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Dr Mike Lano’s Tribute to Luna Vachon

We are honoured to share this article from Dr Mike Lano, Pro Wrestling Illustrated photographer and columnist since 1966, with all of you. Mike was kind enough to send Diva Dirt his tribute to former WWE star, Luna Vachon, who passed away yesterday.

The Beatiful “Monster” with a Huge Heart
By Dr Mike Lano

I’d known Luna Vachon (we still called her Angel) since ’85 and we kept in touch during her up and down years from the Kevin Sullivan 80’s period angle on. At the last Cauliflower Alley reunion we saw her at (and she absolutely loved coming and seeing all her peers and “family” as she said), she was so proud, “overwhelmed” were her words again at being one of our top honorees. She cried and was so taken with emotion after getting her plaque and crystal trophy as our female wrestler of the year and had to have Papa Paul help her at the podium, as she was so full of emotion seeing Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Manny Fernandez, and many other people she cited later.

She was equally proud of how long she’d been clean and sober, and this is an especially tough loss for everyone. What a sweetheart, which was at odds with her outward appearance she cultivated. Just a big heart, so sweet to everyone. She was the first person calling me after Penny Banner’s passing; one of the top top legends male or female in the industry and a class person and big CAC supporter. Luna worked everywhere after Florida. Briefly for NWA/WCW, a few long runs with WWF/WWE, the real ECW, SMW, Japan, Puerto Rico, Memphis for Jerry Jarrett, all over Canada, you name it and she did it. And she was always gracious in helping train others, a fact she and Bret Hart talked about in Vegas a few years back. She was very proud of her family but also other terrific Canadian wrestling families like the Harts, Sharpes and Burkes.

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Wrestling World Pays Tribute to Luna Vachon

It’s been nearly 24 hours since the heartbreaking news that former WWE star, Luna Vachon has passed away at the age of 48. In the last 24 hours, we’ve seen an outpouring of blogs and tweets from the wrestling world. Here’s just a selection:

WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross, has written his own tribute to Luna on his blog. He writes: “Luna Vachon had a unique and often times challenging life but even with the issues that she battled she had many friends who, as will I, always look back upon the good days that we shared.” Read the rest here.

Wrestling veteran, Missy Hyatt wrote: “People fail to forget what a great worker Luna could be at times. I remember Luna worked an indy show against Alicia towards the end of her career in 2007. Luna put on a brawl that was reminiscent of Bruiser Brody in the 1980s in which they tore the building apart.” Read the rest here.

Our own Allison Danger has a blog up here, also. “Luna — thank you for being a warm and wonderful person to me outside the ring. Wherever you are, I hope you are at peace. Bless you, my friend,” says Danger.

Hart Dynasty Diva, Natalya, was the first Diva to pay tribute to Luna via Twitter. She wrote: “RIP Luna Vachon… you were loved by many. My heart goes out to you.” She later added, “Yeah, I’m just so saddened- my heart goes out to Luna Vachon and her whole family. She will be missed and always remembered.”

Former Women’s Champion, Michelle McCool tweeted: “Just heard about Luna… my heart goes out to her fam & friends!”

Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels said: “My prayers go out to the family of Luna Vachon. God bless you, Luna.”

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WWE Finally Acknowledges Serena’s Release

WWE.com has acknowledged the release of SmackDown Diva, Serena, tonight. They write: WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Diva Serena. We wish Serena the best in all future endeavors. News of Serena’s release first broke on Monday night. WWE waited until her final appearance on SmackDown aired tonight before making the … Read more

SmackDown Redux (August 27th, 2010): Goodbye Serena (For Now)

There’s really not much to talk about this week in the SmackDown Redux because there wasn’t any Divas action. Sorry Lay-Cool fans! Instead, you can get your fix of those two Monday night on Raw.

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown, however, was Serena‘s final appearance on WWE television. Shortly after this episode was taped last Wednesday, Serena was informed of her release. The news broke this past Monday and quite eerily, it makes Serena’s final moments all the more poignant:

After picking up a win over JTG, CM Punk brings his minions into the ring for a dressing down. Perhaps I’m watching that much more closer since I know that Serena’s been let go, but interestingly, she was the only of the three disciples not to raise her arm in salute to their Straight Edge Savior. Defiant!

More eerily, when Punk bellows: “Be better or be gone,” he’s pretty much looking at Serena. ‘Be gone’? Well, that she certainly did do. I expect that they’ll explain next week that Serena caved and couldn’t handle it anymore — if they explain her absence at all.

More after the cut:

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‘No Foul Play’ Involved in Luna’s Death

Celebrity news site TMZ is reporting that law enforcement in Florida believe that ‘no foul play’ was involved in the death of former WWE star, Luna Vachon. TMZ’s sources within the local authority also reveal that Luna’s mother discovered her body at 10am this morning and that an autopsy is due to take place tomorrow. … Read more

Luna Vachon Passes Away

It is with great sadness that we report that former WWE Diva, Luna Vachon passed away this morning. According to the Wrestling Observer website, Vachon, 48, was found dead at her mother’s home. Vachon was recently in the news after a house fire destroyed much of her old wrestling memorabilia. Mick Foley started a campaign … Read more

TNA Reaction Watch: August 26th, 2010

This week on TNA Reaction, we go behind the scenes of the awesome in-ring confrontation between the original Beautiful People and Madison Rayne and Mystery Biker Chick. Plus, see those controversial comments first hand… Skip to the 03:30 minute mark As in previous weeks, I’m really enjoying this show and the behind the scenes look … Read more

Did Angelina & Velvet Take Shots at Lay-Cool? You Decide!

We’ll let you be the judge, but it seems as though the newly reformed Beautiful People, Angelina Love and Velvet Sky had some choice words on last night’s episode of TNA Reaction, the new behind-the-scenes ‘docu-drama’ which follows Impact. “We created a group that has been like no other for women in professional wrestling. People … Read more

Stephanie McMahon Gives Birth

Congratulations are in order for Stephanie McMahon and husband, Triple H, as they welcomed their third child into the world on Wednesday according to PWInsider. The couple had another girl so this bundle of joy joins older sisters, Aurora Rose and Murphy Claire. Diva Dirt sends our best wishes to Stephanie and family.

Questions for Diva Dirt Mailbag

Got a burning question about women’s wrestling or anything else? In lieu of Kristin & Friends this week, we will be recording a one-off ‘Diva Dirt Mailbag’. We need as many questions as possible in the next hour or so, please!!! If you’ve got a question for Cryssi, Jennifer or Melanie, hit the comments. Copy … Read more

Exclusive: Former WWE Diva, Katie Lea Speaks on WWE Release, TNA Tryout & More

Former WWE Diva, Katie Lea was a last minute addition to last night’s episode of Diva Dirt LIVE, our weekly flagship show. Katie, real name Kat Waters, spoke to us in her first interview since being released by WWE in April, and answered questions from our callers too. We talked to Kat about her TNA … Read more

Melina Blogs on What it Means to be a Champion

Divas Champion, Melina, has posted a new blog on her WWE Universe page discussing what it takes to be a champion — noting that just holding a belt doesn’t make one a ‘champion’. As always, it’s a very passionate, perhaps controversial, blog from the A-List Diva:

I am so thankful for all of the Tweets and support I have gotten regarding winning the Diva’s Championship. It’s unreal. My fifth title reign and it’s an astounding accolade. Everything in my life leading to that point in time…. the bad and good; all the hardships, all the haters who judged me with out even getting to know me & much more. On the other side I’ve been blessed to have the people that have touched my life and made that win at Summer Slam an unforgettable moment that will be treasured for the rest of my life. Thank you for that.

I have said this many of times; the title does not define me, I define the title. Many women through out wrestling history have defined the titles they fought for. Their love, desire, pride and respect gave their titles significance. These women stood for something; affected people’s lives; caused change… They are the ones that changed a piece of shiny metal into a prestigious symbol to be held by the greats.

Just because a person holds a title doesn’t make them a champion. We have seen people Forrest Gump their way to a title. Granted, a win is a win, but a champion is a champion with or without the title. To be a true champion is rare, and it can’t be faked. When a champion holds a title, they give it meaning.

More after the cut:

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NXT Lay-Kav-Ool Watch (August 24th, 2010): Are You Smarter Than Kaval?

A lot of us, myself included, were skeptical that the WWE could follow up their best NXT episode of the season with something amazing this week. And low and behold, those of us who were skeptical were right. NXT was nothing more than a lackluster show tonight and unfortunately, that meant all of us got the shaft when it came to Laykavool awesomeness. Maybe the WWE is simply saving all their cards for a jam packed season finale next week?

NXT kicked off with Jamie Keyes introducing the WWE pros. Laycool come out in their Flawless hoodies, with Michelle McCool in skintight jeans and Layla in small little shorts. MVP, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, and Zach Ryder are there in attendance as well. The remaining pros are still on tour seeing as how this episode was taped last week. The rookies come out next and it’s insane to me that it’s down to the final three. Kaval, Alex Riley, and Michael McGillicutty walk out and join Matt Striker in the ring. He introduces them as the final three and asks them how it feels to be in the finals of NXT. McGillicutty goes first.

Michael begins his speech by acknowledging the WWE Universe. He says he has the greatest job in the world and how these have been the greatest days of his life. He gives a shout out to Kofi, for helping him along the way, and Michael says that performing in the same ring as his father has made his entire journey worth it.

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Next WSU DVD Taping Announced for November, ODB to Debut

WSU has announced it’s next set of DVD tapings for November 6th in New Jersey. The double taping will feature the debut of former TNA Knockout, ODB also. Full details below:

WSU the leader in womens wrestling and the company that brings you more womens wrestling shows than any other company today, is proud to announce our next major event on 11/6. As with all major WSU events, this will be a double-DVD taping, so fans can see two huge shows for only one price!

Here are the quick details:
WHAT: Women Superstars Uncensored (WSU)
WHEN: November 6th, 2010
WHERE: The ACE Arena, Located at 725 Sip Street in Union City, NJ
TIME: There will be a convention where fans can meet everyone on the roster from 3PM-5PM. The first DVD taping will start at 5:30. The second DVD taping will start approximately 8PM.
TICKETS: Tickets will be $25 at the door, but all pre-order tickets will be only $20. Tickets go on sale next week.
CONTACT: For questions about the show, email [email protected].
You can follow us online at WSUWrestling.com, Facebook.com/wsuwrestling and WSUVideo.com

When WSU returns on 11/6, WSU will be holding two special cards that will be filmed for DVD release. We are announcing the first several matches for the first DVD taping. Matches that take place on the second taping will be determined after the events of the first DVD taping. All talents appearing on the first DVD taping will be appearing on the second DVD taping.

Here are the matches that we can announce for 11/6

WSU World Title Match
(c) Mercedes Martinez (If still champion) vs Uncensored Rumble III Winner Jazz

Unsanctioned All Guts, No Glory Championship Match
(c) Angel Orsini vs Alicia

WSU Spirit Championship Match
(c) Brittney Savage w/The Cosmo Club vs Sassy Stephanie

WSU Tag Team Championship Match
(c) Cindy Rogers & Jana w/The Cosmo Club vs The Belle Saints (Tina San Antonio & Marti Belle)

First Time Ever in WSU!
Former TNA Knockout Champion ODB vs International Superstar Portia Perez

Jessicka Havok (Representing Rain’s Army) vs “Pryme Tyme” Amy Lee

Amber (Representing The Boston Shore) vs Brittany Force

ALSO APPEARING: Rain, Traci Brooks, Divina Fly, Latasha, Destiny, Melissa Coates, Jennifer Cruz, Rick Cataldo & you never know who will show up in WSU next!!!

More after the cut:

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Diva Dirt LIVE Tonight at 10pm ET: Now 90 Minutes + Launch of ‘The DD Factor’


Diva Dirt LIVE is back tonight at 10pm ET (9pm CT/7pm PDT/3am UK)! Here’s what’s coming up tonight and how you can get involved…

Tonight: David and Jennifer are joined by Eric as guest co-host on Diva Dirt LIVE as we expand to 90 minutes! Plus tonight sees the launch of ‘The DD Factor’…

THE DD FACTOR

We are beginning the search to find the most knowledgable women’s wrestling fans in our new weekly competition, ‘The DD Factor’. Call in tonight on 866-588-9257 and try and impress our judges with your women’s wrestling knowledge. Be sure to come armed & dangerous with three unique facts that you think will impress our judges. If you get 3 yes’s, you’ll advance to the top 10.

Have you got The DD Factor?

All the details you need to call in, tweet and comment are after the cut:

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