMMER pre-show, Sparkle, in Berywn, IL. It was during that weekend when bad blood developed between Mia Yim and her SUN opponent.
More:
Raw Response: December 27th, 2010
Get your Monday night Divas fix by tuning in to Raw tonight at 9pm ET on the USA Network.
Be sure to tune in to the Post-Raw Show LIVE at 11pm ET following Raw!
Discuss the show in the comments!
Former NXT Rookie on the Road with SmackDown
Former NXT Rookie Diva, Naomi made her debut for the SmackDown brand at a house show last night in Chicago, IL.
Naomi, working as a heel, teamed with Layla in a losing effort to Beth Phoenix and Natalya in a Santa’s Little Helpers match.
It had been expected that Naomi would tour with the brand soon, after listings for the December 30th house show had her on the card. It now seems Naomi is already on the road with the SmackDown crew.
Thoughts: Let’s hope that this transitions into a television role perhaps at tomorrow night’s taping.
Perfect 10 of 2010: Alicia Fox (#9)
It’s that time of year once again: the Perfect 10 is back to count down the top 10 Divas and Knockouts of 2010. Based on their year’s successes, we’ve compiled (as best we can) the ten Divas and Knockouts we feel gave us a 2010 to remember in WWE and TNA. Check back over the next five days to see the countdown unfold, with the #1 being revealed on New Year’s Eve (Friday).
#9: ALICIA FOX
LAST YEAR: — 2008: —
After being one of the breakout Divas of 2009 and ranking at #10 last year on the Perfect 10, Alicia Fox moves up a notch in 2010 after finally accomplishing what many felt was inevitable: becoming Divas Champion.
Since she broke away from ECW and debuted on SmackDown and then Raw last year, it seemed the Foxy one was destined for solo stardom in the WWE. Twice in 2009 she came close to the belt, but proved unsuccessful in tussles with Mickie James and Melina. But 2010 saw Alicia win her first Divas Championship back in June, a win that was surprising yet unsurprising at the same time. There was little doubt that Fox would eventually be champion but given that the storyline at the time was Eve vs Maryse, Alicia didn’t seem like a likely winner when she faced off against the aforementioned as well as Gail Kim in a fatal four-way match at the Fatal 4-Way pay per view.
Despite not being in the title picture for the whole year, Fox managed to stay somewhat relevant. She made it to the semi-finals of the Divas Championship tournament before losing to Gail Kim, competed at WrestleMania at March’s end and then as mentioned, went onto become champion. It was during her championship reign that we saw the Foxy one take to the microphone more, establishing herself as a bratty heel champion — which would later be cemented by her feigning injury during a title defense against Eve.
After declaring that she was the top Diva on Raw (and the ‘Undefined Divas Champion’), Alicia’s title reign came crashing down around her thanks to the return of Melina who defeated Fox for the Divas Championship at SummerSlam in August. Again, Fox moved to the background after her time in the spotlight but did manage to keep herself busier than most with multiple matches on Raw and WWE Superstars.
For the past few months, Fox has most been seen on the third season of NXT where we found out she was a ‘hungry piranha’ as she mentored Maxine. Though her Rookie Diva didn’t last long in the competition, Fox saw regular competition with the likes of Kelly Kelly and Naomi.
Despite her star slipping a little since her rise to prominence in 2009, the Divas Title finally came a-knockin’ for the rising Diva, as did a plum spot on NXT, as well as regular matches with the likes of Natalya, Melina and others.
One could suggest that her Divas Championship reign was prematurely ended by the returning Melina. Could she rectify that by becoming a two-time champion in 2011?
Check back tomorrow for #8
Catch up on: the 2008 list, the 2009 list
Perfect 10 of 2010: Eve Torres (#10)
It’s that time of year once again: the Perfect 10 is back to count down the top 10 Divas and Knockouts of 2010. Based on their year’s successes, we’ve compiled (as best we can) the ten Divas and Knockouts we feel gave us a 2010 to remember in WWE and TNA. Check back over the next five days to see the countdown unfold, with the #1 being revealed on New Year’s Eve (Friday).
#10: EVE TORRES
LAST YEAR: — 2008: —
From Diva Search to Divas Champion, Eve Torres made history by becoming the first ever Diva Search winner to go on to win gold in the WWE. Sure, other finalists like Michelle McCool had won the belts, but never could a winner of the contest claim to be champion — until April of this year.
Voted ‘One to Watch in 2010’ by Diva Dirt’s readers, Eve’s risky move to Raw from SmackDown in last year’s ‘Diva Trade’ had many fans wondering whether her career was over before it begun. The risk was that she’d get lost in the shuffle on a fully-stacked Raw roster compared to SmackDown where she had begun make strides. The beginning of the year was a dreary start: Eve was stuck with Chris Masters and seldom competed in matches. Though she made it to the semi-finals of the Divas Championship tournament, a loss to Maryse meant her chances of making a splash on Raw were dashed.
TNA Knockout Breaks Jaw
TNA Knockout, Ms Tessmacher aka Brooke Adams, who recently made her in-ring debut on Impact is said to have suffered a broken jaw according to her official website.
Furthermore, LordsofPain.net reports Adams as writing on her Facebook page:
“The worst xmas I’ve ever had. Got hit my a friend in the jaw. Its now broken in two places. Now in the ER for the 3rd time. It was so wonderful to spend my xmas here in the ER for 9 hrs. Some damage may not be able to be fixed. Please keep me in your prayers. Hope everyone else had a wonderful xmas!”
A speedy recovery to Brooke.
Awesome Kong Arrested Earlier This Week
Former TNA Knockouts Champion, Awesome Kong was arrested earlier this week after driving with a suspended license.
Kong — real name Kia Stevens — was arrested on December 22nd at 11.5am ET and released at 1.44pm ET on a $1000 surety bond.
The incident, though earlier this week, only came to light today via PWInsider. Diva Dirt has since seen Ms Stevens’ arrest record which can be found here and includes the former Knockout’s booking photo.
Thoughts: It really has been a tough year for Kong and this is not something you want to see happen during the holidays. Here is to a better 2011 for her!
The Second Annual Diva Dirt Report Card: TNA Knockouts Edition
2010 is coming to a close and for the second year in a row, we have produced two audio specials reflecting on the WWE Divas and TNA Knockouts in our annual report card! Diva Dirt editors, Melanie and Steven offer their take on how each of the ladies have fared this past year as we look at each Diva and Knockout individually and gave them a grade from A-through-F.
Following yesterday’s Divas report card, it’s the Knockouts turn to get the school grade treatment. Listen below.
To listen to the show directly on the website, just click on the play button below. You can also download the show in MP3 format straight to your computer by right-clicking here and choosing ‘Save Target As’.
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.
WSU iPPV Details for January 22nd: Line-Up and How to Order
WSU will return to iPPV on January 22nd. Full details on the line up and how to order the show below:
WSU Returns to iPPV on 1/22 with “The Final Chapter”
Order directly today at: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/WSU_LIVE__The_Final_Chapter/915
Show starts at 7PMWhen you pre-order the iPPV on GoFightLive.tv, you save $5! Order today to get the iPPV for only $9.99. The price will be $14.99 the day of the show. Complete details are at http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Wrestling/WSU_LIVE__The_Final_Chapter/915
WSU, the leader in womens wrestling today, returns on iPPV on 1/22 with “The Final Chapter”. The main event is the biggest main event in WSU history, as WSU World Champion Mercedes Martinez & WSU All Guts No Glory Champion Angel Orsini, do battle in a LADDER match for both championships. We will finally have one undisputed champion in WSU. This match is the culmination of three years between these two and the seventh match in their storied history. However, on 1/22, this will be the last time ever these two do battle in WSU. “The Final Chapter” will be written and only one wrestler will be able to call themselves the Undisputed WSU World Champion.
Here is the match card for 1/22. There will also be more matches taking place as well:
MAIN EVENT
THE FINAL CHAPTER
WINNER TAKE ALL
LADDER MATCH
For the WSU World & WSU All Guts Championships
Mercedes Martinez vs Angel Orsini
More:
Merry Christmas from Diva Dirt!
From everyone here at Diva Dirt, we’d like to wish all of our readers a very merry Christmas! Hope you are all having a wonderful day filled with food, presents, family and friends. Enjoy your day!
Thank you as always for supporting Diva Dirt. It’s been quite the year! Happy holidays to each of my colleagues too, who work so hard putting this site together. Cheap plug: you can pick up a belated Christmas gift for any of your favorite team members here~!
Once again, happy holidays!!!
The Second Annual Diva Dirt Report Card: WWE Divas Edition
2010 is coming to a close and for the second year in a row, we have produced two audio specials reflecting on the WWE Divas and TNA Knockouts in our annual report card! Diva Dirt editors, Melanie and Steven offer their take on how each of the ladies have fared this past year as we look at each Diva and Knockout individually and gave them a grade from A-through-F.
First up, if you’re looking for an excuse to break away from your family on Christmas day, we have the Diva report card.
To listen to the show directly on the website, just click on the play button below. You can also download the show in MP3 format straight to your computer by right-clicking here and choosing ‘Save Target As’.
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.
Check back tomorrow for the Knockouts report card.
Impact Write-Up (December 23rd, 2010): Walking in a Winter Weirdo-Land
Back for the TNA Impact Weekly Wailing, I see. I knew you would return. That’s right, folks! It is time for yet another edition for the Diva Dirt TNA Impact Write-Up brought to you by yours truly. Last week, we saw two Knockouts handcuffed together and a fairly new Knockout make her official in-ring debut. This week, we head into the final round of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Title tournament to find out who will finally take home those nice shiny objects of obsession. So take a little ride with me on the TNA fast track. I might even let you be the caboose!
Our first sight of the lovely TNA Knockouts comes from the trailer (literally) of the Knockouts Champion, Madison Rayne and her tag team parter, Tara. They’re caught on camera, primping and prepping for their tag match later in the evening against The Beautiful People. Madison says they might be going into the match with one body but those two share one brain. Tara reminds her that her elbow brace is tough as nails but she also wants to make sure it doesn’t make her look…fat?! How on earth can an elbow brace make you look fat? I shake my head. Tara wants to make it quick so she can skip off to her party with Gen Me. They giggle, gaggle and go back to the art of applying lipgloss.
We see the back of, who we later find out is Sarita, with a gold strap behind her back. She enters the locker room of Velvet Sky and after a sneer, closes the door behind her. As shown after the commercial, during the break, Sarita proceeded to beat the living hell out of poor Vel Vel. She slashes her back with that leather weapon of choice, prompting Velvet to tag Sarita as a “crazy bitch”. Like we didn’t already know? This quickly goes into a rabid choke and after a moment, the Loco Latina sends Velvet careening out into the hallway.
Sarita once again taunts Velvet about not being able to face her one on one. At this particular point, I find myself wondering, why in the hell are these two still feuding?! Okay. I know this is probably going to link back to not wanting to see feuds but it is BORING. It’s like a very violent edition of Mean Girls minus Lindsay Lohan and her cocaine addiction.
TNA Reaction Watch: The Beautiful People’s Future in Doubt?
Angelina Love and Winter‘s Knockouts Tag Team Championship win last night on Impact kind of leaves Ang’s BFF Velvet Sky out in the cold (pardon the pun!). See how Velvet reacted on last night’s Reaction…
WWE Superstars Watch (December 23rd, 2010): Lay-Cool’s Teamwork Flawed
This week’s episode of WWE Superstars saw the return of the Glamazon, Beth Phoenix in action on free TV along with Kelly Kelly against Lay-Cool. Watch the match unfold:
In Pictures: Divas Recycle Christmas, Knockouts Strip Down
What kind of holiday would it be without our WWE Divas and TNA Knockouts taking part in the obligatory sexy Christmas photoshoot?
Well, it’s touch-and-go for the Divas this year as WWE has [insert-shocked-gasp-here] recycled (YES RECYCLED!) last year’s photoshoot with a couple of additions for Kaitlyn and Natalya. Click here.
Surely it’s just darn right cruel to disappoint all the little boys (or middle aged men rather) whose Christmas traditions include flicking through the annual Divas Christmas photoshoot? They already touched themselves to enjoyed viewing these pictures last year. The men of the WWE Universe will sob into their eggnog tonight, WWE overlords. And it’s all your fault.
• • • • •
Okay… with those dramatics out of the way, let’s move onto the Knockouts, shall we?
It’s much of the same as last year for the TNA gals. More lingerie than you can shake a stick at, lots of festive ornaments and most importantly: plenty of sexually suggestive poses. (“Hey Velvet, nice box between your legs,” say the middle aged men of the TNA Universe… er, Continent?)
In this shoot, we have the likes of Winter (aka Katie Lea aka Katie Lea Winter), Angelina Love, Tara, SoCal Val and Velvet Sky. (Cry yourself to sleep, Mickie/Madison/Sarita fans.)
Click here to enjoy!
Angelina Love & Winter Become New Knockouts Tag Team Champions
The bond between Angelina Love and Winter grew a lot stronger last night on Impact as the former Katie Lea helped Angelina become one half of the new Knockouts Tag Team Champions.
In the finals of the Tag Team Championship tournament, it was set to be Angelina & Velvet Sky (The Beautiful People) taking on Madison Rayne and Tara. However, after a brutal beatdown at the hands of Sarita (with help from a leather strap) earlier in the show, Sky was unable to compete.
Instead Angelina went it alone for much of the match, taking punishment from Tara and the Rayne, until Winter ran down to ringside in her first appearance inside the Impact Zone and took Sky’s place.
Winter picked up a hot tag and a decisive victory over the Knockouts Champion allowing herself and Angelina to pick up the Knockouts Tag Team Championship.
This marks Angelina’s first time as Tag Team Champion. Winter also makes history by winning a championship in her first TNA match.
TNA Impact Feedback: December 23rd, 2010
Get your weekly dose of Knockouts action on tonight’s Impact and then stay tuned for even more on TNA Reaction. To watch, tune into Spike TV from 9pm ET.
Discuss the show in the comments!
Former NXT Rookie Diva Coming to SmackDown?
Former NXT Rookie Diva, Naomi could be getting a call up to the SmackDown brand.
Naomi is listed for the December 30th blue brand house show at the IZOD Center in New Jersey on the arena’s official website.
The arena lists Naomi teaming with Layla against Natalya and Beth Phoenix.
Thanks to BLBurchill for the tip.
Tribute to the Troops Watch: Kelly Kelly is Santa’s Most Helpful Little Helper
The Divas once again dusted off their sexy Santa outfits for the annual Tribute to the Troops show taped earlier this month in Fort Hood, TX. It was an 8-Diva tag team match as Kelly Kelly led her helpers – Natalya and the Bell Twins – into battle with Lay-Cool and their helpers, Alicia Fox and a newly-heeled Melina.
Regardez:
Kelly’s team is out first and frankly, I’m not sure why it’s Kelly’s team considering Natalya is the Divas Champion. Surely they should be coming out to her music? Anyhoo, they’re followed by Lay-Cool and co. and we get this match started in front of a huge WrestleMania-sized crowd. I was actually in awe of how long the entrance ramp was and the size of the crowd. Very impressive and generous of WWE to lend their time to all of these troops.
Alicia & Nikki Bella kick things off with A-Fox in control, wrenching Nikki’s arm. Nikki is whipped into the ropes it with a nice tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Fox. Foxy whips Nikki into her corner aggressively and tags out to our new heel Diva, Melina. The former Divas Champ takes control and begins stomping at Nikki before hitting her with some hard, aggressive forearms. Brie tries to come into the ring and make the save but the referee catches her. With the ref distracted, the other heels begin attacking Nikki in their corner and Michelle hits her head against the side of the ring.